#bosch-washing-machine-mistakes
Published: 03 Jul 2020
You turned on the program, and after some time you noticed that error E23 or F23 appears on the display of the Bosch washing machine. At the same time, the machine makes a lot of noise with the drain pump, as if it is pumping out a lot of water. The emergency code can pop up both during washing and rinsing. When you turn it on again, the Bosch washing machine does not start the program and immediately issues E23 or F23.
Possible faults requiring repair
In our practice, error E23 (F23) occurred quite often, here is a list of malfunctions in which it can occur.
* Prices are indicated only for the work of the master. If repairs require spare parts, they are paid additionally.
This error F:23(E:23) can lead to quite sad consequences - flooding neighbors with water, short circuiting electrical wiring, etc. We do not recommend using a BOSCH washing machine with such a malfunction until the cause of its occurrence is eliminated. If you are unable to resolve this error on your own, then call our service center technicians by phone:
And also, you can leave an online application on our website using the link - ONLINE APPLICATION.
RemBytTech technicians work from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and will promptly help you repair your equipment. Contact us!
Solving the problem yourself
- Leakage in communications: The problem may be hidden not in the SMA itself, but in the communications surrounding it: a siphon, faucet, sewer is leaking. Check all nodes and troubleshoot them. After this, empty the pan of water and connect the SMA.
- Leaking inlet hose: Tighten the nut if it is loose. Sometimes the problem lies in the hose fastening: it needs to be replaced with a new one.
- Leaking drain filter: This problem occurs if the filter is not screwed tightly after cleaning. It can also leak due to a crack. If the filter is screwed on tightly and there are no cracks, but water still leaks, change the filter.
- Powder tray: If this part becomes clogged, water from it enters the pan through the walls of the housing and causes the Aquastop protection reaction. Rinse the tray to resolve this problem.
- Excess foam: Hand washing powder is not suitable for washing machines because it foams too much. If foam gets into the pan, Aquastop protection will work. Use powders designed for automatic washing or those recommended by Bosch.
- Poor quality detergent: Fake laundry detergent also produces a lot of foam that ends up in the pan. Buy detergent from trusted stores.
On a note! Excess foam is dangerous for the washing machine, as it can damage the control board.
- Incorrect dosage of detergent: Exceeding the permissible dosage of washing powder also leads to increased foaming and activation of the Aquastop protective mechanism. You need to use a dispenser so as not to exceed the required dosage of the product.
- “Airy” items: Openwork items, porous fabrics or fillers work in the tank as foam whippers. If you wash similar items (tulle, textured bedspreads, overalls), reduce the dosage of detergent.
Deciphering error F23 (E23) in a Bosch washing machine and how to fix it
Bosch washing machines on the domestic market are represented by a wide range of models, allowing each buyer to find the option that suits them.
But even this technique can sometimes fail, displaying the corresponding error code on the display. One of the options is F23 (E23).
What does error F23 mean in a Bosch washing machine and how to fix it, we will tell you further.
F16 - code: the car hatch is not tightly closed.
The breakdowns are very similar to those in code F01. And here they are:
- The side hinges have sagged or become warped.
- The locking tab has moved. Just fix it.
- The guide is broken.
- The blocker is broken or its wiring is burnt out.
The hinge bolts can be easily tightened. If severe deformation occurs, simply replace. The guide usually cannot be repaired, only replaced.
Next, you need to inspect the hatch locking device and its wiring. Carry out maintenance of the wires or complete replacement of the blocking device.
If everything described above is in order, then a malfunction has occurred in the electronic module. Again, it is better to entrust this to a specialist.
Bosch washing machine code E23 - what does it mean?
Code F23 (E23) most often appears at the start of water collection. A malfunction occurs when Bosh stops working.
In this case, the hatch door remains locked, and the device does not respond to button presses. In such a situation, we can talk about the operation of the “leakage protection” option .
On Bosh machines without a display, an error is indicated by blinking indicator lights. For the MAXX series, all spin indicators blink, except the second one from the top. In the WOR series, a failure is indicated by flashing indicator lights: prewash, soak, key sign, spin and rinse.
When the washing machine stops working, laundry remains behind the locked door. To get it, you need to disconnect the device from the network for 20 minutes (pull out the plug from the socket). This reboot will help unlock the door and remove items from the drum .
Fixing water leaks
If this code appears on the display, you must first disconnect the washing equipment from the power supply and also close the water supply tap. Then you need to check the possible causes of the leak one by one.
aquastop system device
It is necessary to check that the powder receiver is installed correctly. Water can flow through it. In this case, the powder receptacle must be pulled out and reinstalled. Next, you need to check the place where the pump connects to the drain hose and pipes.
To do this you need to do the following:
- Disconnect the washing equipment from the sewer pipe and water supply;
- Drain all the water from the washer tray;
- Carefully place the Bosch machine on its side;
- Remove the pallet;
- Get to the pump through the bottom of the washer. Next, check its connection to the pipes and drain hose;
- Replace faulty parts if necessary.
Water leaks also often occur at the junction of the inlet hose with the Bosch machine. However, in this situation, water will immediately fall on the bathroom floor. This can happen even when the washer is turned off.
Water can also enter the washer body through the pipe that connects the fill valve and the powder receptacle. To check its tightness, you need to remove the top cover of the washing machine.
Causes of the problem, ways to fix it
Finding the reason for the appearance of the F23 failure code and freezing of the work cycle is most convenient to start with the simplest situations, gradually moving on to more complex ones.
Leaks that are not related to the household appliance
This situation may arise if water was accidentally spilled on a Bosh washing machine and it got inside the device. In this case, protection against leaks may work, although the washing machine itself is “not to blame.”
Using the wrong detergent
One of the common user mistakes is using the wrong washing powder . If powder intended for hand washing has been poured into the powder receptacle, a lot of persistent foam appears, which settles slowly and very poorly. As a result, leakage is possible.
A lot of powder is not always a plus
If too much powder is poured into the powder receptacle, it can form a dense lump, which will not allow water to flow as technologically intended.
Dispenser clogged
The powder receptacle on a Bosh washing machine can become clogged with layers of powder residue, dust, and even things that have accidentally fallen into it. As a result, when water is collected, it does not begin to drain into the tank, but overflows over the edge of the powder receptacle. The cuvette should be thoroughly cleaned periodically.
Washing items that produce a lot of foam
Some textiles produce a lot of foam when washed . Its excess leads to the fact that the self-diagnosis of the washing machine identifies it as a leak.
When washing curtains and other porous fabrics in a Bosch washing machine, it is important to choose the right amount of washing powder or use special detergents.
Problem with the drain filter
The drain filter in the Bosh washing machine is designed to catch small debris and foreign objects that accidentally fall into the tank with clothes. This unit must be cleaned periodically . After scheduled cleaning, it is very important to install everything correctly, avoiding thread distortions and foreign objects getting into it.
If the filter was not installed correctly, water may leak through it. In this case, protection will also be triggered. The drain filter must be disassembled and carefully reinstalled.
Leaking pipe, hose, pump, filter
If there is a leak in any of the components that are involved in working with water, the Aquastop system is activated. In this case, water may even get on the floor. The washing machine stops working and displays error code E23.
Leaks most often occur in nodes:
Cuff damage
If the cuff on the hatch of a Bosh washing machine has become unusable, this may lead to a leak. It is not advisable to repair such a breakdown - the part is simply replaced with a new one.
Electrical wiring in the Aquastop circuit
If the Bosh washing machine is used for a long time or incorrectly, problems may occur with the wiring located inside the housing .
The problem may concern contacts that become loose and oxidize. There is also a possibility of damage to the wires themselves - from vibrations, friction, and even damage from rodents.
If the circuit is broken, various malfunctions are possible, including Aquastop may work even when there is actually no leakage.
The heating element burned out
Even a problem with the heating element can lead to the issuance of code E23. A failure code appears at the washing stage, after the water has been filled. This can happen if a part breaks through to the body . The problem is solved by replacing the heating element.
Control unit failure
If elements or tracks on the board are burned out in the electrical circuit that is responsible for the Aquastop option, the washing machine may issue code E23. To determine what exactly the error is, the board is dismantled and tested. If necessary, soldering is carried out and elements that have become unusable are replaced.
Breakdown of the Aquastop itself
With such a failure, error E23 is issued in addition to the operation of the pump, but there is no water in the sump. The solution to the problem is Aquastop repair . Most often the problem is associated with a broken microswitch.
Bearing wear
If there is a malfunction related to the bearings, the washing machine becomes very noisy. At first - only during the spin cycle, later - at the washing stage too.
Replacing the heating element
The first thing to do is gain access to its terminals. Simply remove the back cover of the machine.
Then you should exclude a possible breakdown to the housing: sequentially make sure that there is no circuit between each of the terminals and the housing.
Next, you need to check the continuity of the circuit between contacts L and N and measure the resistance between them. Depending on the power of the heater, it should be within 24-28 Ohms (R=U2/P). For example, a Bosch maxx 4 has a heating element power of exactly 2 kW and a resistance of 24.2 ohms. If it is very small or very large, replacement is necessary.
When purchasing spare parts, you need to pay attention to the following parameters:
- power (always indicated on the heater itself);
- length (too long may not fit into the tank);
- a hole for a temperature sensor (should be present if there is one in a broken sample);
- curb in a rubber seal (similar).
The last one is very important, because if there is no curb, water will flow directly to the contacts of the heating element when filling the tank. To make it easier for the heating element to fit into the connector, silicone lubricant of the rubber part is useful.
Call the master
In cases where there is no obvious cause for E23, you may need the help of a technician to identify and fix the problem . It is advisable to contact washing equipment repair companies that have been working on the market for several months and are in good standing. You can find a suitable company on the Internet.
When communicating with the dispatcher, you must describe the problem situation and indicate the model of the washing machine. The cost of the work depends on the complexity of the repair and the company’s price list.
In Moscow, average prices are:
After the repair, the company’s specialist issues a guarantee for the work performed. If replacement parts are required, the customer pays for them additionally.
Useful tips
Recommendations from service technicians always guide users toward preventive maintenance of household appliances, rather than repairing them. Compliance with the manufacturer's instructions for operating the washing machine guarantees its trouble-free operation for 10 years. Some tips from professionals on how to protect the SMA from leaks:
- Do not use random washing agents for washing, use gels for automatic machines. This will protect the parts from exposure to chemicals.
- Cleaning the dispenser (powder tray) of deposits once every 3 months is a measure against the formation of blockages and a decrease in the quality of washing.
- A debris plug increases pressure in the hydraulic system, causing leaks in weak spots. Once every six months you need to check the cleanliness of the drain filter mesh.
- Inspect the hoses before the next wash. If there are animals in the apartment, this manipulation is doubly necessary.
- Abnormal voltage surges are eliminated by connecting the SMA through a stabilizer.
Experts advise starting the search for the cause of error E23 by checking the version about a foreign object under the float. If the machine body is tilted, the obstacle may roll out and the code will disappear from the display. The instructions require checking your clothing pockets before washing: small iron can pierce the pump body. The manufacturer's recommendations should not be neglected - this leads to the self-defense of the SMA.
