What E17 actually means
The machine hasn't taken in the water it expected within the time allowed, so it has stopped the cycle before going any further.
On these older Siemens washer dryers the control board gives the fill valve a set window to bring the drum up to the right water level. If the level sensor doesn't confirm enough water in that time, the board abandons the cycle and shows this code — usually within the first few minutes, before any real washing has happened. Newer Bosch-group machines show the same fault as E30-10; E17 is the pre-2010 version of the identical problem.
What E17 looks like on a Siemens washer dryer
Most people find this page having searched for what the machine is doing rather than the code itself. On a Siemens washer dryer, E17 usually shows up as one or more of these:
- Not filling with water
- No water going in
- Takes for ever to fill
- Stops right at the start of the cycle
- Overfilling, or won't stop filling
- Stops with water still inside
- Fills and drains over and over
- No function at all
Recognise any of those? That is this fault, and the rest of this page explains what causes it and what you can check yourself.
What usually causes it
- Water supply turned off, or the tap only partly open
- Kinked, trapped or crushed cold fill hose behind the machine
- Blocked filter screen in the inlet hose or at the tap
- Faulty water inlet valve not opening when told to
- Pressure/level sensing system not registering the water that has gone in
What you can safely check yourself
Work through these in order. Anything beyond this — panels off, testing parts, anything to do with the wiring — is an engineer's job, and not one to attempt with the machine plugged in.
- Check the cold tap feeding the machine is fully open — turn it off and back on again to be sure it isn't stiff or half-closed.
- Pull the machine forward gently and look along the fill hose for kinks or a crushed section where it meets the wall.
- Run a nearby cold tap to confirm you actually have mains pressure and there isn't a stopcock closed somewhere.
- Turn the machine off at the wall for a minute, then power it back up and start a short cycle to see whether the code returns at the same point.
Common questions about Siemens E17
What does E17 mean on a Siemens washer dryer?
The machine hasn't taken in the water it expected within the time allowed, so it has stopped the cycle before going any further. On these older Siemens washer dryers the control board gives the fill valve a set window to bring the drum up to the right water level. If the level sensor doesn't confirm enough water in that time, the board abandons the cycle and shows this code — usually within the first few minutes, before any real washing has happened. Newer Bosch-group machines show the same fault as E30-10; E17 is the pre-2010 version of the identical problem.
Can I fix Siemens E17 myself?
There are 4 checks you can safely do yourself first.
- Check the cold tap feeding the machine is fully open — turn it off and back on again to be sure it isn't stiff or half-closed.
- Pull the machine forward gently and look along the fill hose for kinks or a crushed section where it meets the wall.
- Run a nearby cold tap to confirm you actually have mains pressure and there isn't a stopcock closed somewhere.
- Turn the machine off at the wall for a minute, then power it back up and start a short cycle to see whether the code returns at the same point.
This sometimes clears with those checks. If it comes back, it needs looking at properly.
How much does it cost to repair Siemens E17?
£66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it, or £84 in total including VAT if it is put right on the visit and no parts are needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.
Tried the checks and it's still showing E17?
This sometimes clears with the checks above. If it comes back, it needs looking at properly. Then it wants someone who can open it up.
What it costs, before you call: the price is the same whatever the fault turns out to be — £66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it, or £84 in total including VAT if it is put right on the visit and no parts are needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.
Our own engineers, not a call centre. We cover Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire — most washer dryer faults are seen same day or next day.
Call 0115 648 0929 Book online — postcode and number is all we need
Outside our area? The explanation above still stands — take it to a local engineer and tell them the code. Knowing it saves them time and you money.
Other Siemens washer dryer codes
- Siemens E29 — The machine has not taken in enough water in the time it exp…
- Siemens E30 — The machine has stopped because it hasn't taken in enough wa…
- Siemens E30-10 — The machine hasn't taken in the water it expected within the…
- Siemens F29 — The machine has not taken in the water it expected, so it ha…
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