Candy Washing Machine E03 Error Code: Not Draining Water

What the code means

Candy's user manuals (for example the CSW 4852DE washer dryer and CBW 27D1E1S washing machine) list E3 as "the washing machine does not drain water". Models with a display show the code as E followed by a number, which many Candy displays write as E03; models without a display flash every LED three times, pause about 5 seconds, and repeat. Candy's checks for this code are: make sure the filter isn't clogged and there's nothing in the filter compartment blocking the flow, make sure the drain hose isn't bent, kinked or trapped, and make sure the home drainage system isn't blocked (try draining water into the sink). Candy's guide to a washing machine that won't drain adds that coins, buttons, safety pins or small socks can jam the pump's impeller so it can't turn, that too much detergent and heavy suds can stop it draining properly, and that some programmes and options deliberately skip the final drain or spin, such as anti-crease, stop water in drum and night cycles. If everything is clean and the pump still won't start, Candy says the problem is electrical and the pump needs replacing. Neighbouring codes help narrow it down: E2 is a water fill problem, E4 is too much foam or water, and E7 is a door problem.

Likely causes

• Pump filter clogged with lint, hair or debris (Candy's first check)
• A coin, button, safety pin or small sock jamming the drain pump impeller
• Drain hose bent, kinked or trapped behind the machine
• Household drain, sink trap or standpipe blocked
• Too much detergent creating heavy suds that stop the machine draining properly
• A programme or option that holds water in the drum, such as anti-crease, stop water in drum or night
• Failed drain pump (Candy's verdict when the pump still won't run after cleaning)

Safe DIY checks

1. Check the programme first. If you used anti-crease, stop water in drum or a night cycle, the water may be held on purpose; select a drain or spin programme to empty it.
2. Unplug the machine. Put towels down and a shallow tray in front, since a full drum can let out a lot of water.
3. Open the pump filter cover, low down at the front (on the left on Candy machines), drain the water through the small emergency hose if your model has one, then unscrew the filter cap.
4. Rinse the filter under running water and check inside the pump housing for coins, buttons or pins. The impeller should spin freely by hand.
5. Make sure the drain hose isn't bent, kinked or squashed behind the machine, and check your household drain by pouring water into the sink or standpipe.
6. If you've been using a lot of detergent, cut the dose and run an empty rinse to clear the suds.
7. Refit the filter firmly, plug in and run a drain or spin programme. If E03 comes back and the pump stays silent or only hums, the pump has probably failed.

Parts that commonly fix it

Always match the part number to your exact model.

Related codes

• E02 Candy Washer E02
• E09 Candy Washer E09
• E20 Candy Washer E20
• 5d Amana Washer 5d
• F8 E1 Amana Washer F8 E1

All Candy codes →

Sources

1. Candy CSW 4852DE washer dryer user manual, troubleshooting p.29 (E3 or 3 LED flashes: washing machine does not drain water; check filter, drain hose, home drainage; E2, E4, E7 for contrast; any other code unplug, wait, restart)
2. Candy CBW 27D1E1S washing machine user manual (error code format: E plus number on display models, LED flashes with 5-second pause on models without display; E3 drainage issue)
3. Candy UK: The washing machine won't drain, what should I do? (blocked filter or pump, bent hose, blocked home drain, suds, programmes that skip drain, filter on the left at the front, replace pump if it still won't run)