Reasons for error e18 in a Bosch washing machine and how to fix it

Reasons for the error

Code E18 in Bosch washing machines indicates that waste water is not drained from the tank. This error may be indicated by different codes depending on the model of the washing machine. The E18 code is also identical to F18 and D02.

If the machine does not contain a display, then the user can find out about error E18 by the indicators located on the control panel. If the water is not drained from the washing machine tank, the spin indicators (600 and 1000 rpm) will light up on the control panel.

Water may not drain from the tank for the following reasons:

• The drain hose is not connected correctly;
• The water drain hose is bent or pinched;
• The drain system is clogged. It includes pipes, filters and pumps;
• The pump has failed;
• The water level sensor is broken;
• Damage to the control module of the Bosch machine.

Reasons for the error

Let's look at the list of reasons that can cause this breakdown:

• The sewer drain is clogged.
• The drain hose connection is not made in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations, it is too high or low.
• The fluid drain hose is kinked.
• The drain system (pipe, filter, pump) is clogged.
• The pump is faulty.
• There is a problem with the sensor responsible for the liquid level.
• The washer control module is malfunctioning.

Drain system clogged

Since error E18 indicates problems with removing waste liquid from the drum, it is necessary to check the drain lines. On some machines of older modifications, code D02 is used to display the problem, which is displayed on the screen. If the design of the equipment does not provide a display, then the error is displayed by simultaneously turning on the control LEDs for the spin modes (with a frequency of 600 and 1000 rpm). Refer to the factory operating instructions for details on how the code is displayed.

The initial drain check involves inspecting the sewer pipes installed in the bathroom. A blockage may form in the lines, preventing normal drainage of the liquid. To remove foreign particles, chemicals or a metal cable are used. An error when draining can occur if the elastic sleeve is installed incorrectly. If the hose is installed incorrectly, then the performance of the pump impeller is not enough to remove water. The owner needs to ensure that the drain hose is installed correctly.

If the hose is installed correctly and there are no blockages, then you must:

1. Stop the washing process and turn off the power to the equipment.
2. Open the hatch located at the base of the machine body, behind which there is a drainage channel.
3. Unscrew the plug, install a flat tray around the channel or place hygroscopic rags. Water can be drained in portions by opening and closing the plug.
4. Remove the filter cassette and inspect the condition of the element. When dirt and hair fibers adhere, the cross-section of the flow channel may decrease, which leads to a drop in pump performance and the error indicator turns on.
5. Inspect the drain hose, which should not have kinks.
6. If no damage is found on the filter or hose, then you need to place the Bosch washing machine on its side, and then remove the protective tray with the leakage sensor. Before you begin to remove things from the tank, it is recommended to remove the movable tray for the cleaning agent.
7. Find the pump housing that needs to be disconnected from the water lines. The hoses are held in place by spring clamps, which are removed with pliers or special pliers.
8. Inspect the pump cavity and tubes for contamination.
9. Reassemble to check the functionality of the equipment.

In some machines, the pump is installed in the upper part of the body; to access the unit, the control panel is removed, and then the glass hatch cover and the front panel of the machine are dismantled. When removing electronic and electrical components, inspect the wiring and connecting terminals. The appearance of oxides on the contacts leads to deterioration of conductivity and errors in equipment operation.

Clearing the blockage

If water does not drain from the tank of a Bosch machine, then the first thing to do is turn off the water supply. Then turn off the washing machine.

To find the cause of the breakdown and eliminate error E18, you need to drain all the water from the washing machine tank. This can be done using a small drain hose. It is located near the drain filter. To find it, you need to open the small plastic door, which is located at the bottom of the washing machine.

There is another way to drain the remaining water in the tank. To do this, you need to dismantle the drain filter. However, to do this, you should place a container under the machine, and also place rags under it. The filter must be inspected after unscrewing. It was probably because of this that the drainage system in the Bosch washing machine became clogged and error E18 occurred. If dirt and debris have accumulated in the filter, it must be cleaned and then rinsed thoroughly. Next, you should inspect the drain hose. Perhaps he went too far. After draining the water from the tank and inspecting the filter, you can continue to search for the cause of the E18 code in the Bosch washing machine. It is necessary to take the equipment to a place where it will be convenient to work with it.

You also need to prepare all the necessary tools.

Next, to resolve error E18, you need to perform the following steps:

1. dismantle the bottom plastic panel and unscrew the fasteners located under it;
2. remove the clamp that holds the cuff using a screwdriver.
3. remove the lock device;
4. disconnect the chip with wires connected to the lock;
5. remove the washing powder cuvette and then unscrew the bolts under it;
6. carefully remove the control panel of the Bosch machine;
7. move the front part of the body to the side;
8. find the drain pump. It is located at the bottom right;
9. loosen and remove the clamps on the pipes connected to this pump;
10. check the pipes. If there is debris in them, remove it.

If there is no debris in the pipes, then error code E18 in the Bosch machine did not appear due to a blockage.

How to solve a problem?

If we are talking about blockages, the problem can be eliminated yourself. A technician must replace faulty parts (pressure switch, pump), as well as repair the control module. Remember: unqualified intervention in the operation of equipment can disable it forever. And then either expensive repairs will be required, or, most likely, the purchase of a new unit.

So, what to do if error E18 occurs?

• 1. Check how the drain hose is connected. It is important that it has a slight bend when installed in the sewer. It is impossible to fix the hose with tension. If the length of the tube is not enough, it is better to increase it. The height of the hose connection is 40-60 cm from the legs of the SMA.
• 2. Inspect the filter for blockages. It is located at the bottom of the washer body on the right side. Turn off the equipment and unscrew the filter. Rinse it under running water.
• 3. Next, check for blockages in the pipe. To do this, the machine must be disconnected from power and communications, and the powder dispenser must be removed. Then lower the technique to your left side to gain access to the bottom. Inspect the pipe.
• 4. Now you need to check the pressure switch. In this case, it is better to call a specialist. But if you have knowledge in the field of electrical engineering, you can diagnose it yourself. At the same time, inspect the pump. It, like the sensor, will have to be removed from the housing. First you need to disconnect all the clamps and unscrew the screws. First, inspect the impeller; if there is debris on the blades, they need to be cleaned. Then test the components' power pins using a multimeter.

If after all the procedures performed the problem does not disappear, and the error still appears on the display, you should definitely call a technician. The engineer will conduct diagnostics using special tools and accurately determine the cause of the breakdown.

Pump failure

If the malfunction does not disappear, then the next unit to be checked is the electric motor or water pump impeller. To access the unit, you need to partially disassemble the machine body. From the removed pump, the guide casing with fittings for attaching hoses is dismantled. Then the impeller is cleaned from wound dirt or hair, the motor rotor should rotate without effort. When scrolling, you will feel jamming associated with the permanent magnets installed in the stator.

To test the windings, you will need to apply voltage directly to the winding terminals. If the structure is in good condition, the rotor will begin to rotate. Otherwise, you will need to purchase a new pump, since electric motors are not supplied as spare parts for washing machines. If the pump is in good condition, then the owner needs to check the functionality of the water level sensor, electronic controller and connecting electrical wiring.

How to repair a pump

The next step is to check the drain pump of the machine. To do this, you need to release the latches and disconnect it from the cochlea. After dismantling the volute, the impeller - the rotating element of the pump - will be visible. Free rotation of the impeller may be obstructed by hair wrapped around it. All this leads to the pump not functioning.

Drain pump

It should be noted that the problem may not only be a damaged impeller. The electrical part of the drain pump of Bosch equipment may also fail. In any case, a broken part should be replaced with a new one. This work should not be difficult.

Next, to resolve error E18, you need to perform the following steps:

• connect the pump to the snail;
• Using new clamps, connect the pipes to the pump.
• connect the chip with the wiring;
• attach the pump to the body of the washing machine;
• completely assemble the Bosch machine;
• check the functionality of the equipment.

If the drainage system was working properly, then error E18 appears due to problems with other components of the machine. The water may not drain due to a failure of the water level sensor. If it malfunctions, the washing equipment may stop working with a full tank. This element is checked using a multimeter. The pressure switch in Bosch machines is located in the upper right corner of the case. It's not difficult to get to. To do this, remove the top cover. First you need to check the condition of the tube from the sensor. It is also important to check the wiring contacts connected to the pressure switch. Only then can you remove and check the sensor.

If this part is faulty, it must be replaced with a new one.

Water level sensor malfunction

Washing machines are designed with a special sensor that determines the liquid level in the drum. The sensor is connected to the control controller; signals from the sensitive element turn the pump on and off. Sensor failure or oxidation is a common problem with Bosch washing machines. The sensor is installed inside the machine body (most often it is mounted on a power frame near the side wall).

In this case, the owner needs to partially disassemble the case, which will allow the sensor to be detected. Then you need to make an extension tube that fits onto the sensing element fitting instead of the standard hose. To dismantle the tube, you will need to remove the metal or plastic clamp. Testing consists of applying pressure through a hose into which you want to blow.

In a working sensor, the contact groups should operate and produce a single or triple click.

The verification methodology is not accurate because it is impossible to ensure regulatory pressure. It is recommended to inspect the sensor housing, which should not be cracked. The condition of the metal terminals is checked, and the standard tube is also inspected. There have been cases of incorrect operation of the sensor due to dirt drawn into the line. The hose is washed with water supplied under pressure from the tap. An additional testing method is based on the use of a digital multimeter, which is connected to the sensor contacts. When the sensor is triggered, the resistance should change; if the parameters on the device screen remain unchanged, then the sensor must be replaced. It should be taken into account that the sensor gives erroneous signals, but such a problem can only be identified in the service.

Control module failure

If this element malfunctions, absolutely any error may appear, not just E18. After all, it is he who is responsible for the functioning of the washing machine as a whole.

The Bosch machine control module contains many radio elements. Failure of one of them leads to a stop in the operation of washing equipment. This module is repairable. However, it is not recommended to undertake its repair yourself. It is better to entrust this work to a master. Otherwise, you may permanently break the part. And it has a fairly high cost.

Errors that are only shown when running a test program

F19 - This code indicates a malfunction in the heating system of the washing machine

Most likely the heater or heater relay is faulty. This malfunction also occurs if a limescale deposit has formed on the shade, which interferes with its normal operation. If this error occurs, the washing program ends without heating. It is necessary to check the entire heating system: heater, relays, control boards, as well as the integrity of the wiring.

F25 - Water turbidity sensor is faulty

This code is displayed when the Aquasensor (turbidity sensor) is faulty, or an excess layer of limescale has formed on the sensor. The error may also occur due to a malfunction of the pressure switch or water removal system. If an error occurs, the program will end without rinsing.

F28 - Flow sensor produces an impossible value

This error indicates that the flow sensor is faulty. It needs to be replaced or the wiring checked.

F34 - The hatch lock does not close

This error is a critical fault and blocks the washing machine from executing programs. Basically, error F34 occurs due to mechanical damage to the washing machine hatch lock or its parts. It is necessary to check the mechanical condition of the lock or wiring.

F36 - Just as in the case of the previous error, the locking system is faulty, but this time its electronic part is faulty. The washing machine functions are blocked. The error is critical. Control modules and wiring must be checked

F42 - Uncontrolled high engine speeds

A critical error that indicates a serious breakdown of the washing machine, or rather its electronic systems responsible for the engine rotation speed. The control module needs to be checked.

F43 - Engine does not rotate

This malfunction is also critical and can be caused by a number of reasons: from a malfunction of the engine or control module, to mechanical blocking of the drum by a foreign object. It is necessary to check the tachogenerator, wiring, control module.

F44 - The engine does not rotate in the opposite direction

This error indicates a faulty reverse relay.

F60 - Incorrect flow sensor value: the system has detected a value that is too high or too low

This error indicates a problem with the flow sensor. It is also necessary to check the magnetic valve filter and the integrity of the wiring.

F61 - Invalid door signal (critical error)

Security lock error. It is necessary to check the hatch lock and wiring.

F63 - Functional protection error

This error is critical and indicates a malfunction of the microprocessor.

Electronics problems

Problems with the electronic control unit lead to incorrect transmission of commands and feedback signals, which causes an error to be displayed. The design of the drain path contains a liquid level switch in the tank (pressostat), which can transmit incorrect information. The primary check is to inspect the connecting cables and wiring connection points. There should be no damage to the surface of the cord insulator; soldering points should not be covered with a layer of oxides.

Detected damage to the protective layer is wrapped with a layer of insulating tape or covered with a piece of heat-shrinkable tubing. Soldering areas are cleaned of foreign deposits; it is recommended to check the integrity of the wiring using a test device. To check the level sensor, you need to remove the unit, which is located under the top cover of the machine. The hoses are disconnected from the sensor (fixed with clamps).

A tube 400-500 mm long is connected to the sensor. To test the functionality of the sensor, you need to blow into the hose; the air pressure causes the contacts to activate (clicks). The technique allows you to roughly assess the performance of the contact elements of the sensor. If the circuits do not close, then you should replace the level meter and check the operation of the Bosch washing machine. If the problem persists, the equipment is transferred to the service center.

Hose installed incorrectly

When connecting the drain hose to the sewer pipe, it is very important to position it correctly. If this is done incorrectly, then error F18 may appear on the washing machine screen in the future.

When connecting, it needs to be given a slight bend. Also, it should not be connected to tension.

A hose that is too short can be lengthened or a longer one purchased. It is also important to consider that the load on the pump increases as the length of this element of the drainage system increases. And, as you know, the higher the load on an element, the shorter its working life.

The hose should be connected at a height of no more than 100 centimeters from the legs of the washing machine. It is best to place the connection point at a height of 40-60 centimeters.

How to fix error F18

In order to try to fix a breakdown of the Bosch maxx 5 washing machine, and other similar units yourself, you should follow certain steps.

1. First of all, completely disconnect the unit from power. Otherwise, you may get an electric shock during repairs.
2. Make sure that the water remaining in the machine is not hot. Otherwise you will get burned.
3. When the water has cooled, drain it through a special emergency hose. Typically, all washing machines have it at the bottom front, covered with a small door. It can be round or square.

You can also drain the liquid through a hose that connects to the sewer. If the water does not flow immediately, you can try to carefully suck out the end of the hose, as when pumping out gasoline.

1. If liquid still does not flow out of the tank, then try removing the lower filter. To do this, the unit must be tilted back slightly, having previously placed a container into which the water will drain. Remove the bottom panel (open the small door on the front) and slowly rotate the filter, gradually unscrewing it. There is no need to unscrew it immediately, otherwise a large stream of water will flow.

Expert opinionVictor LugovoiSpecialist in the installation and configuration of household appliances, as well as in the repair of plumbing equipment If after all that has been done, water does not flow, then the pipe located between the tank and the filter is probably clogged.

You can also drain the water through the front door by tilting the machine.

1. After draining the liquid, inspect the pipe. If clogged, clean it.
2. Check the drain filter for debris.
3. Inspect the motor impeller. It is located behind the drain filter. There should be nothing blocking it and it should spin easily.
4. At the next stage, we inspect the drain pump. To do this, disconnect the pipes, unscrew the screws that connect the pump and the garbage filter, disconnect the wiring and pull out the pump. Then use a multimeter to ring the pump contacts.

After this, the pump itself should be tested for functionality. To check, connect it to a 220 V power supply. If it works and the impeller starts spinning, then everything is fine with it.

1. If there are problems with the electronics, you should carefully inspect the wires running from the electronic unit to the pump and pressure switch. They must not be damaged.

Possible faults requiring repair

Unfortunately, it is not always possible to eliminate E18 on your own. In more than half of the cases, a Bosch washing machine requires repair. Here are the most common problems with this error.

• restores wiring or replaces the entire cable;
• solders damaged contacts or completely changes the contact group.

DIY repair

Have you taken all possible measures, but your Bosch washing machine still displays error F18? Start checking the internal parts of the washer.

Before starting work, always disconnect the SM from the network.

Pump impeller

You need to check the functionality of the impeller, which means removing the filter and looking into the hole. Light it with a flashlight and look: the impeller rotates during operation - everything is in order. If not, then you need to inspect it at the time of blockage.

As shown in the photo, the reason for the impeller stopping was the thread wrapped around the axis. You need to remove the blockage and reinstall the part.

Drain pump (pump)

The pump is responsible for draining after washing. If the impeller is not clogged, but still does not rotate, you need to inspect the pump. What does this mean:

• Drain the water from the tank through a filter or hose.
• Remove the top and back panels from the body and lay the machine on its side.
• Disconnect the wires.
• Pull out the pump by turning it counterclockwise.
• Inspect the pump for blockages. If the problem is clogged, you need to clean the pump and reinstall it. In other cases, you need to install a new part.

Electronics problems

Inspect the cable loop from the control module to the pump and pressure pump. The reasons may be the pressure switch, but this rarely happens. However, if other methods do not help to resolve error F18, check the pressure sensor of the Bosch washing machine.

So you've inspected the wiring. Minor damage can be isolated or the area can be completely replaced.

Lastly, the module is dialed using a multimeter. You may need to solder or replace elements. Therefore, think: sometimes it is better to call a specialist.

Why does it appear and what to do?

reasons why a Bosch washing machine does not drain water from the drum (or drains it very slowly):

It is better to start diagnosing error e18 with minor problems, the elimination of which does not require special skills, gradually moving towards checking components and mechanisms, the repair of which requires certain knowledge and experience.

Checking the sewer

If you are unable to resolve error E18 on your own, service center specialists will come to your aid. Finding the necessary contacts is not difficult; just use Internet search engines.

Depending on the cause of the E18 error, the cost of repairs varies from 1,400 rubles for eliminating blockages in pipes and cleaning the drain filter , to 4,000 rubles for diagnosing and troubleshooting the control module.

Payment for the work performed can only be made after a test run of the repaired household appliances. It is strictly forbidden to give money for repairs that have not yet been completed (there are high risks that the operation of the washing machine will not be restored).

Contacting certified service centers for Bosch household appliances will protect you from illegal actions of fraudsters.

How to drain water from a washing machine manually

There are several ways to drain the water if the washing machine door is locked and will not open.

Method 1 - through the emergency drain hose

Some models of Bosch washing machines are equipped with a special hose for emergency drainage. It is located at the bottom next to the drain filter in the right or left corner of the washing machine. Pull it out, open the plug and lower the hose into a basin or bucket.

Method 2 - through the drain hose

Remove the drain hose from the washing machine body. Pull the end out of the drain, bathtub or toilet and place it in a basin or bucket so that the hose is completely below the water level in the tank. Water will leave the washing machine through the hose by gravity.

Method 3 - through the drain filter

Tilt the Bosch washing machine backwards and lean it against the wall so that you can slide a basin underneath the filter. Place a rag under the filter and place a basin. Unscrew the drain filter a little. Water will flow out of it. If all the water does not fit into the basin, screw the filter back on, drain the water from the basin and repeat all over again.

Errors that are displayed with a delay, or when a malfunction occurs in two cycles in a row

F20 – Unexpected heating

This malfunction is detected when unplanned heating of the heating element occurs. This may be due to a malfunction of the temperature sensor or heating element relay.

F26 – Analogue pressure sensor fault (Critical error)

In this case, it is necessary to check the pressure sensor and the integrity of the electrical circuits.

F27 – Pressure sensor (pressostat) setting error

The pressure sensor and wiring need to be checked.

F31 – Maximum water level exceeded

If the water level exceeds, it is necessary to check the water supply and removal systems: water supply valves, pump, pressure switch (pressure sensor), pump, wiring.

F37 - NTC (temperature sensor) faulty

In this case, the water does not heat up and the program ends without it. It is necessary to check the water heating sensor and wiring.

F38 - NTC (temperature sensor) is faulty. Short circuit

In this case, the water does not heat up and the program ends without it. It is necessary to check the water heating sensor and wiring.

F59 - 3D sensor is faulty. The sensor shows a value that is too high or too low

This malfunction indicates an error in the sensor measurement. A sensor can show an incorrect value for many reasons: it could be a signal about a malfunction of the power module or the 3D sensor itself, an error in the washing machine software, or a break in the wiring. A signal for error F59 can be a decreasing speed of the washing machine. It is necessary to check the 3D sensor, magnet position, power module and wiring integrity.

When can you fix error E18, F18 yourself?

Sometimes the cause of error F18 or E18 is trivial, and you can fix it on your own. Here are the cases in which you don’t need to call a specialist.

Drain hose is bent or squashed

Examine the entire length of the drain hose; perhaps it is kinked or someone managed to put something heavy on it. In this case, straighten the hose and turn on the drain.

The drain filter is clogged

After draining the water from the machine, unscrew and clean the drain filter if it is clogged with debris. Also look into the drain pump; foreign objects from pockets can also get there and block the drain.

The sewer is clogged

Check where the hose connects to the sewer. Perhaps there is a blockage there, so the washing machine does not drain and writes error E 18. This is a very common problem in Bosch washing machines with a drain connected to the sink siphon. The siphon becomes clogged and the water does not leave the machine.

Checking your drain for clogged drains is very simple. Pull the end of the drain hose out of the drain, throw it into the bathtub, toilet or bucket and run the drain. If your Bosch starts draining, look for a clog in the drain.

What does error E18 mean that a Bbosch washing machine gives and how to fix it?

The laundry is loaded, the washing workflow is started, but after some time the washing machine suddenly stops, signaling a problem with error e18.

Understanding what exactly caused this situation will help you restore the functionality of your Bosch washing machine as quickly as possible.

What does error code E18 mean for a Bosch washing machine, how to detect a malfunction and fix it, we will tell you further.

How to prevent it in the future?

A few simple rules will help prevent error E18 (drainage problems) in a Bosch washing machine:

1. Before each wash, pockets in clothes are carefully inspected for the presence of small objects (even a small button can cause blockages in the drain pipes, and as a result of serious problems with draining water from the drum).
2. Before loading dirty laundry, be sure to check the cleanliness of the sheep.
3. Regularly, at least once a month, the drain filters must be thoroughly inspected, cleaned, and, if necessary, replaced.

Taking care and following the basic rules of operating a washing machine will help protect the household appliance from frequent repairs and will maximize its service life.

Decoding error E18

Bosch washing machines are considered the standard of quality and reliability and are in great demand among consumers. Almost all brand models are equipped with a self-diagnosis system. If there are malfunctions, an error code appears on the display of the units or the indicators flash. It happens that an E18 error is displayed on a Bosch washing machine - what does this code mean?

Usually the error indicates problems with drainage - complete or partial stagnation of water. If the model does not have a display, the speed and spin indicators turn on simultaneously at 1000 or 600 revolutions.