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 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
When to call someone
This one usually needs an engineer once you have tried the checks above. We cover Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire, and it's £66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it — £84 in total if it's repaired on the visit with no parts needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.
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
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- Willow E06 — The machine has lost the signal that tells it how fast the d…
- Willow E07 — The washing machine's control board has lost or mismatched i…
- Willow E08 — The control board can't drive the drum motor properly, so th…