Error codes for Bosch washing machines ✅: malfunctions, methods for eliminating SMA

Error codes for Bosch washing machines are identical for all front-loading models? The only difference is in the way they are displayed. The SMA with a display displays an alphanumeric combination on it. If the control panel is not equipped with it, the operating mode indicators are used to report a problem. For devices with a hatch on the top panel, our own symbol system has been developed.

Common error codes for Bosh washing machines

Malfunctions of a Bosch washing machine can be diagnosed by what error code the device produces. However, some combinations do not appear in standard operating modes. To see them, you need to run a service test.

The error codes for Bosch washing machines, given in the instruction manual, are necessary so that the owner can independently eliminate situations in which the stoppage of operation is not caused by a breakdown of the machine elements, and report the cause of the problem when contacting the service center.

A user of a front-loading model may encounter the following errors on a Bosch washing machine:

F 01, 8 or 16. The hatch is not locked. You need to make sure that the laundry does not interfere with the closing of the door and try to slam it again.
F 02 and 17. No water. F27, F28, F29, F60. Incorrect operation of various sensors. You should check whether the valve at the point where the device connects to the water supply is open and clean the hose and filter that regulate the flow.
F 03 and 18. Water removal impossible. You need to make sure that the drain hose is not kinked and that the drain filter is not clogged.
F 04. Leak in the system. It is necessary to check the correct installation of the detergent dispenser and the fixation of the drainage filter.
F 13 or 14. Incorrect voltage supplied. You need to check the status of the power supply.
F 19 and 22. The water does not heat up. You should check the voltage in the network. If it is below the required value, the MCA is working properly. The appearance of these codes on the display is also possible if the water supply was interrupted ahead of time.
F 25. Turbidity sensor malfunction. The manufacturer recommends cleaning the inlet and drain filters and running the idle wash cycle at maximum temperature.
F 40. SMA does not start. You should check the presence of voltage in the network and the functionality of the outlet.

If the tips given do not help solve the problem of your Bosch washing machine, only a specialist can find the type of problem and how to fix it.

There are also Bosch error codes that immediately indicate that the device needs professional repair. Among them:

F 20. Water heats above the set temperature value.
F 21. The drum does not spin.
F 23. Activation of the “Aqua-stop” mode.
F 26. Fill/drain problem caused by failure of the electronic components of the device.
F 34, 36 or 61. Door broken.
F 06, 07, 15, or 37. Incorrect operation of the temperature sensor.
F 38. Temperature sensor short circuit.
F 5, 10, 11, 12, 42, 43, 44. Malfunction of the motor or other elements that ensure rotation of the drum.
F 63. Software problem.
F67 or E67. Failure of control elements.

Error E02 is considered critical. This situation may cause the washing machine to catch fire. When it appears, the device should be de-energized as quickly as possible.

What you can do yourself

The lack of spinning can be due not only to breakdowns, but also to incorrect installation or use of the equipment. In particular, Bosh may not do push-ups for the following reasons.

No spin program selected . The “wool”, “silk”, “delicate wash” modes most often do not require spinning to avoid damage to items. If you accidentally choose this mode, simply turn on spin on your SMA.
Too many things . When the washing machine is overloaded with things, it cannot accelerate during the spin cycle due to the overweight. You need to take out some of the things and start the spin program again.
Washing one large item . If you are washing something large, such as a blanket or bedspread, often the SMA cannot distribute the item evenly throughout the drum. Therefore, the machine detects the imbalance and does not begin to push. Try manually distributing the item in the drum and turn on the spin cycle again. If this does not help, alas, it is better to take such items to dry cleaning.
Linen imbalance . If things are bunched together (for example, gathered in a duvet cover or pillowcase), an imbalance may also occur in the machine and it will not spin. Open the washer and place the items in the drum manually.
Incorrect installation of Bosch . If the machine is not installed level, then due to misalignment, the SMA may poorly distribute things across the drum and vibrate strongly when trying to spin the drum. All this leads to a stop without spinning. Adjust the legs of the washing machine so that it is level.
One-time failure in the control unit . The board may be stuck. Disconnect the SMA from the electrical network for 15-20 minutes. This will allow the board to “reset” and perhaps the problem will disappear after turning it back on.

Error codes

Depending on the model, variations in the display of codes are possible.

Appliances with vertical loading have their own symbols.

However, the error resolution methods are similar.

Bosch WFP

All Bosch WFP models are equipped with a display. Their owners can familiarize themselves with deciphering the codes and methods for eliminating them independently in the previous section.

Bosch Maxx 5, 6, 7

Some washing machines of this modification are produced without a display. In this case, an indication is used to indicate the nature of the fault. The following designations are accepted using indicators for selecting the spin intensity of the laundry:

F16 - the maximum speed indicator is active;
F17 - the lights for maximum spin and its complete absence light up at the same time;
F18 - the maximum and minimum speed indicators are lit;
F19 - the upper and 2 lower lights indicating the spin modes are lit;
F20 - the first and third lights are active;
F21 - the first, third and last indicators light up;
F22 - first, third and fourth;
F23 - 4 out of 5 lights are active.

For 2 errors, coding is used using status indicators located on the control panel to the right of the spin lights:

F40 is a combination of the glow of the second lamp in the first row and the first in the second. An additional option is that the second and fourth indicators are active.
F63 - 4 lamps for selecting spinning modes and the first or fourth status indicator light up.

Bosch Maxx Logixx 8 Sensitive

All models in this series are available with a display. To decipher errors and study methods for eliminating them, you should refer to the first section.

Bosch Maxx 4

This type of SMA does not have a display. 7 types of codes are available to the user. The rest can only be diagnosed in service mode. For coding, 3 status indicators are used:

Readiness.
Job.
The wash is completed.

Their various combinations take on the following meaning:

F16 - light No. 1 is on;
F17 - indicator No. 2 is active;
F18 - light bulb No. 3 lights up;
F19 - combination of backlight of the first and second modes;
F20 - the second and third indicators are on;
F21 - lamps No. 1 and No. 3 are active;
F22 - all 3 indicators are on.

Bosch Classixx

These models do not have a display. Errors that occur are coded by a combination of indicators of 3 operating modes:

Wash.
Rinsing.
Spin.

The following conventions are accepted:

F16 - lamps No. 2 and No. 3 are on;
F17 - indicators No. 1 and No. 3 are active;
F18 - lights No. 1 and No. 2 are lit;
F19 - the “Spin” mode indicator is active;
F20 - coded by the operation of the “Wash” mode indicator;
F21 - lamp No. 2 is active;
F22 - all 3 indicators are on.

Malfunctions due to user errors

Spinning clothes in a Bosch washing machine, as a rule, does not occur in cases where the owner makes a mistake in the process of selecting a program or violates the rules for using the equipment.

It should be noted that delicate washing modes either do not contain spinning at all, or they are performed at minimum speed.

Also, the user may inadvertently set the spin speed of the washing equipment incorrectly or turn it off completely.

In this case there is no problem. You must wait until the washing program has completed, and then spin the laundry separately. On Bosch machines this function is indicated by a spiral icon.

You need to be very careful when sorting dirty laundry. After all, dirty things need to be sorted by quantity, color and weight.

For example, small items need to be complemented by some large item.

Troubleshooting

When Bosch washing equipment stops spinning clothes or does not start the spin phase at all, the first thing you need to do is unscrew and inspect the garbage filter.

If you have an automatic washing machine, this procedure must be performed. Otherwise, problems may arise related to draining dirty water, as well as starting the spin function.

Then you need to disconnect the washing equipment from the communications and take it out to a place where it can be disassembled without any problems.

Next, you need to pull out the detergent tray and place the device on the left side. To get to the pump and drain pipe, you need to remove the pan.

At the next stage, you need to unscrew the clamps, pull off the pipe and carefully inspect it. Next, the pump is dismantled. It needs to be disassembled and inspected. Particular attention should be paid to the impeller. Using a multimeter, we check the resistance of the pump.

If it is ok, you should immediately check the electric motor. After all, it’s more convenient to get to it through the bottom of the machine. We remove and check the brushes. If they are working properly, it is necessary to measure the resistance of the motor winding.

Then you need to check the tachometer of your Bosch washing equipment. This part is located directly on the unit’s electric motor housing. You can get to the tachometer through the bottom of the machine. You need to remove it and then check the resistance with a multimeter. The faulty sensor must be replaced with a new one.

Next comes checking the pressure switch.

To do this you need:

Unscrew the fasteners securing the top cover of the washing machine;
Remove the top cover.
Remove the pressure switch.
Clean the water level sensor tube thoroughly and then blow it out. Measure the resistance. If the pressure switch is faulty, replace it with a new one.
If the fault cannot be identified, you need to check the control module of the machine.

To diagnose and repair this part, you need to have extensive experience working with electronics. It will be extremely difficult for an ordinary user to repair the control module. In this case, it is better to seek help from a specialist.

Preventive measures

Washing machines, like any household appliance, sometimes break down. But with proper care and operation, the machine will last longer than usual without malfunctions.

In order for the device to last longer, you must follow certain rules that many washing machine owners ignore:

Before loading items into the drum of the machine, you must carefully check all pockets. If this is not done, small objects may get into the tank of the machine. This may cause blockage or malfunction.
Do not overload the washer. However, it’s also not worth driving it idle. Load a medium amount of items into the machine drum. If you follow this rule, the drive mechanism and electric motor will last longer.
Use your Bosch washing machine at least once a month. Leaving the equipment idle for a long time will cause its rubber bands to fail.
Do not pour excessive amounts of washing powder into the detergent drawer. Excess powder will clog the pressure switch tube and pipes. And this will cause a malfunction.
If possible, it is necessary to purchase a voltage stabilizer and connect the machine to the electrical network through it. This way you can protect the electronics of the washing machine from possible breakdowns.
After each wash, you need to wipe the hatch cuff with a cloth. The same needs to be done with the powder receptacle. The hatch must be left open. The detergent drawer must be pulled out. You should also drain the remaining water to prevent it from stagnating.

Features of Bosch Maxx models

The Bosch Maxx line of washing machines includes many models:

Maxx 4,
Maxx 5,
Maxx 6,
Maxx 7,
Maxx Logixx,
Classixx, others.

These are the most advanced washing machines from Bosch. What sets them apart from their competitors among other brands is their high “intelligence.”

The “brain” of Bosch Maxx washing machines—the control module—is far superior in parameters to similar devices in other models.

Distinctive feature of the Bosch Maxx control module :

extremely accurate self-diagnosis system,
self-diagnosis mode - service test.

Troubleshooting

A malfunction may be the reason why the Bosch machine has stopped spinning clothes.

Failure to spin laundry can cause the following parts to malfunction:

tachometer;
engine;
the filter or pump is clogged;
water level sensor;
control module malfunction.

A clogged pump or drain filter can also cause the washer to stop spinning clothes.

When the belt is stretched, the tachometer transmits information to the control module about speed data that does not correspond to those stored in the base. As a result, a failure occurs in the control module and the program stops immediately before spinning the laundry.

This problem occurs not only with Bosch washing machines. With Ardo washing equipment, laundry may not be spun for the same reasons.

If this malfunction is detected, the drive belt must be replaced. After this, the control module and the machine itself will work properly.