Washing Machine Fault Codes
Bosch WAE Fault Codes
As we say in all these articles, there are a number of different version of the electronics used in Bosch Group made washing machines and washer dryers that are sold under the Bosch, Neff and Siemens and some of them use the same fault or error codes when they have a problem or a spare part fails.
These are the one of the common sets of fault codes for Bosch washing machine models as well as other Bosch Group produced brands.
These fault codes are displayed by way of lit or flashing light on the front of the washing machine. If it is the latter then you will see a pattern to the flashes if you look closely it will be a series of rapid flashes followed by a pause and then the series of flashes will be repeated, this is the error code being displayed. If you count the number of flashes being given then you use that number to correspond to the fault code, for example, three flashes would be fault code 3.
Before you start any investigation of the fault or even remove the lid of your Bosch washing machine please read and fully understand this article in full and pay particular attention to the safety and information notices at the bottom of this page as they contain extremely important information!
Reset The Washing Machine
For most BSH produced washing machines the reset procedure appears to be much the same and is carried out by following the steps as follows in order:
.(Turn the program dial to the off or reset position (should be at the 12 o’clock position * .Turn the dial to the 6 o’clock position * .Press and hold down on the spin button and simultaneously turn the dial to the 7 o’clock position * .Hold the spin button for around 5 seconds and then release * .Turn the dial to the off position *
Once the machine is powered up again the error should be reset or cleared.
If the same code comes up once again then there will be a problem of some kind that will require further investigation, diagnosis and any fault resolved. If you require further assistance to diagnose a problem with your washing machine please use the forums for that.
Bosch WAE Washing Machine Fault Codes These fault codes are written for washing machine repairers and not for the general public by Bosch and UK Whitegoods and as such they assume a certain level of competence on the part of the user in diagnostic routines. We have added some notes to try to assist you in determining the nature of the fault you have but, you will still need to investigate each failure on its own merits. For more help and advice on fault finding on a washing machine please refer to our basic fault finding guide from this link before you begin.
Please check that any Bosch washing machine spares recommended are suitable for use on your particular model and ENR code. If you are unsure about the suitability of any spare part please ask to ensure that you get the correct spares for your washing machine. Please, don't guess or assume as spares can be altered on a production run with the same model number having several different alternative components used.
Fault Code Lights Legend
Bosch Washing Machine Fault Codes The LEDs in these error codes represent the spin, rinse and then wash LED's as you look at them, being either lit or not lit, they should not be flashing.
Other Bosch WAE Series Fault Codes We have had reported the addition of the following fault codes via the forums we presume for Bosch WAE washing machiens that have a digital display.
F16: Door lock problem
Check the door lock and wiring to it.
F17: Inlet valve
Inlet valve failure detected, probably open circuit, test and replace if required.
F18: Drain pump
Drain pump error detected, check for blockage, wiring and operation. If open circuit replace the drain pump.
F21: Motor
Can be wiring, motor brushes etc, check and replace faulty components as required.
F23: Anti flood system activated
Check for leaks and check the float switch in the base of the machine if fitted. If there isn't one then all bets are off as to what the cause it but probably a wiring problem somewhere or possibly the control module but, that's the last option.
Wash light flashing but no effect on wash
Overfoaming detected, reduce the detergent dose!
Child Lock
If your Bosch washing machine displays something similar to the image then the chances are that the child lock is active. It is possible that this is done inadvertantly.
To set and unset the child lock:
Press and hold the Start/Pause button for 5 seconds after the start/end of the programme.
The childproof lock can remain activated until you wish to start the next programme, even after switching off the machine.
Then you can deactivate the childproof lock before the start of the programme and activate it again as necessary once the programme has started.
Do note that on some models that the child lock can only be released from the program that it was set on so you will need to select the program used when the child lock was set and then unlock it as above.