Bosch washing machines are known for their functionality and reliability. The advantages of German quality are undeniable, but some users have difficulty unlocking the device after displaying a system error or installing child lock.
- Why is the Bosch washing machine blocked?
- Removing the child lock
- Instructions for resetting the fault code
- What other reasons are there for the sunroof to jam?
- Bosch washing machine catalog with reviews
Why is the Bosch washing machine blocked?
The control system of Bosch washing equipment can be blocked for two main reasons:
- The user has activated the child lock feature while the machine is running. After finishing the wash, the device turned off in a locked state.
- The equipment malfunctioned and an error code appeared on the display. The machine does not respond to user actions.
If one of these situations occurs, don't worry, there is a solution. But if the breakdown turns out to be serious, you will have to contact a specialist.
Washing machine BOSCH
How to unlock an Ariston washing machine
The most common reason for the washing machine door not opening is a power surge or power supply problem. There are two solutions to this problem:
- Using an emergency release cable;
- Draining water manually.
In addition, the instructions supplied with the unit offer several alternative ways to troubleshoot the problem:
Select the “Baby” or “light ironing” washing mode and, when finishing washing in this mode, stop the hatch using the “Start/Stop” button;
Incomplete drainage of water is also possible when using the “Silk” washing mode; to remove water from the drum, you should press the “Start/Pause” button or select the “light ironing” mode and wait until the machine completes the task assigned to it.
Removing the child lock
To prevent the child from messing up the settings during the work process by randomly pressing buttons, Bosch washing machine designers have equipped their devices with a child lock option. It is activated this way:
- The machine is turned on, laundry is loaded into the drum, and detergent is loaded into the dispenser.
- Select a program and press the lock button.
- Once the key-shaped icon appears on the display, you can start the work cycle.
When the wash is finished, the lock must be deactivated before disconnecting the equipment from the power supply. If you forget to do this, the next time you turn on the device will be locked. To solve the problem, you need to select exactly the washing program that was used before turning off. Then press and hold the lock button until you hear the door click.
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You will find information about which key to set the child lock and other useful recommendations in the user manual for your machine.
The most common unlocking techniques
In most cases, to unlock the washing machine, you need to disconnect it from the power supply by unplugging the plug for 15-20 minutes. During this time, the device will reset the program and be ready for a new cycle.
- To urgently unlock the washing machine door, on most modern units you should select the “spin” program and the “no spin” mode. In two or three minutes the hatch will open.
- If you need to “bring the car back to life” after a short-term power outage, you can press and hold the “Start” or “Start” button on the control panel for 30-60 seconds.
- The problem with the lock of a Siemens, Bosch or Ariston machine can be resolved by starting the wash again. In the process, by pressing “delayed start” or “no spin”, you should pull the door towards you as soon as a click is heard.
Turning off the washing machine
As a last resort, you can unlock the washing machine door manually. Most devices from Bosch, Samsung, Ariston and others have an emergency cable installed inside the case. It is located under the drain filter cover. The color of the cable is usually red or orange.
The second option for “manual” opening of Bosch and other brands of machines is more complex and requires skill in handling a screwdriver. You will have to remove the top panel and, tilting the entire unit back (so that the drum moves slightly and opens access to the lock device), stick your hand inside the case. Having found the locking device, you need to press the lock tongue (to the side) with your finger and pull the door towards you. Before disassembling the machine, you should unplug it from the outlet and drain all the water.
Manually unlocking
Instructions for resetting the fault code
The owner will learn about a failure in the system thanks to an error code that appears on the display, the meaning of which can be read in the instructions. If the program did not start for an easily fixable reason, for example, due to a loose hatch or lack of water supply to the tank, you can solve the problem yourself. After this, the error code will disappear and the machine will start operating normally.
F21 error "Bosch"
In other cases, removing the lock will require repairing the device. Contact the service center if you do not have the necessary skills. Experience shows that sometimes Bosch washing machines do not reset the error even after the problem has been eliminated. In such cases, you must perform the following steps:
- Turn on the machine.
- Hold the power key with one hand and turn the program lever 2 steps to the left with the other.
- After a couple of seconds, release the power button.
- The display will show the duration of the selected program, or all indicators will flash simultaneously if the model does not have a display.
Online diagnostics of a washing machine
If your machine stops washing or rinsing clothes normally, then some kind of malfunction or breakdown has occurred.
You can try to find the problem yourself. Run diagnostics
Select which operation your washing machine does not perform:
1. Doesn’t drain 2. Doesn’t rotate the drum 3. Doesn’t spin clothes 4. Noises, knocks, buzzes when spinning 5. Doesn’t turn on
Checking the operation of the drain pump Is the drain pump of the washing machine working? Yes No I don’t know << Back
Clogged hoses in the washing machine If the sound corresponds to the normal sound that has always been observed when the device is working, the cause is probably a clog.
Was there a blockage in the drain hose? Yes
<< Back
The drain pump does not work! If the sound matches the normal sound of the drain pump, it is recommended that you check the drain filter first.
After cleaning, does the drain pump work and does the washing machine drain water? Not really
<< Back
Operation of the drain pump The sound of the pump is usually immediately audible and noticeable. If there is no sound, the pump is not working. We are looking for how to separately enable the water drainage program. As a rule, this is a separate option. After the program has been turned on, the pump should start working in 1-3 seconds. If everything is done correctly and the pump is operational, a buzzing sound will appear. If you hear no buzzing or other sounds when you turn on the program, the pump is probably faulty.
Is the washing machine drain pump working? Not really
<< Back
Clogged car hoses If you have identified a clog in the hoses, you need to disassemble them, clean them, and then reassemble everything.
Does the washing machine drain well? Not really
<< Back
Hurray, you did a great job, you fixed it.
<< Return to the beginning of diagnostics
The drain pump is faulty, call a professional.
<< Return to the beginning of the diagnosis.
The washing machine does not rotate the drum. During the operation of the washing machine, such a problem may occur. Each model has a different drum operation. It rotates according to a given algorithm, which is set by the program. This principle applies to spinning and washing. If you are not sure whether the drum is not spinning or whether it is working, put the laundry in the washing machine. Start the spin program. If the machine is running, it will first drain the water and then start spinning. In this case, a rotational process will be observed. If rotation is not visible, then check the belt. First, turn off the program, then unplug the wire from the outlet so that power does not flow into the device. Now you need to remove the back cover. You will need to carefully inspect the drum belt. It is quite easy to determine whether it is in the wrong position or damaged.
Is the washing machine belt torn or stretched? Not really
<< Back
Broken drum drive belt If the belt breaks, it will be immediately visible. There are also often cases when the belt simply stretches, which is why the drum, accordingly, does not rotate. Do not allow the machine to operate if the belt breaks. It is important to check whether it has wound around the engine pulley or broken the wiring to the engine. The heating element and temperature sensor may also be damaged if the belt does catch the wires. It is imperative to ensure that the belt model is original. If you choose an unsuitable or low-quality product, this will affect the performance of other devices. How do you know what kind of belt you have? There will be a marking written on the old one, compare it with the one indicated on the belt offered to you. You can also find out belt information by car model.
<< Return to the beginning of the diagnosis.
Washing machine motor malfunction If a malfunction is not found, the block with wires must be disconnected from the electric motor. Carefully remove it. We visually evaluate the engine. It may have melting, cracks, or other effects that clearly indicate damage. We call the windings of the tachogenerator and the engine. It is important to understand that you can fully study how correctly the engine operates and whether there is a malfunction only at the stand. If rotation does not occur, there may be a problem with more than just the motor. Sometimes the cause is a malfunctioning electronic module. If a short circuit occurs in the engine, the module could be damaged, while the engine remains operational. Also, the wires could be damaged.
<< Return to the beginning of the diagnosis.
Repairing a washing machine that does not spin clothes After completing the washing process, the washing machine may not spin properly or may not start spinning. Firstly, look, perhaps another mode is set, which does not involve turning on the spin cycle at all. This happens, for example, with programs related to washing woolen items and delicate fabrics. To check, run the spin cycle separately. If the washing machine does not drain water, we proceed to check the pump.
Does the washing machine now spin clothes? Not really
<< Back
Congratulations, you have solved your problem!
<< Return to the beginning of the diagnosis.
Repair of washing machines, imbalance Modern washing machines place the laundry on the drum before spinning. This is necessary for quality work. Check if this feature works. Sometimes a situation occurs when things get wrapped up in a ball that cannot be unwound automatically within a certain time. At this point the work stops. You need to unwind this laundry yourself, lay it out and continue operating the washing machine. In this case, it is important to turn off the machine, and then, when the laundry is laid out, turn on a separate spin program.
Does the washing machine now spin clothes? Not really
<< Back
Washing machine repair, drum drive repair Now you need to check the drum drive belt. We remove the cover and visually assess the condition of the belt. There should be no damage. If the tension is weak, the spin may not turn on. If you need to replace the belt, you should only replace it with the original one. After replacing, we try the program again.
Fault found, does the washing machine spin? Not really
<< Back
The engine or electronic module is faulty, call a repairman to your home.
<< Return to the beginning of the diagnosis.
The washing machine hums, makes noise during the spin cycle, rumbles, and makes a jet plane noise. If the washing machine makes noise during operation, making unusual sounds, it’s time to pay special attention to it. In this case, a visible breakdown or lack of functionality may not be observed, but the appearance of strange sounds indicates that it is time to look for a malfunction. It is important to understand that a new car that has just been delivered should be inspected for shipping bolts. If you forget to remove them, noise and vibration are inevitable. So, let's begin! We turn the washing machine drum and listen to extraneous sounds.
When rotating, do you hear extraneous noise, hum, balls rolling, does the drum move unevenly with slight jamming? Not really
<< Back
If the drum rotates and uncharacteristic sounds appear, including vibration, it’s time to check the bearings. If they malfunction, they will have to be replaced.
<< Return to the beginning of the diagnosis.
The counterweight of the washing machine has come loose. The fastening of the counterweights must also be of high quality. If they are “loose”, it’s time to eliminate this defect. In some cases, you can notice that the bolts that secure the stones are completely missing. In this case, the connectors for mounting will be visible. The bolts need to be found and put in place - they probably simply came loose. A rumble heard while the washing machine is operating may indicate that the bolts have partially loosened. To check the bolts, you can simply push the drum. If it is secure, the bolts are fine. If it moves, there is a defect.
Do you hear any noise, clanging or rattling noises when moving the washing machine tub? Not really
<< Back
The counterweight has come off
<< Return to the beginning of diagnostics
Checking the shock absorbers of the washing machine Checking the shock absorbers. If you hear vibration or excessive noise during the spin cycle, there may be a problem with the shock absorbers. Sometimes the washer moves. Now let's check the functionality. Remove the top cover. Click on the tank, move it five to seven centimeters down. A normal reaction will be observed if the tank rises sharply, jumping a little and stopping in its normal place. If this does not happen, the shock absorbers need to be replaced.
Are the shock absorbers of the washing machine working? Not really
<< Back
If a visible defect has not been identified, check whether a foreign object may have entered the machine. Replacing shock absorbers. The problem with shock absorbers wearing out occurs quite often over time.
<< Return to the beginning of the diagnosis.
Replacing washing machine shock absorbers. Malfunction and wear of shock absorbers is a fairly common phenomenon.
<< Return to the beginning of the diagnosis.
The washing machine does not turn on. It is worth trying to find the cause of the problem yourself and fix it. We start by connecting the device to the network. Next, click on the “network” button. In different car models, different indications are triggered: here either the display will start working, or, on the contrary, some other button.
Does the washing machine have an indicator? Not really
<< Back
Hatch lock lock (UBL) You can check it by turning on any of the programs. We choose what we will use. Click on the corresponding button. Don't forget to pay attention to the inclusion. As a rule, the process of activating a function is characterized by the presence of a certain sound, for example a click, with which the device makes it clear that pressing again is not necessary and the machine is already working. If there is no sound, the button may be broken. In this case, the main thing that must be done is to block the hatch and start working. If this happens, everything is fine.
The washing machine is blocking the hatch and the UBL is triggered? Not really
<< Back
Water fill valve malfunction
<< Return to the beginning of the diagnosis.
The washing machine hatch does not lock
<< Return to the beginning of the diagnosis.
No indication Checking the electrical circuit. If you notice that the washing machine does not respond to being turned on, it is first recommended to check the power supply. The outlet may be faulty. Try connecting another device. If the outlet works, you need to check whether the circuit that conducts energy through the washing machine from one element to another is intact. To do this, you will need a multimeter, which will help you fully analyze the ability to respond to an electrical signal at several stages of operation. If there is no network connection anywhere, this is probably the problem. We carry out this manipulation until we reach the electronic module. If we are talking about an old washing machine, here it will look like the device’s program. When you turn on the button, there should be no breaks in the circuit. If the circuit works, everything is fine electrically.
Is the washing machine's power supply OK? Not really
<< Back
Repair of electronic module (unit)
<< Return to the beginning of diagnostics
Contact circuit fault
<< Return to the beginning of diagnostics
A number of Bosch washing machines provide another combination to reset the error code:
- The rotary switch is switched to o.
- Then press the “Revolution” key and, holding it, move the lever to the “Drain” position.
- After 3 seconds, the “Revolution” button can be released.
- Immediately after this, you need to set the switch to o.
- After 2 seconds, move the lever counterclockwise to the off position.
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I work in the household appliance repair industry. Extensive experience in restoring washing machines and dishwashers.
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All actions must be performed quickly. If they are unsuccessful, the procedure can be repeated. Please note that sometimes an attempt to reset the firmware to reset an error leads to expensive equipment repairs.
Urgent opening of the machine door
If a situation arises when you need to urgently open the machine door while the program is already running (for example, the user suddenly remembered that he left a wallet in his washable jacket), you must act according to the algorithms proposed below.
For front loading washing machine
The procedure is as follows.
- Disconnect the machine from the electricity (pull out the cord from the outlet).
- If water has already filled the drum, place a suitable container under the machine and unscrew the drain plug. You can try draining the water through the drain hose, ensuring a large difference in levels.
- Near the drain filter there is an emergency hatch opening cable (orange or yellow), you need to pull it and the latch will unlock.
- Some machine models do not provide for this situation. You have to open the lock lever yourself. Access to it is through the top cover, which must be removed. The machine itself must be tilted so that the tank moves away from the hatch. You can reach into the gap that appears with your hand and open the lock.
Emergency door opening cable
Related article: How to wash kitchen towels in a washing machine
For top loading washing machine
In this case, a closed top hatch means that the drum, which was not closed tightly enough, turned and broke something else. Perhaps it rests on the heating element of the machine.
- Turn off the power.
- Open the back panel.
- Remove the transmission belt and wires to get to the heating element.
- Pull out the heating element itself, while slamming the drum door.
- Find the position where the top hatch of the machine unlocks.
- Put the machine back together.
Important! If the door unlocked itself when the power was turned off, you can try to close the drum doors without disassembling the machine, gaining access from above.
What other reasons are there for the sunroof to jam?
Not only the system, but also the washing machine hatch can become blocked. Often the reason for this is a malfunction of the mechanism that latches the door. If the hatch does not open within 30 minutes after finishing washing, do not pull it. Try to bend the latch using a strong fishing line, to do this you need to:
- unplug the washing machine from the socket;
- thread the fishing line between the machine body and the door;
- Gently press the latch.
It is possible that specialist intervention and partial disassembly of the case will be required to fix the breakdown.
Are you unplugging your washing machine?
Oh yes! No
The door may become blocked due to water remaining in the drum. To open the hatch, you must enable the drain program. If this action did not help in solving the problem, elements such as:
- water control sensor;
- drain pump;
- control module.
You may need to unclog your drain or drain hose. Do it yourself or hire a plumber.
If your Bosch washing machine is blocked, try to solve the problem yourself using one of the described methods. Proceed with caution, having first read the device instructions. If your own attempts are unsuccessful, contact a professional who can identify the problem and fix it.
The need for a hatch locking function
The device used to lock the washing machine hatch has a very important purpose. Thus, it is used to implement a washing device protection program.
For example, thanks to this function, children will not be able to open the door of the washing machine themselves while it is running. The principle of operation of the lock is that the door automatically locks when the device is started, and then opens it. It often happens that this mechanism breaks down, which leads to the machine door completely locking even after it has been running.
