What is actually happening
Genuinely dead is usually a supply problem rather than the machine. Before anything else it is worth proving the socket, because a tripped RCD or a failed plug fuse accounts for a good share of these. Where the supply is proven good, the fault is normally the mains filter, the on/off switch or the control board.
The Siemens fault codes that point at this
A Siemens washing machine will usually tell you what it thinks is wrong before anyone opens it up. These are the codes we hold for this make that relate to will not turn on:
- E01 — The machine can't confirm the door is shut and locked, so it won't start or carry on with the wash.
- E03 — The machine tried to pump the water out, didn't manage it in the time allowed, and stopped with a drum still full.
- E16 — The machine can't confirm the door is properly shut and locked, so it won't start the cycle.
- E18 — The machine couldn't pump the water out in the time it expects, so it has stopped with the drum still holding water.
- E36 — The machine tried to pump the water out, ran out of time and gave up — so it has stopped with a drum still holding water.
- E36-10 — The machine tried to pump the water out and didn't manage it in the time allowed, so it has stopped rather than carry on with a drum full of water.
- E43 — The machine has stopped because the drum motor isn't performing as the control board expects — on Siemens washers this usually points to worn motor brushes.
- E61 — The machine can't confirm the door is locked shut, so it won't start or fill.
If yours is showing one of those, that is a much shorter conversation than a general fault — tell us the code when you book and the engineer can often carry the part.
The usual causes on a Siemens washing machine
- A tripped RCD or breaker in the consumer unit, often caused by the machine itself
- A blown plug fuse or a failed socket
- A failed mains interference filter — a common failure and an easy one to test
- A failed on/off switch or door switch
- A failed control board
What you can safely check yourself
- Plug something you know works into the same socket
- Check the consumer unit for a tripped breaker or RCD
- Check the plug fuse
- If the RCD trips again the moment the machine is switched on, stop and leave it off — that is an electrical fault, not a nuisance trip
Still will not turn on?
Most of these need an engineer once the checks above are done. £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 engineers work on Siemens machines week in, week out, so they arrive knowing the machine rather than reading the back of it. Local engineers across Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire.
Call 0115 648 0929 Book online — postcode and number is all we need
Common questions
Why is my Siemens washing machine will not turn on?
No lights, no display and no response — the machine appears completely dead. Genuinely dead is usually a supply problem rather than the machine. Before anything else it is worth proving the socket, because a tripped RCD or a failed plug fuse accounts for a good share of these. Where the supply is proven good, the fault is normally the mains filter, the on/off switch or the control board.
Can I fix a Siemens washing machine will not turn on myself?
Plug something you know works into the same socket. Check the consumer unit for a tripped breaker or RCD. Check the plug fuse. If the RCD trips again the moment the machine is switched on, stop and leave it off — that is an electrical fault, not a nuisance trip. Beyond those checks this one normally needs an engineer.
What Siemens error codes mean will not turn on?
Siemens washing machines report this through their own fault codes. The ones that point at will not turn on are E01, E03, E16, E18, E36, E36-10. If your machine is showing one of those, that narrows it down considerably — each has its own guide on this site.
How much does a Siemens washing machine repair cost?
£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.
Other Siemens washing machine faults
- washing machine not draining
- washing machine not spinning
- washing machine leaking water
- washing machine making a loud noise
- washing machine not heating the water
- washing machine door will not open