Bosch Washing Machine Error & Fault Codes (2023)

Updated: 9 Jan 2018

Bosch washing machine troubleshooting is made much easier if you havethe Bosch washing machine error code, or fault code as it is sometimes referred to. Thisis a series of numbers, and/or letters, or a sequence of LED lights that are associated with a particular fault. If your Bosch washing machine has a digital display then the error code will be presented as an alpha numerical code, for example ‘F18’. However if your washing machine doesn’t have a digital display then the fault code will be presented by a series of lit up LED lights for example:

Bosch washing machine problemsshow up differenterror codes depending on your model number, but the error codes will remain the same for a range of models. For example if your model number is WAE24060GB/01 (which will be found by opening the door of yourwashing machine) then we would say that you have a WAE range Bosch washing machine and the error codes for your model number will be the same for all model numbers starting with WAE. So first of all you need to check you model number and then select the range from the list below:

Bosch WAA Range Washing Machine Error Codes

Fault Code 1 – Heating time exceeds 105 minutes.

This error code means that the water isn’t reaching the required temperature set by the user. In most cases the fault will be with the heater element and it will need replacing. See our video on how to replace the element on a washing machine.

Fault Code 2 – Motor fault.

This fault code means that the motor isn’t turning and will therefore mean that the problem lies within the motor circuit; likely to be the carbon brushes, a faulty motor, or motor control module. See our guide on what to do if your washing machine isn’t turning or spinning.

Fault Code 3 – Door not closed.

This fault means that the door isn’t closed properly, or there is a problem with the door latching mechanism, or the door interlock. For more help on fixing this fault see our guide on my washing machine won’t turn on.

Fault Code 4 – Unexpected heating.

This fault is not a common Bosch washing machine error code. It means that the heating circuit has been activated at a stage of the wash cycle where it shouldn’t have.

Fault Code 5 – Washing machine is not filling with water.

This fault code will normally indicate that the water supply valve is switched off, the inlet hose is kinked, or the water inlet valve has failed. For more help see our guide on what to do if your washing machine won’t fill up.

Fault Code 6 – Washing machine takes longer than 6 minutes to empty.

This fault code indicates that water is unable to drain from the machine at the end of a cycle. Normally it will mean that you have a blockage or the drain pump is faulty. For further help see our guide on fixing a washing machine that won’t empty water.

Fault Code 7 – NTC thermistor open or short circuit.

NTC is a temperature sensor, so this fault means that either the NTC or the wiring to it is faulty.

Bosch WAE Range Washing Machine Error Codes

Without a Digital Display:

Error Code 1 - Door Interlock Problems.

This fault code relates directly to a door locking problem. The door is either not closed fully or can’t close fully. This could indicate a fault with your door locking mechanism or a faulty door interlock. Your washing machine will appear not to be working at all so check out our common problems page which will show you how to replace the door interlock if necessary.

Error Code 2 – Drain Problems.

This fault code appears when water cannot drain from the washing machine quick enough. See our self help guide onfixing a washing machine that’s not emptying.

Error Code 3 – Filling Problems.

This fault code means that your Bosch washing machine isn’t filling up with water. This could mean that the water is turned off, the inlet hose is kinked, or the inlet valve is faulty. For more help check out our guide why is my washing machine not filling?

Error Code 4 – Motor Error.

This fault code is telling you that the motor system is at fault. It could be a number of problems causing the error code including worn our carbon brushes, a burnt out motor, or motor control module. For more help see our guide why is my washing machine not spinning or turning?

Error Code 5 – Water detected in the base.

The WAE range of Bosch washing machine have a sealed base in case of any leaks. If there is a leak any water will be detected in the base of the washing machine and display Error code 5. See our guide on why is my washing machine leaking?

Wae Range with a digital display:

F16 Door Interlock problems.

This error code relates to problems with the door locking mechanism. Either the door isn’t shut properly or the door interlock has failed. See our common washing machine problems page for more help on fitting a new door interlock.

F17 Inlet Valve problems

Again, with an F17 error code your washing machine will appear not to be working at all because this fault code relates to a washing machine water fill problem. If the machine can’t fill with water then it will just sit there appearing to be doing nothing! In actual fact it will be the water inlet valve that is faulty or water is simply not getting to the washing machine because the taps are turned off, the water pressure is low, or perhaps the inlet hose is kinked. See our common problems page section why is my washing machine not filling.

F18 Drain Pump issues

F18 is a common problem with Bosch washing machines. It means that the washing machine can’t empty the water quick enough. For further help with fixing this fault see our guide on 'Washing Machine Draining Problems'.

F21 Motor troubles

F23 Anti-flood system activated

Bosch WFF Range Washing Machine Error Codes

Error Code 1 - Door Not Closed

Error Code 1 means that the door is not closed and cannot therefore lock. It will usually be a problem with the door locking mechanism such as a broken latch or the door interlock that is at fault. You can find further help here.

Error Code 2 – Washing Machine will not fill with water.

Error Code 2 means that water is not entering the machine because it is either turned off, the water inlet hose is kinked or the water inlet valve is open circuit or has failed mechanically. We have a guide on helping you fix a washing machine that won’t fill up.

Error Code 3 – Washing machine not heating.

This error code points to a fault with either the heating element or the heating circuit. You can find out how to replace a washing machine heater element in our ‘how to’ guides.

Error Code 4 – Washing machine won’t empty in 6 minutes.

This fault is relatively easy to fix. Normally the fault is either a blocked sump hose, drain hose, or pump. Or the drain pump is faulty. Take a look at our guide on dealing with a washing machine that won’t empty.

Error Code 5 – Fault in the motor drive circuit.

This error code normally indicates an issue with the motor carbon brushes, the motor itself, the motor control module or the associated wiring circuit. For further help see our guide on what to do if your washing machine won’t turn or spin.

Error Code 6 – Unexpected heating

This fault is not a common Bosch washing machine error code. It means that the heating circuit has been activated at a stage of the wash cycle where it shouldn’t have.

Error Code 7 - NTC thermistor open or short circuit.

NTC is a temperature sensor, so this fault means that either the NTC or the wiring to it is faulty.

Bosch WFL Range Washing Machine Error Codes

Error Code 1 – Door is not closed

Error Code 1 means that the door is not closed and cannot therefore lock. It will usually be a problem with the door locking mechanism such as a broken latch or the door interlock that is at fault. You can find further helphere.

Error Code 2 – Washing Machine will not fill with water.

Error Code 2 means that water is not entering the machine because it is either turned off, the water inlet hose is kinked or the water inlet valve is open circuit or has failed mechanically. We have a guide on helping youfix a washing machine that won’t fill up.

Error Code 3 – Washing machine not heating.

This error code points to a fault with either the heating element or the heating circuit. You can find outhow to replace a washing machine heater elementin our ‘how to’ guides.

Error Code 4 – Washing machine won’t empty in 6 minutes.

This fault is relatively easy to fix. Normally the fault is either a blocked sump hose, drain hose, or pump. Or the drain pump is faulty. Take a look at our guide on dealing with awashing machine that won’t empty.

Error Code 5 – Fault in the motor drive circuit.

This error code normally indicates an issue with the motor carbon brushes, the motor itself, the motor control module or the associated wiring circuit. For further help see our guide on what to do if yourwashing machine won’t turn or spin.

Error Code 6 – Unexpected heating

This fault is not a common Bosch washing machine error code. It means that the heating circuit has been activated at a stage of the wash cycle where it shouldn’t have.

Error Code 7 - NTC thermistor open or short circuit.

NTC is a temperature sensor, so this fault means that either the NTC or the wiring to it is faulty.

Bosch WFP Range Washing Machine Error Codes

F01 Fault Code

Water intake timeout
Faulty Aquastop inlet hose
Water tap turned off
Blocked filters
Low water pressure
find out more on how to fix a washing machine that’s not filling.

F02 Fault Code

Heater timeout
Not reaching temperature
Heater element faulty or wiring

F03 Fault Code

Drain out timeout
Water level problem
Pressure switch problem
Faulty or blocked pump

Find out how to repair a washing machine that’s not draining.

F04 Fault Code

Faulty Motor
Motor did not start (program has finished)

F05 Fault Code

Uncontrolled motor startup
Faulty carbon brushes

Usually this error code means the carbon brushes are worn. To find out more check out guide on my washing machine won’t turn or spin.

F06 Fault Code

Short circuit on NTC detected

F07 Fault Code

Open circuit on NTC detected
Faulty NTC

F08 Fault Code

Door is open when program starts

This fault normally means the door is simply not closed properly, or the door interlock or latching mechanism is faulty. See our guide on my washing machine won’t start.

F09 Fault Code

Unexpected heating.

F10 Fault Code

Communication error.

This fault code normally requires the services of a qualified engineer.

F11 Fault Code

Overheating heat sink or motor control PCB.

This fault code normally requires the services of a qualified engineer.

F12 Fault Code

Short circuit or faulty motor.

This fault code normally requires the services of a qualified engineer.

F13 Fault Code

Mains voltage too high.

This fault code normally requires the services of an electrician.

F14 Fault Code

Mains voltage too low.

This fault code normally requires the services of an electrician.

F15 Fault Code

This fault code normally requires the services of a qualified engineer.

Bosch WOK Range Washing Machine Error Codes

Error Code 1 – Door open when program started.

This Error code will normally mean that the door is simply not closed properly, or it is unable to latch. The latching mechanism could be at fault or the door interlock. See our guide to fitting a new door interlock.

Error Code 2 – Water not heating.

Error code 2 is to do with the heating circuit of the washing machine and will normally point to a faulty heater element. For further help see our guide to fitting a new heater element.

Error Code 3 – Water draining problem.

Error Code 3 means that the water is unable to drain for the washing machine in a specified amount of time. This can be caused by a blockage or a faulty drain pump. See our help guide on what to do when your washing machine won’t drain.

Error Code 4 – Unexpected Heating.

This fault is not a common Bosch washing machine error code. It means that the heating circuit has been activated at a stage of the wash cycle where it shouldn’t have.

Error Code 5 – Uncontrolled motor startup, high resistance connections.

This fault code normally requires the services of a qualified engineer.

Error Code 6 – Top cover open.

Error Code 7 – Lid open.

Error Code 8 – Motor not turning.

This error code means the drum is not turning or spinning during the cycle. It will normally indicate that your carbon brushes are worn or need replacing, however it could be a faulty motor or motor control PCB. See our help guide of dealing with a washing machine that won’t turn or spin.

Error Code 9 – NTC thermistor open circuit.

Faulty temperature sensor.

Error Code 10 – NTC thermistor short circuit.

Faulty temperature sensor.

Error Code 11 – Faulty parking sensor.

This fault code normally requires the services of a qualified engineer.

Error Code 12 – Faulty K5 or K6 relay.

This fault code normally requires the services of a qualified engineer.

Bosch WOL Range Washing Machine Error Codes

Error Code 1 – Door is not closed

Error Code 1 means that the door is not closed and cannot therefore lock. It will usually be a problem with the door locking mechanism such as a broken latch or the door interlock that is at fault. You can find further help here.

Error Code 2 – Washing Machine will not fill with water.

Error Code 2 means that water is not entering the machine because it is either turned off, the water inlet hose is kinked or the water inlet valve is open circuit or has failed mechanically. We have a guide on helping you fix a washing machine that won’t fill up.

Error Code 3 – Washing machine not heating.

This error code points to a fault with either the heating element or the heating circuit. You can find out how to replace a washing machine heater element in our ‘how to’ guides.

Error Code 4 – Washing machine won’t empty in 6 minutes.

This fault is relatively easy to fix. Normally the fault is either a blocked sump hose, drain hose, or pump. Or the drain pump is faulty. Take a look at our guide on dealing with a washing machine that won’t empty.

Error Code 5 - NTC thermistor open or short circuit.

NTC is a temperature sensor, so this fault means that either the NTC or the wiring to it is faulty.

Error Code 6 – Unexpected heating

This fault is not a common Bosch washing machine error code. It means that the heating circuit has been activated at a stage of the wash cycle where it shouldn’t have.

Error Code 7 – Fault in the motor drive circuit.

This error code normally indicates an issue with the motor carbon brushes, the motor itself, the motor control module or the associated wiring circuit. For further help see our guide on what to do if your washing machine won’t turn or spin.

By Lee Gilbert