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Error code reference

Daewoo Washer Error Code PFE

Pump filter error (also shown as E0)

Pump filter error (also shown as E0) — the drain pump filter is clogged, drain pump does not work during spin, excessive detergent was used, or drain hose is placed higher than 1m above the floor.

First step from the service manual

Clean the drain pump filter.

The complete diagnostic procedure includes additional test steps, resistance specifications, wiring diagram references, and component test points.

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What PFE means on a Daewoo washer

The PFE error code (also displayed as E0) on a Daewoo washer indicates a pump filter error. This code is triggered when the control system detects that water is not draining properly during the spin cycle. The washer monitors drain performance, and when drainage is insufficient or absent, PFE is thrown to protect the machine and alert the user. The drain pump filter, the drain pump motor itself, and the drain hose routing are all part of the system involved in this fault.

The most frequent cause is a clogged drain pump filter. Lint, coins, hair, and small garments can accumulate in the filter housing and restrict water flow to the point where the pump cannot expel water fast enough. Excessive detergent use is another common trigger: over-sudsing creates foam that the pump struggles to move, mimicking a blockage. The drain hose must also be routed no higher than 1 meter (approximately 39 inches) above the floor. If the hose is positioned higher, the pump may lack sufficient head pressure to push water through, causing a drain failure and triggering PFE.

If the filter is clean, the hose is properly routed, and detergent usage is appropriate, the drain pump motor itself may have failed. A pump that does not activate during spin will immediately trigger this code. Diagnosing a failed pump involves checking whether the pump receives power during the drain cycle and whether the pump motor shows continuity. Any combination of these issues can produce the PFE fault, so a systematic check of each component is necessary for accurate diagnosis.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of PFE

  1. 01

    Clogged drain pump filter

    Wiring / connection

    Lint, coins, hair, and small debris collect in the pump filter and restrict water flow. Remove and clean the filter, which is typically located behind a small access panel at the base of the machine.

  2. 02

    Drain hose positioned too high

    Wiring / connection

    If the drain hose outlet is more than 1 meter above the floor, the pump cannot generate enough pressure to expel water. Reposition the hose so the discharge point is at or below the 1-meter maximum height.

  3. 03

    Excessive detergent use

    Wiring / connection

    Using too much detergent creates heavy sudsing that the drain pump cannot move efficiently. Reduce detergent to the recommended amount and run a rinse-only cycle to clear residual foam.

  4. 04

    Drain pump motor failure

    Part replacement

    If the pump does not activate at all during the spin cycle, the motor may have failed electrically or mechanically. Check whether the pump receives power during draining and test the motor for continuity.

  5. 05

    Kinked or blocked drain hose

    Wiring / connection

    A kink, tight bend, or partial blockage in the drain hose can prevent water from exiting even if the pump is working. Inspect the full length of the hose for obstructions or sharp bends.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about PFE

What does PFE mean on a Daewoo washer?
PFE stands for pump filter error and is also shown as E0 on Daewoo washers. It means the machine detected a drainage problem during the spin cycle. The most common causes are a clogged drain pump filter, a drain hose routed higher than 1 meter above the floor, excessive detergent, or a failed drain pump. Cleaning the filter is the recommended first step.
How do I fix a PFE error on my Daewoo washer?
Start by locating the drain pump filter, usually behind a small access panel at the bottom front of the machine, and remove any lint, debris, or foreign objects from it. Next, check that your drain hose is not routed higher than 1 meter above the floor and that it has no kinks or blockages. If you have been using more detergent than recommended, reduce the amount and run a rinse cycle. If the code persists after these steps, the drain pump motor may need to be tested or replaced.
Is it safe to keep using my Daewoo washer when it shows PFE?
You should not continue running wash cycles while the PFE error is active. The code means water is not draining properly, and running the machine in this state can leave standing water in the drum, potentially causing odors, mold growth, or additional strain on components. Address the underlying drainage issue before resuming normal use.
Will resetting my Daewoo washer clear the PFE error?
A reset may temporarily clear the PFE code from the display, but the error will return if the underlying cause has not been fixed. The washer's control system will detect the drain problem again during the next spin cycle. Resolve the clog, hose routing issue, or pump fault first, then the code should not reappear.
How much does it cost to fix a PFE error on a Daewoo washer?
If the problem is a clogged filter or improperly routed drain hose, the fix costs nothing beyond your time. If a drain pump motor replacement is needed, parts alone typically range from $30 to $80 depending on the model, with professional labor adding $75 to $150 or more. Diagnosing the exact cause before purchasing parts is recommended to avoid unnecessary expense.

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