The E83 error code on a Bosch washing machine means that there is a problem with the printed circuit board and the wash cycle cannot be carried out.
A variety of problems can cause this fault including control board failure and faulty wiring inside the machine. It’s common for this fault to go away when you perform a hard reset which we will talk about in this guide.
Before you try to repair your washing machine you should make sure that it’s isolated from the electrical supply so that you can work safely.
This is what you should do to fix your washing machine with the E83 error code:
Reset the machine
You should start by attempting to reset the machine. This will clear most faults and error codes so you can test the machine.
Sometimes the E83 error code will be displayed when there is no fault with the machine and just needs to be reset.
How to reset your Bosch washing machine:
- Turn the control knob to the off position which is usually at the top 12 o’clock position – This should turn the display off
- Unplug the machine from the electrical supply and give it 5 – 10 minutes so that the capacitors on the control board discharge any power they are holding
- Plug the machine back in and try a short cycle – This will allow you to test the machine and see if the error code returns
If the error code continues to display after you have reset the machine you will need to move on to checking the power source and the control board.
Check the power source
If you have reset your machine and it’s still displaying the E83 error code, then you will want to look into the power source.
If the electrical supply where your washing machine is plugged in is faulty then it might be causing problems with the control board.
The first thing you should do is to move where the washing machine is plugged into. Try a different electrical socket so you can rule out a faulty plug socket.
It might be a good idea to test all of the electrical sockets in your home so that you can rule out a faulty electrical installation.
Washing machines that are plugged into generators are known to have more problems than those plugged into a traditional electrical installation.
Make sure the cables are in good condition
The control board on your washing machine is what directs power to each of the components inside the machine.
If the cables are not plugged in correctly or if they have become damaged from burning, then it might cause the machine to display a control board error.
You should remove the lid from your machine and check all of the cables that are plugged into the control board.
Look out for any signs of damage including burning, melting or any breaks in the cables.
If you find a faulty wire, then you can either repair the wire or replace it by ordering a wiring loom for your washing machine.
It’s fairly common for a wire to come loose on a washing machine that’s been shaking around a lot recently whilst it’s spinning.
If you have recently had a repair on your machine, then the chances of a problem with the wiring are increased. If a wire has gotten trapped when it was being repaired, then it might be causing problems for the control board.
Inspect the control board
If you have reset the machine, and checked the power source and the cables then you should move on to inspecting the control board.
If you remove the lid and then the front fascia of the machine you will be able to access the control board.
If you remove the control board, you can check both sides for any obvious signs of failure.
What you should be looking for:
- Make sure that there are no burn marks on the circuit board – These are black, and you won’t be able to rub them away
- Look at all of the capacitors and if any of them are bulged they will need to be replaced
- Look for signs that there has been an electrical short circuit on the electrical tracks
If you find that the control board has failed, you should consider trying to have it repaired instead of replaced due to the high cost of a control board.
Bosch washing machines are usually good appliances but if the control board has failed, they are usually quite expensive and some people choose to replace rather than repair the machine.
Summary
That’s everything that you need to know about fixing the E83 error code on a Bosch washing machine.
Here’s a quick recap:
- Start by attempting to reset your washing machine – This will clear any false error codes and will allow the control board to forget about any errors and faults that are being stored
- Check the power source – If the electrical supply where the washing machine is plugged in is faulty then it might be causing problems with the circuit board
- Check the cables that are plugged into the control board – If any of the cables have come loose or have been damaged then the control board won’t be operating properly
- Inspect the control board and look for any signs of failure – If there are any burn marks or scorch marks that you can’t rub away then it’s a sign that the control board has failed and will need to be repaired or replaced
It’s worth mentioning that if it’s the control board that has failed on your washing machine then you will want to look into the repair costs because sometimes it’s not economically viable.
Depending on how much your washing machine cost to buy new you might want to replace the machine because the control boards on Bosch washing machines are known to be very expensive.
If you need any more information on Bosch washing machine error codes, we have a complete guide which lists each of them and what you can do to fix them.
