Washing Machine
E63
The E63 error code on an AEG washing machine signals a fault with the heating circuit — specifically, the machine is detecting that the heater is running but the water temperature is not rising as expected. It’s a moderately serious fault that will stop your machine completing a wash cycle until it’s resolved.
What does this error mean?
E63 means the washing machine’s control board has detected an inconsistency in the heating system — the heater relay or the heater element itself is suspected to be faulty. The machine monitors water temperature during the wash programme and, if the target temperature isn’t reached within a set time, it throws this code and halts. In practice, it usually points to a failed heating element, a faulty NTC temperature sensor, or a wiring problem between these components and the main PCB.
Est. repair cost
£80–£150 professional repair (element or NTC); £15–£40 DIY parts only
🔍 Likely causes
🛠️ Step-by-step fix
Reset the machine: Turn it off at the socket, wait 5 minutes, then power it back on and start a fresh cycle. A one-off software glitch can sometimes trigger E63 — if it doesn’t return, you’re done.
Run a service wash: If you’re in a hard water area and haven’t descaled recently, run a hot 90°C cycle with a proprietary washing machine descaler (e.g. Calgon or HG). Limescale on the element can cause temperature irregularities that trigger E63.
Check for error code recurrence: If E63 returns consistently on any heated cycle but not on a cold wash (30°C or no-heat programme), this strongly confirms a heater element or NTC sensor fault — not a PCB issue.
Inspect the wiring (competent DIYers only): Unplug the machine from the mains. Pull the machine out and remove the back panel. Visually check the wiring connectors going to the heating element and NTC sensor for loose, burnt, or corroded connections. Reseat any loose connectors firmly. Do NOT proceed if you are not comfortable working inside electrical appliances.
Test or replace the NTC thermistor: The NTC sensor is a low-cost part (£5–£15) and relatively straightforward to replace once the machine is unplugged and the back panel removed. Use a multimeter to test resistance — a working AEG NTC sensor typically reads around 10k ohms at 25°C. Replace if reading is open circuit or wildly out of range.
Replace the heating element: If the NTC checks out, the element itself has likely failed. This is a common DIY repair — elements for AEG machines cost £15–£40. However, if you are not confident working with the internal electrics of a washing machine, book a qualified appliance engineer at this stage.
📞 When to call a professional
Call a qualified appliance engineer if E63 persists after a reset and descale, or if your inspection reveals burnt wiring, a visibly damaged element, or you’re not comfortable working inside the machine. Tell the engineer you have an E63 code, that the machine heats on cold cycles but fails on heated programmes, and mention whether you’re in a hard water area — this will help them diagnose quickly. If the fault is traced to the main PCB, that’s definitely a job for a professional.
⚖️ Repair or replace?
A professional repair for E63 — typically an element or NTC replacement — costs £80–£150 including labour in the UK. If your AEG machine is under 7 years old, repair is almost always worth it; AEG machines are mid-to-premium appliances and typically last 10–15 years with proper maintenance. If the machine is over 10 years old and the PCB is at fault (repair cost £150–£250+), replacing with a new machine makes more financial sense.