# How to Fix Electrolux Error E23 (Drain Triac)
The Electrolux Error Code E23 indicates a specific electronic fault related to the washing machine’s drain function. While this error is often straightforward to diagnose, fixing it usually requires replacing a major component—the Main Control Board.
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## 1. Explanation: What Does Error E23 Mean?
Error Code **E23** signals a problem with the **Drain Triac** circuit on the Main Control Board (sometimes called the PCB or ECU).
#### In Plain English:
The Triac is an electronic switch located on the main circuit board that regulates power flow. In the case of E23, this specific Triac is responsible for turning the Drain Pump motor on and off.
When E23 appears, it means the Main Control Board has detected an electrical malfunction (usually a short circuit or an open circuit) in the switching component for the drain pump.
**The primary causes are:**
1. **Faulty Drain Pump:** The pump motor has failed, is internally shorted, or is drawing excessive current, causing the control board’s switch to fail protectively (less common).
2. **Failed Main Control Board (Most Likely Culprit):** The Triac itself has physically failed, burned out, or become damaged, meaning the board can no longer reliably control the drain pump.
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## 2. Step-by-Step Fix: How to Diagnose E23
Before replacing the expensive control board, you must eliminate the drain pump and wiring as the source of the short circuit.
### Step 1: Power Cycle and Reset
Sometimes, transient electrical spikes can trigger a false error.
1. **Unplug the washer** from the wall socket.
2. Wait 5 minutes to ensure all residual charge dissipates from the control board.
3. Plug the washer back in and try to start a short test cycle.
If the error immediately reappears, proceed to the physical checks below.
### Step 2: Check for Blockages and Strain
A severely clogged pump or drain line can cause the motor to strain and draw excessive current, which can trigger the control board’s safety mechanism, leading to E23.
1. **Access the Drain Filter/Pump Trap:** Locate the small access door at the bottom front of the washer.
2. **Drain Water:** Place towels down and manually drain any remaining water using the small hose or plug provided.
3. **Inspect the Filter:** Unscrew and remove the main debris filter. Clear out any coins, socks, lint, or debris that might be fouling the impeller.
4. **Test the Impeller:** Check that the pump impeller (the small fan blades behind the filter cavity) spins freely without resistance.
### Step 3: Test the Drain Pump Motor (Isolation Test)
If the pump is clear of debris, the next step is to test the electrical resistance (ohms) of the motor itself. This requires a multimeter.
**Safety Warning:** Always unplug the machine before attempting to access internal components.
1. **Locate the Drain Pump:** Depending on the model, you may need to tilt the washer back or remove the lower front panel.
2. **Disconnect Power:** Carefully unplug the wiring harness connecting the main wires to the drain pump motor.
3. **Measure Resistance (Ohms):** Set your multimeter to the Ohms (Ω) setting. Place one probe on each terminal of the pump motor.
4. **Read the Results:**
* **Good Pump:** A healthy drain pump motor typically reads between **6 and 20 Ohms**. (Check your washer’s specific service manual for exact specs if possible.)
* **Bad Pump (Short/Open Circuit):** If the multimeter shows **0 Ohms** (a dead short) or **OL/Infinity** (an open circuit), the pump motor is faulty and must be replaced.
### Step 4: Confirm Main Control Board Failure
If you have completed the following checks:
* The system was power cycled (Step 1).
* The pump is clear of debris (Step 2).
* The drain pump motor resistance is within specifications (e.g., 10 Ohms) (Step 3).
* Wiring harness is visually intact with no burns or corrosion.
**Conclusion:** The electronic switch (Triac) on the **Main Control Board** has failed. Since the pump itself is functioning correctly, the board is unable to correctly switch power to it.
The only effective repair for a confirmed E23 Triac fault is the replacement of the Main Control Board. This is a complex electronic component and cannot typically be repaired at home.
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## 3. Replacement Information
Replacing the Main Control Board often requires accessing the rear panel or the top console, depending on where the board is mounted on your specific Electrolux model. Ensure you use the exact replacement part number matched to your washing machine’s model number (usually found on a sticker inside the door frame).
Check the price for a replacement Main Control Board here: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Electrolux+Main Control Board&tag=trivian-20