Read through our in-depth walkthrough of the Bosch washing machine error codes and what they mean. You will find the error codes listed below on Bosch washing machines with a digital display.
F16 Bosch washing machine error code (door open)
The machine has detected that the door is still open before the cycles started. The F16 / E16 error code will usually display after you press start on the cycle.
What to check:
- Check if the door is open
- Make sure the door has no dropped down
- Check the wiring to the door lock
- Check the wiring going to the control module
If the door interlock has become faulty, the door will not engage and the cycle will not start. If the checks above are no help, the door interlock should be replaced.
Occasionally, the printed circuit board (PCB) is responsible for this error. Replacing a Bosch washing machine control module can often be expensive so it’s important to exhaust all other faults first.
We have a full guide on how to fix the F16 error code which goes into detail about every possible cause and how to fix them.
F17 Bosch washing machine error code (can’t fill)
The washing machine can’t fill in time to start the cycle. Bosch washing machines will allow for 3 – 5 minutes when the machine is filling.
If the machine doesn’t take enough water into the drum, the cycle will stop and the F17 / E17 error code will display on the LCD.
What you should do:
- Make sure the fill pipe isn’t kinked
- Check that the water fill tap is not turned off
- Check the wiring going to the water inlet valve
- Look for blockages in the solenoid valve
- Try replacing the solenoid valve
F18 Bosch washing machine error code (drain fault)
The washing machine has detected that the water can’t drain away. This is a common fault and will often present itself with a drum full of water.
The F18 and E18 Bosch error codes will usually mean that something is stuck in the drain pump filter.
What you should do:
- Look for blockages in the drain pump filter
- Look for blockages in the drain sump pipe
- Make sure the water waste pipe is not blocked
- Replace the drain pump if no blockages are present
If the above checks are not the problem, it’s possible that the wiring from the control board down to the pump is broken or the printed circuit board needs to be replaced.
F19 Bosch washing machine error code (not heating)
The machine can’t heat the water up inside the drum. The F19 and E19 error codes will display on the machine if the heating element is failing to heat the water up inside the drum.
The first thing that you should check is if the water inside the drum is cold. Sometimes this fault can be caused by a broken temperature sensor. If the water is hot, then the fault will be with the parts in the machine that regulate the temperature.
Other things to look for:
- Check the wiring to the heating element has not broken
- Make sure the wiring going to the control board has not become unplugged
- Replace the NTC on the heating element
The most common reason for a Bosch washing machine not heating up the water is a faulty heating element. The wash heater is accessible at the back of the drum and is usually an inexpensive repair.
F20 Bosch washing machine error code (unexpected heat)
The F20 and E20 Bosch error codes indicate that there is an unexpected temperature rise. This is usually present on washer dryers when the heating cycle is being carried out.
This error code is usually fixed by disconnecting the machine from the main supply for 5 – 10 minutes and starting the cycle again.
If the problem persists, it indicates that a temperature sensor is failing in the machine, which will need to be located and replaced.
F23 Bosch washing machine error code (aqua stop activated)
The aqua stop has been activated due to a leak. Bosch washing machines with a base have a floating device that detects if there is water build-up in the machine.
What to do:
- Check the door seal for rips or tears
- Make sure the fill hose is connected securely
- Look for holes in the drum
- Check the drain pump housing the leaks
If the leak is difficult to locate, it can sometimes be easier to watch the machine while it’s on a cycle to get a better idea of which area the water is coming from.
F25 Bosch washing machine error code (turbidity sensor)
The turbidity sensor is failing to respond. The F25 and E25 Bosch washing machine error codes indicate a problem with the turbidity sensor reading.
The turbidity sensor monitors the quality of the water in the machine and will help the machine to make decisions during the cycle. If the readings from the sensor are not correct or the sensor is unresponsive, the error code will display on the LCD.
The easiest way to fix the F25 error is to replace the turbidity sensor, which is usually an economical repair.
F26 Bosch washing machine error code (pressure sensor)
The pressure sensor is faulty. The F26 and E26 Bosch fault codes mean that the pressure sensor that measures the amount of water in the drum is broken.
What to check:
- Check the pressure sensor pipe for holes
- Make sure the pressure sensor is still connected to the pipe and drum
- Check if water is coming back up through the waste pipe
Most of the time, the pressure sensor will need to be replaced, which is quite a straightforward repair.
F27 Bosch washing machine error code (water level sensor)
The machine has indicated a problem with the pressure sensor. When the D27 or E27 error code is displayed on the machine, it means that the pressure sensor that regulates the water in the drum has broken.
This error code is similar to the F26 code and will usually mean that the pressure sensor needs replacing.
Before replacing the sensor, you should check the thin pipe from the pressure sensor for holes and that it hasn’t disconnected on either side.
F28 Bosch washing machine error code (flow sensor)
The machine has detected a problem with the flow sensor. The F28 and E28 Bosch error codes mean that the flow sensor is faulty or the control module is not reading the sensor correctly.
The first thing to do is replace the flow sensor. If this doesn’t resolve the error code, then the printed circuit board (PCB is faulty and will need to be replaced. The control modules on Bosch machines can be quite costly, meaning sometimes it’s better to replace the washing machine than repair it.
Sometimes, this error code can be caused by poor water flow into the machine, so it’s worth checking that there is a good water supply and that the solenoid valve is not stopping the water from coming in through the draw.
