Error E03 in Teka washing machines

Table of contents

• What error E03 means in your Teka washing machine
• What to do if your Teka washing machine shows error E03

What error E03 means in your Teka washing machine

In many Teka washing machine models, the E03 error code appears when the appliance detects that it is not draining the water as it should. In other words, the control electronics order the drain phase, but the water level does not drop within the expected time, or the drain pump does not respond correctly. The washing machine protects itself, stops the programme and displays E03 on the screen.

In certain specific models and manufacturer error charts, E03 is described as a drain pump fault or blocked drain filter, while in some more generic lists it is mentioned as a temperature sensor error, depending on the range. In practice, if your washing machine remains with water inside the drum and E03 appears, the most likely issue is in the drainage system (pump, filter, hose or the household drain).

The symptoms that usually accompany error E03 in a Teka washing machine are quite clear:

• The programme runs normally at the beginning, but stops before the spin cycle and shows the E03 code.
• When you open the door (once the machine allows it) you can see that there is water at the bottom of the drum or in the door glass.
• During the drain phase you may hear a weak or intermittent humming or the pump trying to start, but very little water moves through the drain hose.
• On some models without a display, the fault is indicated with a combination of lights or flashes which, according to the manual, correspond to the code 3 / E03.

The most frequent causes that explain error E03 are:

• Completely blocked drain filter: build-up of lint, coins, hairpins, buttons, pieces of fabric, etc., blocking the flow of water.
• Objects trapped in the pump: even if the filter looks clean, a foreign object may have reached the pump impeller and be preventing it from turning freely.
• Blocked or incorrectly positioned drain hose: the outlet hose may be bent, squashed behind the washing machine or partially clogged with dirt or scale.
• Blocked household drain: the trap or pipe where the washing machine connects does not drain properly and the water backs up or flows out very slowly.
• Worn or burnt-out drain pump: the pump motor loses power over time, may become jammed or simply stop turning.
• Wiring or connector issues in the pump area: bad contacts, loose terminals or damaged cables that prevent the pump from receiving power consistently.
• Problems in the water level control system (pressure switch/level tube): if the control board “thinks” there is still water even after it has been pumped out, it may keep error E03 active.
• In series where E03 is linked to temperature: failure of the NTC sensor or heating element. In these cases it is more common to see heating problems than water remaining in the drum.

In short, except for those product ranges where E03 points directly to the temperature sensor, the usual meaning in Teka front-loading washing machines is that this code indicates a serious drainage issue, normally due to a blocked filter, pump or outlet hose.

What to do if your Teka washing machine shows error E03

Although seeing E03 on the display is worrying, it is often solved with a thorough cleaning of the drain circuit and a few basic checks. Below is a step-by-step guide.

1. Stop the programme and unplug the washing machine
   
   • Press the on/off button to stop the cycle.
   • Wait for the door to unlock; this may take a few minutes if the water is hot.
   • Unplug the washing machine from the mains socket before working on the filter, pump or rear area.
   Working with no power is essential to avoid electrical hazards while you inspect the drainage system.
2. Remove excess water from the drum
   
   • If there is a lot of water inside, place a basin or bucket in front of the door and scoop the water out with a jug or small container.
   • Keep towels or cloths handy to absorb any spills.
   • If your model includes an emergency drain hose next to the filter, use it to drain the water more safely into a container.
   By lowering the water level, you will be able to open the filter with less risk of flooding the floor.
3. Open and thoroughly clean the pump filter
   
   • Locate the filter cover at the lower front of the washing machine.
   • Place a shallow container or several cloths underneath and open the cover.
   • Slowly turn the filter cap anticlockwise so that the remaining water flows out gradually.
   • When the water stops flowing, remove the filter completely.
   • Rinse it under the tap and remove all dirt: lint, coins, clips, buttons, bits of plastic, etc.
   • With the filter removed, look inside and check with your fingers that the pump impeller turns freely and without unusual noises.
4. Check the drain hose and its route
   
   • Move the washing machine slightly forward so you can see the rear.
   • Make sure the drain hose is not kinked, stepped on or bent at very sharp angles.
   • Check that the height of the household standpipe is within the manufacturer’s recommendation (approx. 60–90 cm from the floor, depending on the model).
   • If you suspect the hose is dirty inside, you can disconnect it from the trap and rinse it with water at moderate pressure.
5. Check whether the household drain is blocked
   
   • With the washing machine hose disconnected, pour water directly into the drain or trap where it normally connects.
   • If the water rises, pools or drains very slowly, the problem lies in the house pipework, not in the washing machine.
   • In that case, it is advisable to use a suitable drain cleaner or call a plumber before continuing to force the appliance.
6. Run a short test programme
   
   • Once the filter is clean and the pump and hose have been checked, plug the washing machine back in.
   • Select a rinse or drain programme with spin.
   • Watch the drain phase: you should hear the pump running steadily and see a strong flow of water through the hose into the drain.
   • If the cycle finishes without showing E03, the fault was most likely due to a one-off blockage.
7. When to suspect the pump or the electronics
   
   • If, despite cleaning the filter and hose and checking the household drain, error E03 appears frequently again, the pump may be damaged (open winding, seized rotor, etc.).
   • There may also be a wiring fault between the pump and the control board, or a problem in the control module itself.
   • In those product ranges where E03 is associated with the temperature sensor, if the water does not heat or the machine shows E03 without drainage problems, the cause may lie in the NTC sensor or heating element.
   These checks require dismantling the appliance and testing components with a multimeter, so they should be carried out by a qualified service technician.
8. When to call a service technician
   
   • If error E03 appears in almost every wash, even after cleaning the filter and hoses.
   • If the washing machine does not drain at all and you hear the pump making strange noises, or you do not hear it running.
   • If you notice a burning smell or signs of overheating in the pump or wiring area.
   • If you suspect a fault in the control board or temperature sensor and you are not experienced with electrical appliances.
9. Tips to prevent error E03 in the future
   
   • Clean the drain filter regularly, especially if you wash work clothes, small garments or textiles that shed a lot of lint.
   • Get into the habit of emptying pockets before loading the washing machine to avoid coins, keys or other hard objects.
   • Avoid overloading the drum; heavy loads generate more solid residues and make it harder for water to circulate.
   • If you notice that there is some water left inside at the end of the cycles or that the pump sounds different, check the drainage system before E03 becomes a recurring fault.

Ultimately, error E03 in a Teka washing machine usually means that the appliance is having serious trouble pumping the water out, typically due to a blockage in the filter, pump or drain hose. In many cases it can be solved with a deep cleaning and a few simple checks, but if the code appears frequently it is advisable for a technician to inspect the pump, wiring, temperature sensor and control module to prevent further damage and extend the life of the appliance.