Bosch WAA Range Washing Machine Fault Codes

There are a number of different version of the electronics used in Bosch Group made washing machines and washer dryers that are sold under the Bosch, Neff and Siemens and some of them use the same fault or error codes when they have a problem or a spare part fails.

These are the one of the common sets of fault codes for Bosch washing machine models as well as other Bosch Group produced brands.

These fault codes are displayed by way of a lit, blinking or flashing light on the front of the washing machine. If it is the latter then you will see a pattern to the flashes if you look closely it will be a series of rapid flashes followed by a pause and then the series of flashes will be repeated, this is the error code being displayed. If you count the number of flashes being given then you use that number to correspond to the fault code, for example, three flashes would be fault code 3.

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Bosch WAA Washing Machine Fault Codes

These fault codes are written for washing machine repairers and not for the general public by Bosch and they assume a certain level of competence on the part of the user in diagnostic routines. We have added some notes to try to assist you in determining the nature of the fault you have but, you will still need to investigate each failure on its own merits. For more help and advice on fault finding on a washing machine please refer to our washing machine fault finding guide from this link before you begin.

Please check that any Bosch washing machine spares recommended are suitable for use on your particular model and ENR code. If you are unsure about the suitability of any spare part please ask to ensure that you get the correct spares for your washing machine. Please, don't guess or assume as spares can be altered on a production run with the same model number having several different alternative components used.

Fault Code Lights Legend

This is our very simple legend to show the state of the lights, lamps or LED's as they are unlit, flashing or lit continuously.

Light or LED not lit

Light or LED flashing

Light or LED lit solid, no flash

Bosch Washing Machine Fault Codes

The LEDs in these error codes represent the spin, rinse and then wash LED's as you look at them, being either lit or not lit, they should not be flashing.

Fault Code 1

Heating time exceeds 105 minutes

This would ordinarily indicate a fault with the water heating element or, certainly, the water heating circuit as the washing machine is indicating that it has failed to reach temperature. The wash heater used in a lot of these washing machines from this range is this one, but there is a cheaper alternative here.

The error can be caused by faulty wiring, the heater as stated, low voltage or even a calcified heater has been known to generate this error code.

Fault Code 2

Fault detected in motor or drive circuit

Very often you will see this error if the carbon brushes (link for the Genuine Bosch Spares set, this is the link to the cheap set) or the motor fails.

This error code can be generated by no tacho reading from the motor (the electronics cannot see the tach generator of the motor), a triac fault or short circuit or a faulty reversing relay on the control board. The washing machine will try to start the motor but after several attempts the program will be aborted with this error code which is again consider to be a "fatal error"

Fault Code 3

Door open after program has been started

This error code may well not show up for a minute or so after you actually go to start the washing machine but the door can be closed and the program restarted.

If the error persists there may be a fault with the door locking mechanism or door latch. 

Fault Code 4

Unexpected heating

This is a bit of an odd fault code and not a common one, it indicates that the washing machine has attempted to heat at a stage in the program where it should not.

Fault Code 5

Water intake has failed Error after more than 10 minutes

Generally speaking this will be a failure of the water inlet valve or the water supply itself has been cut off somehow. This can be due to the water valve or supply as stated but it may also be worth checking the filters in the fill valves to ensure that they are clear. Many of the WFL range washing machines use this water inlet valve but there is a much cheaper alternative valve, this one, available as well.

The machine should halt after about five minutes and drain down any water in it but it can be restarted.

Fault Code 6

Takes longer than 6 minutes to drain.

Very often you will see this error if the filter is blocked or obstructed or the drain pump is jammed or faulty. Many WFL models use this drain pump although there is this drain pumpwhich is cheaper and fits many models.

This error code can also be caused by the pressure sensor being blocked, a much discussed topic in the forums, by overfoaming from overdosing detergent or using a poor quality detergent as well as a pressure switch or sensor failure.

When this error occurs the program is aborted as it is considered to be a "fatal error" without any attempt to drain the washing machine.

Fault Code 7

NTC thermistor open circuit or short circuit

Self explanatory really, either a faulty NTC (this is the NTC thermistor for many of these Bosch washing machines) or wiring. The washing machine will complete the program but will not heat.

More Help, Advice And Guidance For Bosch Washing Machines

Should you need more help and guidance please use the links from this article as most of them will help you to understand your Bosch washing machine a lot better and probably very much help you in diagnosing the fault you have. Of course there are many other articles on the site that will also help you do this.

In addition you can post in our forums after registering but please do pay heed to the information below before doing so and read the guides, they are there to help you.

You must understand certain things before you begin or attempt any repairs on your own and we want to make these points very, very clear to anyone that decides to investigate one of these or any other washing machines:

• We are not responsible for your safety, you are and by using this guide you accept that and accept that any damage that you may cause and work undertaken is entirely at your own risk.
• We will advise the common causes of the fault codes but we cannot guarantee that any parts or work recommended will resolve the issue. It is entirely your responsibility to diagnose your particular problem and resolve it.
• We are not responsible for you buying spares that do not resolve the problem, this is down to your own diagnosis not ours.
• No warranty is inferred, implied or given.

Please do note that manufacturers can and do change fault codes without notice and we cannot guarantee that these error codes will apply to your particular model as all codes apply to a wide range of appliances and not normally any one specific model. To determine if these fault codes do apply to your particular Bosch washing machine model please post a request to confirm this in the forums.