What E03 actually means
The machine thinks its water container is full, so it has stopped drying until the water is emptied out.
On these machines the moisture taken out of the laundry during drying collects in a water tank. A float switch inside tells the control board when the tank is full. When that switch says full — or when it isn't reporting properly — the machine halts the cycle and shows E03 rather than risk overflowing.
What E03 looks like on a White Knight washing machine
Most people find this page having searched for what the machine is doing rather than the code itself. On a White Knight washing machine, E03 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
- Condensed water tank is genuinely full and needs emptying
- Tank not pushed fully back into place after emptying
- Float inside the tank stuck or broken
- Pump not moving water from the reservoir to the tank
- Faulty or disconnected float (aquaswitch) sensor
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.
- Pull out the water tank, empty it down the sink and slide it back until it clicks firmly home.
- If the machine is plumbed to drain directly, check the drain hose isn't kinked, trapped or pushed too far into the standpipe.
- Clean the fluff filter in the door and the condenser/heat exchanger filter if your model has an accessible one.
- Turn the machine off at the wall for a minute, then switch it back on and restart the cycle.
Common questions about White Knight E03
What does E03 mean on a White Knight washing machine?
The machine thinks its water container is full, so it has stopped drying until the water is emptied out. On these machines the moisture taken out of the laundry during drying collects in a water tank. A float switch inside tells the control board when the tank is full. When that switch says full — or when it isn't reporting properly — the machine halts the cycle and shows E03 rather than risk overflowing.
Can I fix White Knight E03 myself?
There are 4 checks you can safely do yourself first.
- Pull out the water tank, empty it down the sink and slide it back until it clicks firmly home.
- If the machine is plumbed to drain directly, check the drain hose isn't kinked, trapped or pushed too far into the standpipe.
- Clean the fluff filter in the door and the condenser/heat exchanger filter if your model has an accessible one.
- Turn the machine off at the wall for a minute, then switch it back on and restart the cycle.
This sometimes clears with those checks. If it comes back, it needs looking at properly.
How much does it cost to repair White Knight E03?
£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 E03?
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 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.
All White Knight fault codes and repairs →
What this looks like when it happens
- washing machine not draining
- washing machine leaking water
- washing machine will not turn on
- washing machine beeping or bleeping