Error E03 on a Vestel washing machine

Owners of Vestel automatic machines equipped with a digital display will learn about error E03 after the designation is displayed on the display. Washing machines that do not have a screen will indicate a malfunction in the system by flashing two indicators on the control panel, namely “Start/Pause” and “Extra Rinse”. To remove error E03 on a Vestel washing machine, you will have to diagnose the system, identify the causes of the problem and eliminate them.

Let's decipher and find the reason

In order to take adequate measures to correct the situation, you should understand what this error code means. The manufacturer in the instructions interprets this as a pump malfunction. Error E03 may indicate not only a failure of the drain pump, but also simple clogging of filters, hoses, and drainage system pipes. Thus, the machine generates an error for one of the following reasons:

pump clogged or broken. It happens that some foreign object gets into the pump: a coin, a bra wire, a paper clip. A foreign body blocks the impeller, preventing it from rotating. Therefore, the washing machine cannot drain water from the tank and signals a problem with error E. Often, hair, lint, or threads simply wrap around the impeller, having the same effect on the operation of the drain pump;
clogging in the drain hose, volute or pipes. A plug of hair and debris can clog any of these elements. This phenomenon can also trigger an error code;
dirty filter. If washing machine users do not clean this filter for years, a large amount of dirt accumulates on it.A serious blockage prevents the outflow of waste fluid from the system; the machine notifies you of this with code E03;
broken drain pump wiring. The power supply to the pump may be disrupted if even one of the wires comes loose or the contact is chewed by mice;
damage to the control board triac that regulates the operation of the drain pump. The control unit is the “brain” of the washing machine. If the triac cannot receive and send signals, then the operation of the washing machine will stall.

You can deal with most of the reasons leading to error E03 yourself. You can remove blockages, check and, if necessary, replace the pump at home. Repairing the control board is best left to professionals.

Removing the blockage from the filter

What is the first thing to do when this trouble code is detected? The garbage filter should be checked. It is located in front of the washing machine, behind a small hatch. The door is usually secured with latches; you may need a slotted screwdriver to open it. However, in some Vestel washing machines the hatch can be opened freely by hand.

Before starting work, be sure to de-energize the MAS and close the shut-off valve.

After opening the hatch, do not rush to remove the catch filter. Water accumulates in the drain system, which will flow as soon as you begin to unscrew the filter element. Therefore, it is better to cover the floor in front of the washing machine with rags, or place a container under the body to collect liquid. cleaning the filter in the Vestel washing machine

Next you need to unscrew the garbage filter. It will be possible to detect adhered dirt, hair, and debris accumulation. The filter element is washed in warm water. You can take a sponge with an abrasive coating and thoroughly clean the surface from plaque.It is not recommended to use hot water for cleaning; this can lead to deformation of the part and loss of elasticity of the seal.

Once the catch filter is “sparkling clean,” you can proceed to inspect the seat. Shine a flashlight through the hole and pull out hair, lint, dirt, and foreign objects from inside. Wipe the walls with a wet rag or the same sponge, removing any adhering dirt from them.

Looking even deeper, you can see the impeller. Remove any debris that may be stuck or wrapped around it. Insert a long stick into the hole and twist its wings. If the movement of the impeller is blocked, then this may be the cause of the error. After all procedures, it is necessary to put the filter in its original place. It is inserted into the hole as smoothly as possible. The lid is screwed clockwise.

If the problem was a clogged garbage filter or impeller, then the actions taken should help correct the situation. Start the washer, turn on the “Rinse” mode and check the machine for leaks. If there are no leaks from under the garbage filter plug, you can close the hatch.

Checking the pump

Then you will have to check the drain pump. The machine is disconnected from the network again and the inlet valve is closed. To diagnose the pump, you need to tilt the washing machine body back. For greater convenience, you can place the washing machine on its side. The drain pump is located at the bottom of the machine.

If your washer model is equipped with a tray, remove it by unscrewing the retaining bolts.

Next you need to find the pump and remove it from the housing. To remove the drain pump:

unscrew the bolts securing it;
disconnect the wiring supplying the pump;
loosen the clamp of the pipe and hose using pliers;
remove the element from the unit.

Next, you need to twist the snail mount with a screwdriver. After disconnecting the motor with the impeller, rotate its cavities by hand. A working impeller will rotate jerkily. Then inspect the snail and remove any debris. Make sure all rubber gaskets are intact and not deformed. If defects in the seals are detected, the rubber bands will have to be replaced.

You can check the pump yourself using a multimeter. The tester probes are applied to the terminals of the drain pump. If no values are displayed on the multimeter screen, then the pump is faulty and the pump will need to be replaced. If you still can’t fix the SMA, it’s possible that the triac on the control board is broken. To repair electronics, it is better to call a specialist.