Electrolux Washer Error Code F 03
Water level problem caused by either no incoming water or the drain pump not working.
Water level problem caused by either no incoming water or the drain pump not working.
First step from the service manual
Touch the Stop/Clear pad to clear the F 03. Check the drum for water. If the drum has a normal fill of water, touch the Drain/Spin pad and press the start pad. If the water does not pump out, remove the front access panel and measure the voltage drop across terminals of the drain pump. If the meter reads 120 VAC, the drain pump is defective or the drain hose is plugged. If the meter reads zero, disconnect power, remove the large four pin plug (JX) and the eight pin plug (J11) from the back of the control. Measure the resistance between pin 3 in the four pin plug and pin 3 of the eight pin plug. If the meter reads open, the wires between the control board and the drain pump are defective. If the meter reads around 15 Ohms, the control board should be replaced. If the drum does not have water in it, start the washer in the Normal Cycle and select Warm Wash. If the washer does not fill, make sure the faucets are turned on, unplug one of plugs from the water valve and measure the voltage drop across the terminals in the plug. If the meter reads 120VAC, the water valve is defective. If the meter reads zero, measure for voltage from each terminal in the plug to neutral. If the meter reads zero from each terminal, the pressure switch or the wiring to the pressure switch is defective. If the meter reads 120VAC from one terminal, the control board or the wiring from the valve to the control board is defective. If the washer is over filling, check the pressure switch or the tube to the pressure switch.
The complete diagnostic procedure includes additional test steps, resistance specifications, wiring diagram references, and component test points.
Get the full diagnostic procedure for F 03.
- Step-by-step tests with expected resistance, voltage, and continuity values
- Wiring diagram references and connector pinouts from the OEM service manual
- Verified part numbers when replacement is required
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What F 03 means on a Electrolux washer
The F 03 error code on an Electrolux washer indicates a water level problem, meaning the control board has detected that the drum water level is either incorrect or unexpected. This fault can originate from two distinct failure paths: the washer is not receiving incoming water when it should be filling, or the drain pump is failing to evacuate water when a drain cycle is commanded. Because both conditions result in an abnormal water level reading, the control board reports a single F 03 code regardless of which side of the water circuit is responsible.
On the drain side, the diagnostic path focuses on the drain pump and its associated wiring. If the drum contains water but the pump does not run, the technician should measure voltage directly across the drain pump terminals. A reading of 120 VAC at the pump terminals with no pumping action points to a defective pump or a blocked drain hose. If voltage is absent at the pump, the wiring circuit between the control board and pump must be checked by measuring resistance between pin 3 of the four-pin plug (JX) and pin 3 of the eight-pin plug (J11) at the back of the control. An open reading means broken or disconnected wiring, while a reading of approximately 15 ohms indicates the control board itself is faulty.
On the fill side, the diagnostic path examines the water inlet valve, pressure switch, and control board. If the drum is empty and the washer will not fill on a Normal Cycle with Warm Wash selected, the technician should confirm the supply faucets are open, then measure voltage at the water valve plug. A reading of 120 VAC at the valve with no fill action indicates a defective water inlet valve. Zero volts at the valve requires further tracing back to the pressure switch and control board wiring to isolate whether the switching circuit or the board itself is responsible.
Source: manufacturer service documentation.
Common causes of F 03
- 01
Defective or clogged drain pump
Part replacementIf the drum contains water that will not drain, the drain pump may be mechanically failed or blocked. Measuring 120 VAC across the pump terminals with no pumping action confirms the pump or drain hose is the problem.
- 02
Defective water inlet valve
Part replacementIf the drum is empty and the washer will not fill, the water inlet valve may have failed. This is confirmed by measuring 120 VAC at the valve plug terminals while the washer is attempting to fill but no water enters the drum.
- 03
Faulty pressure switch or pressure switch tubing
Part replacementThe pressure switch signals the control board about the water level in the drum. A failed switch, kinked tube, or disconnected tube can cause incorrect level readings, leading to either a no-fill or overfill condition that triggers F 03.
- 04
Open or broken wiring between control board and drain pump
Wiring / connectionIf voltage is absent at the drain pump and resistance measured between pin 3 of plug JX and pin 3 of plug J11 reads open, the wiring harness between the control board and pump is broken or disconnected.
- 05
Faulty control board
Part replacementIf the wiring checks out and the resistance between pin 3 of JX and pin 3 of J11 reads approximately 15 ohms but the pump still does not operate, or if 120 VAC is absent at the water valve with correct pressure switch function, the control board is likely defective and requires replacement.
Frequently asked questions about F 03
What does F 03 mean on a Electrolux washer?
Will resetting the washer clear the F 03 error?
Can I fix an F 03 error myself or do I need a technician?
Is it safe to keep using my washer when F 03 is showing?
How much does it typically cost to repair an F 03 error on an Electrolux washer?
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