Siemens E43 washing machine: what it means & what to check

Stop using it for now. Carrying on with this fault risks further damage or a leak. Switch it off at the wall until it has been looked at.

What E43 actually means

The machine has stopped because the drum motor isn't performing as the control board expects — on Siemens washers this usually points to worn motor brushes.

Many Siemens washing machines use a brush-type motor, and the small carbon brushes that carry power to the spinning part of it wear down over the machine's life. When they get too short the motor loses drive or cuts out under load, the control board sees the drum not turning as commanded, and it halts the cycle with this fault. Typically you'll notice it during wash or spin — the drum makes a half-hearted attempt to turn, or doesn't turn at all, and the programme stalls with water still in the drum.

What E43 looks like on a Siemens washing machine

Most people find this page having searched for what the machine is doing rather than the code itself. On a Siemens washing machine, E43 usually shows up as one or more of these:

Machine door won't open
Door won't lock or click shut
Door lock light flashing
Door stuck shut with the load inside
Won't start even with the door closed
Machine not draining
Water left in the drum at the end of the cycle
Stops mid-cycle full of water

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

Worn-out carbon brushes in the motor — by far the most common cause
Motor fault beyond the brushes, once the brushes have gone unnoticed for a while
Debris in the pump or sump hose putting the machine into a fault state that shows alongside this code
Wiring or connection problem between the control board and the motor

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.

Turn the machine off at the wall for a minute, then switch back on and restart a short programme — if the drum still won't drive, the fault is real and not a glitch
Open the door and turn the drum by hand: it should spin freely with no grinding or heavy resistance
Clean out the pump filter (the small flap at the bottom front) and check the drain hose isn't kinked, as a blockage can bring on a related fault at the same time

Common questions about Siemens E43

What does E43 mean on a Siemens washing machine?

The machine has stopped because the drum motor isn't performing as the control board expects — on Siemens washers this usually points to worn motor brushes. Many Siemens washing machines use a brush-type motor, and the small carbon brushes that carry power to the spinning part of it wear down over the machine's life. When they get too short the motor loses drive or cuts out under load, the control board sees the drum not turning as commanded, and it halts the cycle with this fault. Typically you'll notice it during wash or spin — the drum makes a half-hearted attempt to turn, or doesn't turn at all, and the programme stalls with water still in the drum.

Can I fix Siemens E43 myself?

There are 3 checks you can safely do yourself first.

Turn the machine off at the wall for a minute, then switch back on and restart a short programme — if the drum still won't drive, the fault is real and not a glitch.
Open the door and turn the drum by hand: it should spin freely with no grinding or heavy resistance.
Clean out the pump filter (the small flap at the bottom front) and check the drain hose isn't kinked, as a blockage can bring on a related fault at the same time.

This one usually needs an engineer once you have tried them.

How much does it cost to repair Siemens E43?

£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 E43?

This one usually needs an engineer once you have tried the checks above. 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 washing machine 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 washing machine codes

All Siemens fault codes and repairs →

What this looks like when it happens

Repairs we cover near you

Written by the engineers at ASAP Repairs, 0115 648 0929. We repair these machines for a living in Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire.

Siemens E43 error — washing machine