Key Takeaways
- Identify the source: Error codes pinpoint specific failures, such as drainage blocks (E18), door locks (E16), or water supply issues.
- Check the basics: Many faults resolve by cleaning the filter, straightening intake hoses, or ensuring the door is latched.
- Resets work: A hard reset can often clear temporary glitches or “stuck” control board errors.
- Know when to call a pro: Electrical faults like motor circuits (F43) or PCB overheating usually require a professional technician.
How to Read Bosch Washer Error Codes
If you have a modern Bosch washing machine with a digital display, troubleshooting is straightforward. The screen displays a code starting with the letter E or F followed by two numbers. These codes indicate everything from a simple open door to a more complex heating element failure.
For older models without a digital screen, the machine communicates through flashing LED lights. The specific combination of blinking lights corresponds to a specific error in your manual.
Common Bosch Washer Error Codes
Use this list to identify why your washer stopped working and how to fix it.
E3
What It Means: Door lock error.
How to Fix It: The door didn’t latch properly, or the lock mechanism is broken. Check for clothes trapped between the seal and the glass. If the path is clear, clean the lock sensor with a cotton swab and rubbing alcohol. If the error persists, you may need to replace the door latch assembly.
F01
What It Means: Water intake issue; the machine isn’t filling.
How To Fix It: Verify the water taps are fully open. Check the intake hoses for kinks or heavy bends. Unscrew the hose from the machine and check the small mesh filter inside the valve; if it is clogged with sediment, the water cannot flow.
F02
What It Means: Heater timeout.
How To Fix It: The water isn’t reaching the target temperature. This usually points to a faulty heating element or loose wiring connections leading to the heater.
F03
What It Means: Drainage timeout.
How To Fix It: The water isn’t draining fast enough. Check the drain hose for kinks or blockages. Open the bottom service flap on the front of the machine and clean the drain pump filter, as coins or lint often get stuck there.
F04
What It Means: Motor fault (No tacho signal).
How To Fix It: The motor isn’t communicating with the control board. Check the motor connector plug and wiring for corrosion or loose connections.
F05
What It Means: Uncontrolled motor startup or high resistance.
How To Fix It: This often indicates worn-out carbon brushes in the motor. Inspect the brushes and replace them if they are short. also, check the motor wiring harness for damage.
F06
What It Means: NTC (temperature sensor) short circuit.
How To Fix It: The machine cannot read the water temperature. Inspect the NTC sensor and its wiring to ensure a tight connection.
F07
What It Means: Faulty NTC circuit (open circuit).
How To Fix It: Similar to F06, this implies a break in the connection. Check wires leading to the sensor and the main board. If wires look good, the sensor itself likely needs replacing.
F08
What It Means: Door open error.
How To Fix It: The program tried to start, but the door registered as open. Close the door firmly. If it clicks but still throws the code, the door sensor or lock mechanism is likely defective.
F09
What It Means: Unexpected heating.
How To Fix It: The water is heating up when it shouldn’t, typically during a rinse cycle. This is usually caused by a faulty thermostat or a stuck relay on the control board.
F10
What It Means: Communication error.
How To Fix It: The internal components aren’t talking to each other. Check the wiring harness between the motor and the control module for breaks or corrosion.
F11
What It Means: Overheating motor control or heat sink.
How To Fix It: The main control board (PCB) or heat sink is too hot. This can warp internal layers. You usually need a professional to replace the module.
F12
What It Means: Internal motor short circuit.
How To Fix It: The motor is failing. Check the carbon brushes first. If they are fine, the motor windings or the electrical connections are likely damaged.
F13
What It Means: Mains voltage too high.
How To Fix It: The power coming from your wall outlet is exceeding the safe limit for the machine. Call an electrician to inspect your home’s voltage.
F14
What It Means: Mains voltage too low.
How To Fix It: Low voltage causes the motor to stall or overheat. Verify you aren’t using an extension cord, which can drop voltage. If plugged directly into the wall, call an electrician.
F15
What It Means: Faulty temperature sensor on the motor PCB.
How To Fix It: The motor module is reading temperature incorrectly. Check connections; if the error persists, the motor PCB may need replacement.
F16 or E16
What It Means: Door is open (System Lock).
How To Fix It: Ensure the laundry isn’t pushing against the door glass. If the door is physically closed but this code remains, the locking assembly is faulty.
F17 or E17
What It Means: Water supply time exceeded.
How To Fix It: The machine isn’t getting water fast enough. Open the supply tap fully. Check the inlet hose mesh filter for sediment and clean it out.
F18 or E18
What It Means: Pump blocked or drain hose clogged.
How To Fix It: This is the most common Bosch error. It means water cannot leave the drum. Open the pump filter door (usually bottom right), drain the water manually via the small tube, and unscrew the filter. Remove any debris blocking the impeller.
F19 or E19
What It Means: Heating time exceeded.
How To Fix It: The water is taking too long to heat. This often indicates a calcified heating element or low voltage. A technician typically needs to test the heating system.
F20 or E20
What It Means: Unexpected heating fault.
How To Fix It: The machine is heating when it shouldn’t. This suggests a temperature sensor issue or a malfunction in the main control board.
E23 or F23
What It Means: AquaStop activated (Leak detected).
How To Fix It: Water has leaked into the base of the machine, triggering the safety float switch. Find the source of the leak, drain the base, and reset the switch.
E27
What It Means: Pressure sensor malfunction.
How To Fix It: The machine can’t determine water levels accurately. The pressure switch (water level sensor) likely needs replacement.
E28 or F28
What It Means: Flow sensor issue.
How To Fix It: The component that measures water intake is silent. Inspect the wiring to the flow meter. If connections are secure, replace the flow meter.
E29
What It Means: Water inlet error.
How To Fix It: Similar to E17, the machine detects no water entering. Check if the water supply is cut off or if the AquaStop hose is defective.
F42, F43, F44
What It Means: Motor drive errors.
How To Fix It: These codes indicate high speed, no rotation, or reverse rotation issues. Check for an overloaded drum or clothes stuck between the drum and seal. Inspect the motor’s carbon brushes for wear.
E56
What It Means: Communication error.
How To Fix It: Turn the washer off, unplug it for 5 minutes, and plug it back in. If the code returns, the control module requires professional service.
CL / Child Lock
What It Means: Child Lock is active.
How To Fix It: This is not a malfunction. Locate the start button or the button with a key/lock symbol next to it. Press and hold it for 3 to 5 seconds until the symbol disappears and the machine beeps.
FAQs
Do Bosch Washing Machines Have a Reset Button?
Bosch washing machines do not have a dedicated external reset button. To perform a reset, you typically press and hold the “Start/Pause” button for several seconds, or follow a specific dial-turning sequence described in the outro of this article.
Why Is My Bosch Washing Machine Beeping and Not Starting?
Beeping usually signals that the door is not locked properly or the child lock is active. Check that the door clicked shut. If a key symbol is on the screen, deactivate the child lock by holding the start button for five seconds.
Why Is My Bosch Washing Machine Not Spinning?
Common causes include an unbalanced load (too few or too heavy items), a blocked drain pump (Error E18), or worn-out motor carbon brushes. The machine will not enter a high-speed spin if it cannot drain water first.
How Do You Clean the Filter on a Bosch Washing Machine?
The best way to clean the filter is to open the bottom service flap, place a towel on the floor, and drain the excess water using the small black drainage hose. Once empty, unscrew the main pump cap, remove debris, and rinse it under the tap.
How Do I Open My Locked Bosch Washing Machine Door?
If the door is stuck, try running a piece of string or fishing line around the perimeter of the door frame and pulling it toward the hinge to manually release the catch. Alternatively, look for the emergency release pull-tab located next to the drain filter at the bottom of the machine.
What Does the Tap Symbol Mean on a Bosch Washer?
A flashing tap symbol indicates a water supply problem. It usually means the water pressure is too low, the supply hose is kinked, or the inlet filter screens are blocked with sediment.
How to Clear Error Codes on a Bosch Washing Machine
Sometimes a glitch causes an error code to stick even after you fix the problem. To perform a master reset, follow these steps:
- Turn the dial to the Off (12 o’clock) position.
- Turn the dial to the 6 o’clock position (usually the Rinse or Spin cycle).
- Press and hold the Spin button. While holding it, turn the dial one click to the 7 o’clock position.
- Keep holding the Spin button for another 5 seconds, then release.
- Turn the dial back to Off.
When you turn the machine back on, the error should be cleared.
