E03 Serious Moderate DIY

Bosch Washer E03 — Drain Pump Fault

Bosch Washer · Error code E03

What E03 Means

The washer cannot drain within the expected time. Water remains in the tub and the cycle halts.

Symptoms

  • Standing water in drum
  • Cycle pauses before spin
  • Drain pump hums but no water moves
  • Long drain time

Common Causes

1
Clogged drain pump filter

Coins, lint, or hair caught in the filter behind the lower kickplate.

2
Kinked or blocked drain hose

Hose pinched behind the washer or sock stuck inside.

3
Failed drain pump motor

Pump impeller seized or motor windings open.

4
Drain pump impeller broken

Foreign object snapped the plastic vanes.

5
House standpipe clogged

Standpipe or P-trap restricted, water backs up.

How to Fix It

  1. Open the lower right access panel and unscrew the drain pump filter (place a towel — water will spill).
  2. Clean the filter of all debris and check the impeller cavity for obstructions.
  3. Pull the washer out and inspect the drain hose for kinks.
  4. Disconnect the hose at the standpipe and check for free drainage.
  5. If pump still won't drain, remove and test the pump for ~165 ohms across windings.
  6. Replace the drain pump if seized, open-circuit, or impeller damaged.
  7. Run a drain/spin cycle to verify.

Parts You May Need

If diagnosis points to a failed part, these are the common replacements. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Common replacement Drain pump assembly View on Amazon→ Common replacement Drain pump filter housing View on Amazon→

More Bosch Washer Codes

E01 E01 — Door Lock Fault E02 E02 — Motor Fault E04 E04 — Water Inlet Fault E05 E05 — Heating Element Fault E06 E06 — Door Lock Circuit Fault E07 E07 — Water Leak Detected (AquaStop)

All Bosch codes → All washer codes →

Verified against manufacturer documentation: bosch-home.com

Always unplug an appliance before servicing it. This guide is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for a qualified technician.