Washing Machine
E43
The E43 error code on an AEG washing machine points to a fault with the triac that controls the motor — specifically, the control board is detecting a problem with the motor’s power switching component. It’s a moderately serious fault that will stop your machine mid-cycle and requires investigation before the machine is safe to run again.
What does this error mean?
The triac is an electronic component on the main control board (PCB) that switches power to the washing machine motor on and off. When AEG’s diagnostic system logs E43, it means this triac is either stuck in an ‘always on’ position, has failed completely, or the control board cannot communicate with it correctly. In practical terms, the drum may not spin, the machine may stop mid-wash, or it may refuse to start a programme at all.
Est. repair cost
£100–£220 professional repair (PCB/triac); £8–£20 DIY if worn carbon brushes are the cause
🔍 Likely causes
🛠️ Step-by-step fix
Reset the machine first: switch off at the wall socket, wait 10 minutes, then switch back on and attempt to start a short cycle. A transient fault or minor voltage spike can sometimes clear with a full power reset.
Check the door is fully closed and the door latch is engaging correctly — a secondary door fault can occasionally trigger motor-related error codes on some AEG models.
Inspect the wiring behind the drum access panel (rear or front depending on your model): with the machine unplugged, check that all connectors between the motor and control board are firmly seated and undamaged. Reconnect any loose plugs. Do NOT attempt this with the machine plugged in.
Check the motor’s carbon brushes if your model uses a brushed motor: these are accessible on either side of the motor body. If the brushes are worn down to less than 5mm, replace them — AEG-compatible brushes cost around £8–£20 online and are a straightforward DIY swap.
If the above steps don’t resolve E43, the fault lies with the triac or PCB itself. Replacing a triac requires soldering directly onto the control board — this is beyond safe DIY for most homeowners. A full PCB replacement is the safer non-professional option, but boards cost £80–£180 and diagnosis should confirm the board is at fault before you spend money.
If you are not confident with any step beyond the reset, stop here and call an appliance engineer — misdiagnosis is expensive and working inside the control board carries a real risk of electric shock.
📞 When to call a professional
Call a qualified appliance engineer if the machine does not clear E43 after a reset and you cannot identify a loose connector or worn brushes as the cause. Tell the engineer the exact error code is E43, that you suspect a triac or PCB fault, and the model number (found on the door frame sticker). This will save diagnostic time and potentially reduce your call-out bill.
⚖️ Repair or replace?
A professional repair for an E43 fault — typically a PCB repair or replacement — will cost £100–£220 including parts and labour in the UK. If your AEG washing machine is under 5 years old, repair is almost always worth it. If it’s 8 years or older, weigh the repair cost against a new mid-range washing machine at £350–£600; if the repair exceeds 50% of replacement cost on an older machine, replacing is the smarter financial decision.