Washing Machine
E23
The E23 error code on an AEG washing machine indicates a fault with the drain pump or its electrical circuit — specifically, that the pump is not activating correctly. It’s one of the more common AEG fault codes and is often fixable at home without a callout.
What does this error mean?
E23 means the washing machine’s control board has detected that the drain pump is not operating as expected — either it’s not receiving power, it’s jammed, or it has failed electrically. The machine cannot safely continue a wash cycle if it can’t drain water. Unlike E21 (pump blocked) or E22 (water level sensor), E23 points specifically to the pump’s electrical or mechanical activation failing.
Est. repair cost
£15–£40 DIY pump replacement; £80–£150 for a professional repair; up to £250 if the PCB is faulty
🔍 Likely causes
🛠️ Step-by-step fix
Run a reset first: switch the machine off at the wall, wait 5 minutes, then restart and attempt a spin-only or drain cycle to see if the code clears.
Clean the pump filter: locate the access panel at the bottom front of the machine, place a towel and shallow tray underneath, slowly unscrew the filter cap, remove any debris (coins, hair, fluff), rinse the filter under a tap, and refit it securely.
Check the drain hose: pull the machine forward slightly and inspect the hose at the back — it should not be kinked, squashed against a wall, or pushed more than 15cm into the standpipe. Straighten or reposition as needed.
Inspect the pump impeller: with the filter removed, shine a torch into the pump housing and turn the impeller (the small plastic fan visible inside) by hand. It should spin freely — if it’s stiff, stuck, or grinding, there is a blockage or the pump is damaged.
If the impeller is clear but the pump still won’t run, test for power to the pump using a multimeter set to AC voltage — if you’re not comfortable with basic electrical testing, stop here and call a professional.
If the pump has power but won’t run, the pump motor has failed and needs replacing. AEG drain pumps (e.g. Askoll or compatible aftermarket units) cost £15–£40 online and are a moderate DIY replacement — unplug the machine, tilt it back, disconnect the hoses and wiring connector, swap the pump, and reassemble.
📞 When to call a professional
Call an appliance engineer if the pump filter and hose are clear but the E23 code persists, or if you suspect a wiring or PCB fault — diagnosing these requires a multimeter and knowledge of the machine’s wiring diagram. When you call, tell the engineer you have an AEG washing machine displaying E23, that the drain pump filter is clear, and that the pump does not appear to activate during a cycle.
⚖️ Repair or replace?
A professional drain pump replacement typically costs £80–£150 including parts and labour in the UK. If your AEG machine is under 5 years old, repair is almost always worth it — AEG machines are mid-to-premium quality and built to last 10+ years. If the machine is over 8 years old and the PCB is at fault (not just the pump), replacement may make more financial sense, as PCB repairs can reach £150–£250.