What this error means
Electrical drain pump fault — the control board has detected an abnormal electrical condition in the drain pump circuit.
The E23 error on an AEG washing machine indicates the main control board has detected an electrical fault specifically in the drain pump circuit. Unlike E20 which relates to a drainage failure caused by a blockage or obstruction, E23 points to an electrical issue — such as a short circuit in the pump motor, an open circuit in the pump wiring, a failed pump motor that draws no current, or a wiring connector fault between the control board and the pump. A failing or failed control board relay that drives the pump can also produce E23.
What you'll need first
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Step-by-step
Symptoms to look for
- Machine stops at the end of a wash or rinse cycle with water still in the drum
- E23 displayed during the drain or spin phase
- Pump makes no sound at all during a Spin programme
- Machine drains successfully on some cycles but shows E23 intermittently
Diagnostic steps
Unplug the machine and hold the power button for 10 seconds to drain residual charge from the control board capacitors. Leave unplugged for 10 minutes. Plug back in and start a Spin Only programme immediately.
Open the bottom front access flap and place a tray and towels underneath. Slowly unscrew the filter cap anti-clockwise to drain water in a controlled trickle. Remove the filter and clean it thoroughly. A severely blocked filter causes the pump motor to work far beyond its design limits, drawing abnormal current levels that the control board protection circuit registers as an electrical fault.
With the machine completely unplugged, tilt the machine onto its back or remove the lower access panel to expose the drain pump body. The pump has a multi-pin wiring connector. Disconnect it and inspect both the connector pins on the pump side and the harness side for corrosion, green or white deposits, burnt insulation, or pins that are pushed back out of position in the housing. Reconnect firmly until it clicks.
With the machine completely unplugged and the pump connector disconnected, set a multimeter to resistance mode. Test across the pump motor terminals. A functioning AEG drain pump motor typically reads between 150 and 300 ohms. A reading of OL (open circuit) means the motor winding has broken internally. A reading of zero or near zero indicates a short circuit in the motor. Either reading confirms the pump must be replaced.
With the pump connector still disconnected, test between each pump terminal and the machine earth point using a multimeter set to resistance. Any reading other than OL indicates the motor winding has broken down to earth — a serious electrical fault that means the machine must not be used under any circumstances until the pump is replaced.
If the pump motor and all wiring test correctly, a relay on the control board that drives the pump circuit may have failed in an open position, preventing current from reaching the pump at all, or failed in a closed position, causing continuous current draw that the protection circuit flags as E23. Control board relay testing requires specialist diagnostic equipment.
When to call an engineer
- Pump motor reads open circuit or short circuit on a multimeter — motor must be replaced
- Earth fault confirmed between pump terminal and machine earth — do not use the machine until repaired
- E23 persists after pump replacement and wiring inspection — control board relay fault
- Wiring harness to pump is burnt through, corroded, or the connector housing is melted
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between E20 and E23 on an AEG washing machine?
Can a blocked filter cause E23?
Is E23 something I can fix myself?
Can E23 mean the control board has failed?
🎯 What is likely causing this fault?
⚠️ Estimates based on common faults — not a guaranteed diagnosis. Always verify before ordering parts.
Parts you may need
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Usually found on a label inside the door frame or on the back panel of the machine.
| Part | Approx. UK Cost | Find it |
|---|---|---|
| AEG Drain Pump | £20 - £50 | 🛒 Amazon UK → |
| AEG Drain Pump | £20 - £30 | 🏷️ eBay UK → |
ℹ️ Prices are approximate. Always check the part number matches your model before ordering. Not sure of your model number? Find out how to locate it here.