Willow E23 tumble dryer: what it means & what to check

What E23 actually means

The control panel display is running the wrong software, so the machine's boards can't work together and the cycle won't start or continue.

On these Willow washer dryers the display/LCD module carries its own software, and the main control board checks it matches what it expects. E23 is raised when that software is wrong or unrecognised — it isn't a mechanical fault, nothing is blocked or leaking, the electronics have refused to run because they don't agree with each other. It typically shows itself as the machine flagging up almost immediately rather than partway through drying.

What E23 looks like on a Willow tumble dryer

Most people find this page having searched for what the machine is doing rather than the code itself. On a Willow tumble dryer, E23 usually shows up as one or more of these:

Leaking
Water on the floor
Puddle underneath
Shuts itself down and won't restart
No function at all
Dead — nothing lights up
Lights flashing and nothing happening
Programme won't start

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

Incorrect or mismatched software on the display module, often after a control panel or board has been replaced
A replacement display or main board fitted without the right software version for the model
Corrupted software on the display after a power interruption or supply spike
A poor connection between the display module and the main control board making the software check fail

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 programme knob to the off position and leave it for a few seconds — this returns the machine to its default state and will clear a one-off glitch
Switch off at the wall socket for a minute, then power up and try a short cycle
If the fault came back straight after someone worked on the machine, mention that to whoever attends — it points straight at the software fitted to the display

Which Willow models show E23

E23 means the same thing on all 4 of these models. If yours is not listed, the explanation above still applies — the code is set by the control board, not the model number.

W6120W · W7120W · WWM712BI · WWM814BI

Common questions about Willow E23

What does E23 mean on a Willow tumble dryer?

The control panel display is running the wrong software, so the machine's boards can't work together and the cycle won't start or continue. On these Willow washer dryers the display/LCD module carries its own software, and the main control board checks it matches what it expects. E23 is raised when that software is wrong or unrecognised — it isn't a mechanical fault, nothing is blocked or leaking, the electronics have refused to run because they don't agree with each other. It typically shows itself as the machine flagging up almost immediately rather than partway through drying.

Can I fix Willow E23 myself?

There are 3 checks you can safely do yourself first.

Turn the programme knob to the off position and leave it for a few seconds — this returns the machine to its default state and will clear a one-off glitch.
Switch off at the wall socket for a minute, then power up and try a short cycle.
If the fault came back straight after someone worked on the machine, mention that to whoever attends — it points straight at the software fitted to the display.

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

How much does it cost to repair Willow E23?

£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 E23?

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 tumble 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 Willow tumble dryer codes

All Willow fault codes and repairs →

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.

Willow E23 error — tumble dryer