What E53 actually means
The control board has lost proper control of the drum motor, so the machine stops rather than trying to spin.
On the ZWG3162 the main board switches power to the motor and watches what comes back. E53 is raised when that motor control circuit on the board itself misbehaves — so the fault is normally in the electronics that drive the motor, not the drum or bearings. You'll usually see the machine fill and then sit there with no drum movement, or stop partway through a wash or spin.
What E53 looks like on a Zanussi washing machine
Most people find this page having searched for what the machine is doing rather than the code itself. On a Zanussi washing machine, E53 usually shows up as one or more of these:
- Not filling with water
- No water going in
- Takes for ever to fill
- Stops right at the start of the cycle
- Drum not turning
- Won't spin
- Hums or buzzes but nothing moves
- Turns one way only
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
- A failed switching component on the main control board's motor circuit
- A hairline crack in the board's link switch, which is very hard to see without magnification
- A damaged diode or resistor next to that failed component
- A poor connection between the board and the motor wiring
- Less often, a fault in the motor itself
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 start a short cycle — occasionally the code will not return
- Note at what point in the cycle it stops and whether the drum turns at all; that tells the engineer a lot before they arrive
Which Zanussi models show E53
E53 means the same thing on this model. If yours is not listed, the explanation above still applies — the code is set by the control board, not the model number.
ZWG3162
Common questions about Zanussi E53
What does E53 mean on a Zanussi washing machine?
The control board has lost proper control of the drum motor, so the machine stops rather than trying to spin. On the ZWG3162 the main board switches power to the motor and watches what comes back. E53 is raised when that motor control circuit on the board itself misbehaves — so the fault is normally in the electronics that drive the motor, not the drum or bearings. You'll usually see the machine fill and then sit there with no drum movement, or stop partway through a wash or spin.
Can I fix Zanussi E53 myself?
There are 2 checks you can safely do yourself first.
- Turn the machine off at the wall for a minute, then switch back on and start a short cycle — occasionally the code will not return.
- Note at what point in the cycle it stops and whether the drum turns at all; that tells the engineer a lot before they arrive.
This one usually needs an engineer once you have tried them.
How much does it cost to repair Zanussi E53?
£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 E53?
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 Zanussi washing machine codes
- Zanussi E31 — The machine has lost a reliable signal from the part that te…
- Zanussi E52 — The machine has lost the signal it expects from the drum mot…
All Zanussi fault codes and repairs →
What this looks like when it happens
- washing machine not spinning
- washing machine making a loud noise
- washing machine will not turn on
- washing machine not filling with water