Willow E23 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 E23 actually means

The display module in the control panel is running the wrong software, so the machine won't accept a programme.

Willow lists E23 as "Wrong LCD Software" — the main control board and the display board are not running matching or correct software versions, and the machine halts rather than starting a wash. It usually appears straight away when you switch on or select a programme, not part way through a cycle, and there is no fault with water, drainage or the drum itself.

What E23 looks like on a Willow washing machine

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

Machine not draining
Water left in the drum at the end of the cycle
Stops mid-cycle full of water
Standing water in the bottom
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

Display board loaded with the wrong software version for that model
Mismatched control board or display fitted after a previous repair
Corrupted software on the display module after a power interruption
Faulty display board that no longer reports its version correctly

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, leave it for a few seconds, then switch back on — Willow's own reset for the machine
Switch off at the wall socket for a minute and back on, then try a programme again

Common questions about Willow E23

What does E23 mean on a Willow washing machine?

The display module in the control panel is running the wrong software, so the machine won't accept a programme. Willow lists E23 as "Wrong LCD Software" — the main control board and the display board are not running matching or correct software versions, and the machine halts rather than starting a wash. It usually appears straight away when you switch on or select a programme, not part way through a cycle, and there is no fault with water, drainage or the drum itself.

Can I fix Willow E23 myself?

There are 2 checks you can safely do yourself first.

Turn the programme knob to the off position, leave it for a few seconds, then switch back on — Willow's own reset for the machine.
Switch off at the wall socket for a minute and back on, then try a programme again.

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 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 Willow washing machine codes

All Willow 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.

Willow E23 error — washing machine