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ErrBase

Bosch Washer Error Codes: E and F Code Fixes

Quick Answer

Bosch washer error codes indicate specific component failures, with E18 (drainage) and E17 (filling) being most common. The primary fix involves checking for blockages in the drain pump filter or ensuring the water supply valves are fully open.

Most of the time when I get called out for a Bosch E-code, it's something dumb like a clogged coin trap or a kinked hose. But ignore it and you're looking at a fried pump or a waterlogged floor. These machines are way smarter than most washers out there, and when they throw a code they're telling you something real. Don't let a $12 filter fix turn into a $400 pump replacement.

BoschWasher

About These Bosch Washer Error Codes

OK so when your Bosch throws an E-code, you're dealing with one of the most sensor-heavy washing machines on the market. These things monitor water pressure, motor torque, drum speed, and temperature all at once. The good news? Most codes are triggered by basic stuff you can fix yourself. The bad news is that if you ignore them, Bosch's self-protection logic will eventually shut the whole machine down hard and you'll be calling a tech anyway.

Most Common Error Codes

Coin trap filter clogged (E18)40%
Door lock mechanism fault (E01/E04)24%
Water supply hoses kinked or valves closed (E13)14%
Motor carbon brushes worn (E21 on older models)12%
Drain hose positioned too high (E18)10%

Symptoms You May Notice

  • Error code sitting on the display and the machine just stopped, door locked, drum full of water, not going anywhere.
  • Water just sitting in the bottom of the drum 30 minutes after the cycle should've ended.
  • Machine fills up fine, starts tumbling, hits the drain phase, then throws E18 and quits before it ever gets to spin.
  • Door won't pop open even after you've powered the machine off, which means the lock solenoid is stuck in the closed position.
  • Washer doesn't fill at all, you hear nothing when the cycle starts, and it throws E17 within the first minute.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

Phillips #2 screwdriverTorx T20 screwdriverShallow baking pan (9x13 inch)Old towels or ragsDigital multimeterFlashlight or headlampNeedle-nose pliersSmall flat pick or dental pick (for inlet screens)

Service / Diagnostic Mode

Turn program knob to Off. Press and hold the Spin Speed button, then turn knob one click clockwise. Hold 3 seconds until display shows stored fault codes.

How to Identify Your Error Code

Replacement Parts

If your diagnostic testing proves the component has failed, you will need a replacement. We recommend OEM parts over aftermarket for water-handling components.

Part Name
Bosch Washer Door Lock00619468 · $40–$70
Bosch Drain Pump00436440 · $40–$80
Bosch AquaStop Inlet Hose00667327 · $40–$60

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Bosch washer coin trap filter?
It's behind the small access panel on the lower-right front of the machine. Bosch uses a really fine mesh on theirs compared to other brands, which means it catches more stuff but clogs faster too. Clean it every month if you're doing heavy loads. If the dial won't turn, don't grab pliers or you'll snap the plastic housing. Hit it with a hairdryer for a minute to soften the soap scum and it'll usually spin right out.
What is AquaStop on a Bosch washer?
It's a double-walled hose with a mechanical shutoff built into the faucet end. If the inner hose ever springs a leak, the water fills the space between the two walls and trips a plunger that cuts off all flow. If that gray box feels heavier than it should, or you see red in the sight window, it's already done its job. Replace the whole hose assembly. The good news is it just saved your floor from a flood.
Are Bosch washer parts interchangeable with other brands?
No, don't do it. Bosch pumps, inlet valves, and control boards don't play nice with generic parts. The drain pump alone has a specific flow rate and connector pinout that's totally different from Samsung, LG, or Whirlpool. I've seen guys put a universal pump in a Bosch and get false error codes for months because the board couldn't read the motor feedback signal correctly. Stick with OEM. Yes it costs more. No, it's not optional.
How much does it cost to fix a Bosch washer E18 error?
Honestly it depends on what's actually wrong. If it's just a clogged filter, it's free, you do it yourself in 10 minutes. A new drain pump runs about $60-90 for the part and $150-200 if you're paying a tech for labor. I replaced three Bosch drain pumps last Tuesday and two of them didn't actually need it, the filter just hadn't been cleaned in two years. Clean the filter first. Always. Then decide if you actually need the pump.
Can I run my Bosch washer when an error code is showing?
No, and the machine won't let you anyway. The control board locks everything out when there's an active fault. You can't force it through a cycle without clearing the error first. Which is kind of the whole point, because running a drain pump dry or cycling with a bad door lock can turn a $60 repair into a $300 one pretty fast. Fix the underlying issue, clear the code, then run it.

Same Fix Works on These Brands

Bosch shares the same hardware platform with these brands. The diagnosis and repair steps are identical.

Bosch dishwasherHow to Reset a Bosch Dishwasher (Every Method)Bosch dishwasherBosch E09: Heating Element Not WorkingBosch dishwasherBosch E17 Error: Too Much Water Coming InBosch dishwasherBosch E11 Error: Temperature Sensor (NTC) FaultBosch dishwasherBosch Dishwasher Troubleshooting: 15 Problems, FixedBosch dishwasherBosch E92 Error: Control Board Communication Fix

Models Known to Experience HUB Errors

This repair applies to most Bosch washers with this error code. Common model numbers include:

WAW285H2UC, WAT28401UC, WGA12400UC, WFVC5400UC, WAP24201UC, WAS24460UC

MS

Written by

Mike Sullivan

Lead Appliance Repair Technician · 20 years experience

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 15, 2026