We have the fault code "AL03" on our Hotpoint DWF70. Not on Hotpoints website-what does it mean-and how to fix?

Nick Rowse, December 2005

I fixed Al03 by removing the filter and using a small sink plunger to free the blockage.

Trevor, October 2008

Also got the AL03 for the DWF70 and followed Ray's advise above and that resolved the problem. A bit of Apple core (twig bit) fell out when I took the pump off. Replaced everything again as carefully as possible and did a quick wash and it worked. Still to test with a full wash but see no reason why it shouldn't work.

For reference I also previously got an AL02. By tilting the maching backward to let any water out (after unplugging and putting a towel behind), that fixed it as well.

Murray, October 2007

Hi have the same problem! i found a match stick in the pump but after removing the stick it still appears the same. It will recirc the water but as soon as it goes to the drain cycle i get AL 03. If the water is recirculating does this mean the pump is ok? I'm assuming there is only one pump in the dishwasher?

will, June 2007

I had the same code on my hotpoint dwf70 I had an engineer fix the problem before, this time I thought I would try myself to fix it, took Natalie,s advice and the pump worked once then stopped so I decided to remove the pump and clean it.
I disconnected the power supply. turned off the water, pulled the machine forward so it was clear of the worktop tilted it back so that there was enough room for me to work underneath, you will see two screws these are the ones that retain the leak sensor and you should not remove them you need to remove the plate that the leak sensor screws are on this can be done by removing the six small screws that are located at the side (3 each side,) you can now move the plate but be carefull as the leak sensor is still attached there is plenty of slack in the wiring to allow you to place the plate to one side.
If you now follow the pipework that come from the water waste bowl in then goes into the pump (pump not as big as you would think) the pump is held in place by 3 srews (2 can be seen) if you get a pen and make a mark across the pump houseing where it joins this will enable you to replace the pump in exactly the same position as it was prior to removal, just remove 3 retaining screws clean pump ( I plugged the washer in at this point to check the pump worked BE CAREFULL)
all was ok so I put it all back together and it now works fine.

Ray

Ray, July 2006

Hi Nick,

I thought this may be of some help to you!

(It's an answer that was provided by someone on this site who it appears had the same problem as yours)

They said:

I too had an AL03 whilst still in full service warranty. It was the drain pump being blocked by small piece of debris.
The engineer used a piece of stiff but bendy plastic strip and gently forced this through the drain hole below the filters. this pushes past the impellers of the pump and frees it, apparently a common problem. he also provided an improved filter which touch wood has stopped further blockages.

natalie, January 2006