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 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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These fault codes are written for washing machine repairers and not for the general public by Indesit 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 basic 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.
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.
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Light or LED not lit | ![]() |
Light or LED flashing | ![]() |
Light or LED lit solid, no flash |
The LEDs in these error codes represent the prewash, 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 |
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Door open after program has been started |
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. .
The machine should halt after about five minutes and drain down any water in it but it can be restarted.
Fault Code 2 |
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Heating time exceeds 85 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 3 |
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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 WOK models use this drain pump which is cheaper than the genuine Bosch drain pump 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 4 |
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Unexpected heating |
This error code and not a common one to see, it indicates that the washing machine has attempted to heat at a stage in the program where it should not.
Fault Code 5 |
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Uncontrolled motor startup |
This is not what we could consider a DIY repair and could indicate a possible fault with the main drive motor.
Fault Code 6 |
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Top cover open |
This error code may well not show up for a minute or so after you actually go to start the washing machine but the drum lid can be closed and the program restarted.
Fault Code 7 |
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Drum lid open |
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 or drum lid can be closed and the program restarted.
If the error persists there may be a fault with the door or drum locking mechanism or door latch.
Fault Code 8 |
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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 9 |
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NTC thermistor open circuit |
Self explanatory really, either an open circuit NTC thermistor or wiring fault.
The washing machine will complete the program but will not heat.
Fault Code 10 |
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NTC thermistor short circuit |
This error code will often mean a faulty NTC thermistor again or wiring fault.
The washing machine will attempt to start the motor until the program ends.
Fault Code 11 |
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Parking sensor faulty |
This code signifies a faulty magnet, sensor or a control PCB failure. This is not a DIY repair.
Fault Code 12 |
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K5 or K6 relay faulty |
This odd error code will cause the machine machine to abort the program. This is not a DIY repair.
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 help and advice 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:
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.
Buying spare parts for any washing machine or getting a service engineer can range from the simplest task in the world to one of the most daunting as you try to pick your way through model numbers, serial numbers, ranges and all sorts of information. We try to make this as simple as possible for you and take out any hassle but, sometimes, we know that we all need a little help from the experts.
| To get technical help for a washing machine then please click here for our washing machine forum | |
| Contact us for spare parts using our online contact form, simply click this link for our contact page |
With notes on where to get the best help at the end of each line:
Spares Help - From the store "Contact Us" option or spares@ukwhitegoods.co.uk
Technical Help - Please use the forums
How To Repair Problems - Please use the forums