Washing Machine
E33
The E33 error code on an AEG washing machine indicates a mismatch between the pressure sensor and the heating element circuit — specifically, the machine detects that the drum may not be filling or draining correctly in relation to its heating sequence. It’s a moderately serious fault that will stop your wash cycle from completing, but it’s often fixable at home.
What does this error mean?
The E33 code means your AEG washing machine’s control board has detected a conflict between the water level reported by the pressure sensor (pressure switch) and the heating circuit — the machine expects a certain water level before heating begins, and something isn’t adding up. In plain terms, the machine thinks there’s either too little water in the drum, or water is present when there shouldn’t be, and it’s refusing to heat as a safety precaution. This is a protective fault, not a catastrophic failure.
Est. repair cost
£5–£35 DIY (pressure hose or switch); £100–£200 professional repair (element or switch); £200–£300 if PCB replacement needed
🔍 Likely causes
🛠️ Step-by-step fix
Reset the machine first: turn it off at the mains, wait 5 minutes, then switch back on and run a short cycle. An intermittent software glitch can trigger E33 and a reset clears it.
Clean the pump filter: locate the filter access panel at the bottom front of the machine, place a towel and shallow tray down, unscrew the filter cap slowly, drain the water, and remove any debris (coins, fluff, hair clips are common culprits). Refit and test.
Inspect the pressure chamber hose: pull the machine out, remove the top panel (two screws at the rear), and locate the thin rubber hose running from the side of the drum to a small round sensor. Check for kinks, cracks, or blockages. Blow gently through it — it should be clear. Clean or replace it if blocked (replacement hose costs around £5–£15).
Check the pressure switch: with the machine unplugged, disconnect the pressure switch (the round sensor the hose connects to) and blow into the hose port — you should hear a faint click as pressure changes. No click suggests the switch has failed. A replacement AEG-compatible pressure switch costs £15–£35 and is straightforward to swap.
Check wiring connectors: while the top panel is off, inspect the wiring harness connectors at the pressure switch and heating element for corrosion, burn marks, or loose pins. Firmly reseat any loose connectors. Do not proceed further into the electrical system — stop here and call a professional if you see burn marks or damaged wiring.
If all the above checks out and E33 persists, the heating element or PCB is likely at fault — these require a professional to test with a multimeter and replace safely.
📞 When to call a professional
Call an appliance engineer if the error persists after cleaning the filter and checking the pressure hose and switch, or if you find burnt wiring, a failed heating element, or suspect the PCB. Tell the engineer: ‘My AEG washing machine is showing error code E33 — I’ve checked the pump filter and pressure hose, and the fault is still present.’ Expect a diagnostic visit charge of £60–£90 before any parts.
⚖️ Repair or replace?
If your AEG washing machine is under 5 years old, repairing it is almost always worthwhile — a pressure switch or heating element repair typically costs £100–£200 all-in with a reputable engineer. If the machine is 8 years or older and needs a new PCB (control board), repair costs can reach £200–£300, at which point replacing the machine with a new mid-range model (£400–£600) often makes more financial sense. As a rule of thumb: if the repair costs more than 50% of a new equivalent machine, replace it.