Bosch · Washing Machine

E23

Drain Pump Relay Fault

Severity

High

Seeing E23 on your Bosch Washing Machine display means the appliance self-diagnostic detected "Drain Pump Relay Fault". Before calling a technician, work through the steps in this guide — the fix is often simpler than you think.

Owner's Summary

Unlike E18 which is a mechanical blockage, E23 points to an electrical fault in the drain pump circuit — either the pump motor itself has failed electrically or the board that controls it has a faulty relay.

Symptoms

Bosch washer water not draining, E23 error code displayed

Common Causes

Drain pump relay on PCB failed
Short circuit in drain pump wiring
Drain pump motor drawing excessive current
PCB control circuit failure

How to Fix

1 Check drain pump wiring harness for shorts or damage
2 Test drain pump resistance — should read 5 to 20 ohms
3 Replace drain pump if it draws excessive current
4 Replace PCB if pump tests good but relay shows no output

Tools You'll Need

Multimeter Towels / Bucket

Most of these fixes need only basic hand tools. If your repair requires opening electrical housings or testing live components, a multimeter and basic electrical safety knowledge are essential — when in doubt, call a technician.

Technical Explanation

The Bosch PCB controls the drain pump via a triac or relay output. E23 is specifically triggered when the control circuit detects an overcurrent condition or a failure in the pump drive circuit — distinguishing it from E18 which indicates a pump runtime timeout without drainage.

Is It Safe to Keep Using?

Do not run additional cycles. The pump is not operating and water cannot be removed.

Technician's Pro Tip

Measure the resistance of the drain pump motor across its terminals before condemning the PCB. A healthy Bosch drain pump reads 5 to 20 ohms. Very low resistance indicates a shorted winding that may have already damaged the relay on the PCB.

Related Codes

E2 — Samsung Washing Machine

Water Supply Error

High

4E — Samsung Washing Machine

No Water Supply Detected

High

5E — Samsung Washing Machine

Drain Error — Water Not Draining

High

Frequently Asked Questions

What does error code E23 mean on a Bosch Washing Machine?

Code E23 on a Bosch Washing Machine indicates "Drain Pump Relay Fault." In practice, the most common trigger is drain pump relay on PCB failed. Severity is rated high, and typical repair costs range from $50 to $280.

Can I fix E23 myself, or do I need a technician?

Many cases of E23 can be resolved without a technician. The first step to try: check drain pump wiring harness for shorts or damage. If that doesn't clear the code, work through the remaining steps in the "How to Fix" section above before assuming a part needs replacing.

Is it safe to keep using my washing machine with code E23 showing?

Do not run additional cycles. The pump is not operating and water cannot be removed.

How much does it cost to repair E23 on a Bosch Washing Machine?

Repair costs for code E23 typically range from $50 to $280. Drain pump: $60–$180; PCB: $100–$280. Costs on the low end usually reflect a DIY fix with no parts required, while the high end reflects a part replacement plus professional labor.

Estimated Repair Cost USD

$50 – $280

Drain pump: $60–$180; PCB: $100–$280