What this error means
Electrical issue with the drain pump — the control board has detected an abnormal electrical condition in the pump circuit.
The E23 error on a Zanussi washing machine indicates the main control board has detected an electrical fault specifically within the drain pump circuit. Unlike E20 or E21 which relate to drainage failures caused by blockages, E23 points to an electrical problem — such as a short circuit in the pump motor, an open circuit in the pump wiring, a failed motor winding, or a corroded wiring connector between the board and the pump. A failed control board relay that drives the pump circuit can also produce this code.
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 with a tray and towels in place. Slowly unscrew the filter cap to drain water. Remove and clean the filter thoroughly. A severely blocked filter forces the pump motor to draw far above its design current, which the board protection circuit can register as an electrical fault.
With the machine completely unplugged, tilt it onto its back or remove the lower access panel to expose the drain pump. The pump has a multi-pin wiring connector. Disconnect it and inspect both sides for corrosion, green or white deposits, burnt insulation, or pins pushed back out of position. Reconnect firmly until it clicks.
With the machine unplugged and the pump connector disconnected, set a multimeter to resistance mode. Test across the pump motor terminals. A functioning Zanussi drain pump motor typically reads between 150 and 300 ohms. A reading of OL (open circuit) means the motor winding has failed internally. A reading of zero or near zero indicates a short circuit. Either confirms the pump must be replaced.
With the pump connector still disconnected, test between each pump terminal and the machine earth point. Any reading other than OL indicates the motor winding has broken down to earth — a serious fault that means the machine must not be used 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. This prevents current from reaching the pump or causes continuous abnormal current draw that the protection circuit flags as E23. Board-level 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 suspected
- Wiring harness to the pump is burnt through, corroded, or the connector housing has melted
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between E20 and E23 on a Zanussi washing machine?
Can a blocked filter cause E23?
Is E23 something I can investigate at home?
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Drain Pump | £15 - £20 | 🛒 Amazon UK → |
| Drain Pump | £15 - £20 | 🏷️ 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.