Bosch Washing Machine Error Codes
Bosch washing machines display faults as an E or F code followed by two digits — sometimes shown with a colon, like E:18 — either on a digital screen or, on older models, through a pattern of flashing LEDs. Bosch is part of BSH Hausgeräte alongside Siemens, Neff, and Constructa, and all four brands share very similar underlying diagnostic logic even though the exact code shown can vary slightly by series (Classixx, Logixx, Maxx, Serie 4/6/8).
E01 – Door lock fault. The door hasn't latched, or the lock mechanism itself has failed. Check for trapped clothing between the seal and the glass, then clean the lock sensor area with a cotton swab and a little rubbing alcohol. If the fault persists with a clean, obstruction-free door, the door latch assembly likely needs replacing.
E16 / F16 – Door won't open at end of cycle. Usually caused by water still sitting in the drum (the door interlock often won't release with standing water present) or a mechanical fault in the latch. Run a drain/spin cycle first to clear any residual water before assuming the latch has failed.
E17 / F17, E18 / F18 – Drain time exceeded. The machine hasn't been able to pump the water out within its allotted time. Clean the pump filter (usually behind a small flap at the bottom front), check the drain hose for kinks, and check the pump inlet for coins, buttons, or fibers.
E19 / F19 – Heating fault. Water isn't reaching the selected temperature. Check the heating element and its NTC temperature probe; a heating element that has failed electrically will usually need replacing rather than repairing.
E20 / F20 – Water inlet fault. The machine isn't filling correctly. Confirm the tap is open, check the inlet hose and filter screen for blockages, and test the inlet valve if the supply side checks out.
E23 / F23 – Drain pump circuit fault. Points to the pump motor or its wiring rather than a blockage. If the pump doesn't hum during a spin-only cycle, the pump itself has likely failed.
E25 / F25, E26 / F26 – Water level or pressure sensor fault. The pressure switch that measures water level is reading outside its expected range, often due to a blocked or kinked sensing hose rather than the switch itself.
E28 / F28 – Overflow protection. The machine has detected more water than it should and has cut off the fill to prevent flooding. This is frequently caused by a stuck-open inlet valve and warrants turning off the water supply at the tap until it's checked.
E31 – Overflow / pressure switch fault. Similar territory to E28 — an obstructed hose, faulty solenoid valve, or a pressure switch whose autocalibration has drifted can all trigger it.
E32 – Unbalanced load. The washer detected uneven weight distribution and either slowed or skipped the spin. Redistribute the load, mixing large and small items, and make sure zips and buttons are fastened before restarting.
When to Call a Professional
Communication and control-board errors — often shown generically as "Err" on older models — usually clear with a full power-cycle reset (unplug for about 30 seconds and restore power), but a code that returns immediately after a reset generally means the control module needs professional attention. Drain, fill, and door faults (E01, E16–E20) are the most DIY-friendly of the group.