Error E03 in Whirlpool washing machine

During operation, the Whirlpool washing machine may suddenly stop and display the combination “E03” or “F03”. There is no need to panic - this error indicates a problem with the drain system of the machine. You just need to diagnose the equipment, find the problem, fix it and restart the wash. In what order to act and what to pay attention to, we will tell you point by point.

Let's decipher the code

According to the Whirlpool instructions, error E03 or similar F03 stands for: “failure in the water pumping system.” In simple words, waste water is not pumped out of the drum. The fact is that before starting the wash and taking it from the water supply, part of the water remaining at the bottom of the tank is automatically removed into the sewer by the appropriate command from the control module. If the pump cannot start draining, then for safety reasons the machine stops the cycle. Sometimes the code appears later, directly at the draining stage.

Water does not leave the tank for several reasons. So, error E03 may indicate the following problems:

• faulty pump (probably the pump has served its purpose, broken or clogged);
• blockage in the drain system (the drain filter, drain hose, pump impeller or other drain element may become clogged with debris);
• a “flying” control board (the failure can be either partial, a burnt-out triac or track, or complete).

Fault code E03 or F03 on Whirlpool indicates problems with draining water from the tank!

Instructions on what to do depend on the nature of the malfunction. You can check the operation of the pump, repair the pump and clean the drain system with your own hands at home. If the problem is in the control board, then doing it on your own is dangerous - it’s better not to risk the washing machine and immediately contact a service center. Fortunately, the control module rarely breaks down. More often it is a simple blockage and a failed pump. In this case, you can cope with error E03 on your own.

Indirect signs of pump malfunction

To clear error E03 from the display and return to washing, you need to check the drainage system of the washing machine. Diagnostics will not take much time and effort. It’s better to start by unscrewing the garbage filter and cleaning its seat. We proceed like this:

When you unscrew the drain filter, water will flow out of the machine!

• disconnect the washing machine from communications;
• Use a flat screwdriver to unclip the false panel located in the lower right corner of the case;
• tilt the washing machine back;
• we find the drainage filter, more precisely, its black round plug;
• place a basin under the cork;
• grab the protrusion on the plug and slowly unscrew the filter counterclockwise;
• We wait until all the water remaining in the machine leaves the tank, and remove the filter entirely.

Now we begin the inspection and “cleaning”. First of all, we wash the filter and the vacated hole from accumulated debris and plaque. Next, we shine a flashlight through the seat and find the impeller - the blades placed on the pump. You need to reach the “wheel” with a long thin object and try to spin the element. If the screw is stuck, moves too tightly or is suspiciously free, then cleaning and diagnostics of the pump is indispensable.

Removing and checking the pump in detail

If the pump impeller does not rotate or comes off the shaft, then the problem is a breakdown or blockage. To determine the cause of the problem, you need to remove the pump and inspect it. You cannot get free access to the drainage system through the hole in the garbage filter - you need to look inside through the bottom.

So, to get to the pump on a Whirlpool washing machine, you need to remove the tray. Some brand models do not provide such a panel, but many modern machines have not only a bottom, but also a connected Aquastop system. In this case, you should first carefully disconnect the wires from the “float”, and then unscrew the bottom cover. Then proceed according to the following instructions:

• lay a rolled-up carpet or a bunch of things against the right wall of the building;
• lower the washing machine onto the right side (not on the left side - the water remaining in the powder receptacle can get onto the control board);
• We act extremely carefully so as not to damage the machine;
• we look under the bottom of the Whirlpool and find a pump attached to the snail.

As a rule, it is enough to clear the screw of any entangled hair or dirt. Sometimes everything is not so simple - it breaks or the fasteners holding it become loose. In the latter case, repairs will be limited to tightening; in the former, replacement is indicated. Trying to secure the blades with tape or tape will not fix the breakdown; it will only delay the problem. We immediately check the pump with a multimeter. We connect the probes, start the drain and measure the voltage. If the pump does not drain at 220V, then the element needs to be changed.

Replacing the drain pump

Sometimes the fault code will not be cleared without replacing the pump. This procedure is also simple. You just need to buy a similar pump and start repairing.

1. Remove the wiring from the old pump.
2. Unscrew the holding bolts.
3. Remove the pump by turning it counterclockwise.
4. Secure the new pump into the “socket”.
5. Secure the part with bolts and connect the wires.

Then everything is clear: return the Whirlpool washing machine to a vertical position, insert the filter with the false panel and connect it to the communications. Be sure to run a test wash and evaluate the result.

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