What the Bosch washing machine codes mean
Bosch shows the same fault as an E code on some models and an F code on others, so each heading lists both. Codes can vary by model. Check your manual if a code does not match.
E18, F18: Not draining
What it means: Water is staying in the drum, often because of a blocked pump or a kinked drain hose.
What you can check: Close the tap, switch off and unplug. Let hot water cool, open the service flap at the bottom front and drain the water into a container through the small emergency hose. Unscrew the pump cover, clean it and check that the impeller turns freely. Straighten the drain hose. Refit everything, run the drain programme and check for leaks.
E17, F17: Water supply time exceeded
What it means: The machine did not get enough water in the set time.
What you can check: Check that the tap is fully open and the inlet hose is not kinked. Clean the filter screen where the hose connects to the machine. Restart the programme.
Read our guide: Why Is My Washing Machine Not Filling With Water?
E16, F16: Door open
What it means: The door is not closed or not detected as closed.
What you can check: Open the door, check that no clothing is caught in the seal and close it firmly until it clicks. If the code returns, the door lock needs testing.
E23, F23: AquaStop activated
What it means: The AquaStop safety system has detected a possible water leak.
What you can check: Turn off the water tap straight away and do not use the machine until it has been repaired. This code needs a technician.
Read our guide: Why Is My Washing Machine Leaking From Underneath?
Still having trouble with your bosch error codes?
Our technician comes to your home, usually the same day. The R450 call-out falls away if you go ahead, and you get a fixed price in writing before any work starts.
E19, F19: Heating time exceeded
What it means: The water did not reach temperature in time.
What you can check: Switch off for a few minutes and restart. If the code returns, the heater, its sensor or the wiring needs testing.
E20, F20: Unexpected heating
What it means: The heater switched on when it should not have.
What you can check: Switch the machine off at the wall and do not use it. This needs a technician.
E25, F25: Turbidity sensor
What it means: The sensor that checks how dirty the water is reports a fault.
What you can check: Switch off for a few minutes and restart. If the code stays, the sensor needs testing.
E26, F26, F27: Pressure sensor
What it means: The sensor that measures the water level reports a fault.
What you can check: Switch off for a few minutes and restart. If the code stays, the sensor or its hose needs testing.
E28, F28: Flow sensor
What it means: The sensor that measures the water flowing in reports a fault.
What you can check: Check that the tap is fully open, then restart. If the code stays, the sensor needs testing.
When to stop and call a technician
The machine shows E23 or F23, the same code comes back after these checks, it trips the power, you smell burning or water is leaking onto the floor. Close the tap and switch off at the wall before you open the service flap.
How a technician deals with the code
- Read the fault memoryThe technician reads the codes the machine has stored, not only the one on the display.
- Test the partThe part behind the code is tested, for example the drain pump, inlet valve, door lock, heater, sensor or AquaStop hose.
- Fixed priceYou get a fixed price in writing before any part is replaced.
Code meanings on this page come from Bosch support: E18 in display and Bosch: washer error codes and Bosch support: E17 or F17 and Bosch support: E23 or F23. See also our Bosch washing machine repairs page.