Pump stops after running briefly, display shows E03 and housing is very hot to the touch

Safety first: Turn off power at the breaker and allow the motor to cool for at least 30 minutes before touching it.

• Restore proper water flow: Empty the pump strainer basket, skimmer baskets, and check the main drain line for obstructions. Ensure all suction and return valves are fully open.
• Inspect motor ventilation: Verify that the Franklin Electric motor cooling fan (behind the rear cover) is intact and spins freely. Clean dust, leaves, and cobwebs from the motor vents and fan shroud.
• Check for restricted discharge: Make sure return lines, filters, and heaters are not severely restricted. A dirty filter can cause high head pressure and overload the motor; backwash or clean the filter.
• Verify ambient conditions: Ensure the pump is not enclosed in a tight, unventilated box. Provide adequate airflow around the motor.
• Test restart: After cooling and clearing restrictions, restore power and restart. If E03 recurs quickly, the internal thermal protector or windings may be failing and the motor should be replaced.