Repair

In past years, when a washing machine breaks down, contacting a repairman was a must. Without a specialist, it was impossible to eliminate even a minor malfunction.

Modern Bosch household appliances have unique functionality. The machines can independently diagnose breakdowns and display them as a code on the screen.

You can understand which part is broken and how to fix it using a set of signs. Read the article about the features of diagnosing and repairing a Bosch washing machine.

The most common breakdowns of Bosch SMA

The washing machine consists of many working units and parts. Any of them can break, but there are malfunctions that happen more often than others. You can understand what exactly is broken by a set of signs and error codes.

Thermal electric heater

The heating element is responsible for heating the water. It works on almost every wash cycle, so it breaks down over time.

The main reason for part failure is scale.The thicker its layer, the worse the heater does its job.

He will not be able to function at the limit of his capabilities for a long time and will burn out. Breakdowns can also be caused by power surges, the use of unsuitable detergents, and violation of the operating instructions for the device.

First, you can try to clean off the scale. To do this, the part is soaked in a solution of citric or acetic acid. A burnt-out heating element cannot be repaired and must be replaced.

Error codes indicating a malfunction of the heating element – ​​F19, F20. Less commonly – F22, F37, F38. Read about replacing the heating element here.

Electronic module

The electronic module in a Bosch washing machine is its brain. If the board is completely damaged, the device simply stops working.. If a certain element fails, it will affect the functioning of one system. For example, if the section responsible for the operation of the heating element burns out, the machine will not heat the water.

Repair of the control board depends on the nature of the breakdown. You may need to solder the tracks, replace swollen capacitors or triacs. In case of a system failure, the software is reflashed. If repair is not possible, the module will have to be replaced.

Errors indicating a malfunction of the control module - F00, F02, E00, E67, F67, F63. In general, any codes can indicate burnout of certain areas of the board. Details - here.

Water level sensor

The pressure switch comes into operation every time the washing machine is started. It is located immediately under the top cover and is secured with several bolts.

Signs of its breakdown:

• lack of water in the tank;
• tank overflowing with water;
• The machine works, but the wash does not start.

Voltage drops and blockages lead to malfunctions of the pressure switch. When the equipment is used for a long time, the sensor fails as a result of natural wear and tear.

Before replacing the pressure switch, you need to:

• blow out the tube
• clean contacts,
• check wire connections,
• restart the machine.

If these measures are ineffective, you will have to buy a new part. Error codes indicating a malfunction of the pressure switch – F02, F26, F27.

Cross

The cross connects the tank and the drum, responsible for its rotation. With each wash, it experiences impressive loads. Breakdown occurs due to improper use of household appliances. Most often, due to regular overload of the drum. Hard water and bearing wear are less likely to cause breakdowns.

Signs of a broken crosspiece:

1. Grinding noise when the drum rotates.
2. Rustling or knocking noise during the spin cycle.
3. Stop washing.

A code that would indicate a breakdown of the crosspiece is not programmed into the electronic module. However, error F43 (drum blocked) or F21 (drum does not rotate) may appear on the screen.

Belt

Not all Bosch CMA models have a belt; it is found in devices with a classic engine.

Problems with it arise when operating rules are violated, in particular, with constant overload of equipment. The belt may break, stretch, or fly off.

When the belt is stretched, the drum rotates slowly, which is why things do not wring out. If the belt breaks, the machine simply stops. Diagnostics is not difficult; you need to remove the back wall of the device and visually assess the condition of the belt.If it just flew off, it is returned to its place. If a part stretches or breaks, it must be replaced.

Error codes that indirectly indicate problems with the belt - F43, F21. Read about belt replacement Here.

Hatch handle

The plastic handle on Bosch washing machines rarely breaks. This only happens when you press it hard or when you handle the device carelessly.

Do not attempt to open the hatch if it is locked. This may cause the spring to pop out or the pin to break. A broken handle cannot be repaired; the part will have to be replaced.

Error codes indicating a malfunction of the hatch handle - F16, F01, E16, F34, F68.

Pump (pump)

The pump is responsible for pumping out dirty water and discharging it into the sewer.. Most often, it stops doing its job correctly due to blockages. Once inside, foreign objects block the impeller or cause its blades to break. Another vulnerable part in the pump is the motor, which burns out during voltage surges.

Error codes indicating a pump malfunction are F03, F18, E18. Read more Here And here.

Engine

The motor drives the drum. It works at its maximum capacity during each wash cycle, so it often fails.

Causes of engine failure:

1. Brush wear.
2. Short circuit due to voltage drop.
3. Broken power cord.
4. Bearing blocking.

If the motor is faulty, the machine stops working.The breakdown can be determined by visual inspection using a multimeter. You can try to solder the peeled lamellas, and return the loose contacts to their place. If repair is not possible, the motor will have to be replaced.

Error codes indicating a motor malfunction are F21, F43, E02, E42, F44. Read more Here.

Brushes

Graphite brushes are consumables in any belt driven washing machine. Over time, they wear out, which leads to a decrease in engine efficiency. When spinning and washing, the drum will not reach the required speed.

100% wear of the brushes is indicated by stopping the washing machine. Accelerated grinding of graphite is facilitated by overloading the device with a large number of things. The brushes cannot be repaired and must be replaced. The critical length of the part is 10 mm.

Error codes indicating brush wear are F02, E43, E21. Details - here.

Bearings

Excessive vibrations are negatively reflected on bearings. Reasons for their destruction:

• non-compliance with the manufacturer's recommendations for drum weight loading;
• incorrect installation of the device;
• moisture ingress;
• natural wear and tear.

Error codes for bearing failures – F21, F43. Replacement instructions - Here.

Shock absorbers

Damage to shock absorbers is caused by drum imbalance. The main reason is washing large and heavy items that clump together after getting wet.

The load on the shock absorbers increases, causing them to stretch.Signs indicating a malfunction of the springs: strong knocking and vibration during washing and spinning.

If the shock absorbers stop doing their job, the machine will not wring out things. Repair of stretched shock absorbers is not possible. Both springs must be replaced at once. There is no specific error code. Indirectly, a malfunction of the shock absorbers may be indicated by the inscription F21 - no drum rotation. Replacement instructions - here.

Cuff

Causes of cuff rupture in a Bosch washing machine:

• rupture by a sharp object caught in the drum;
• thinning of the seal due to prolonged use and stagnation of moisture;
• damage by fungus and mold.

The main sign of a broken rubber band is the appearance of water near the washing machine. If the hole is small and you need to finish the wash quickly, you can remove the seal and turn it over with the defect side up. This measure is temporary; in the future, the torn cuff will have to be replaced.

There is no code that would indicate a violation of the integrity of the seal in a Bosch washing machine. Instructions for replacing the part - Here.

Drum

A drum breakdown is indicated by its blocking, or strong grinding and difficult rotation. Depending on the reason, appropriate actions must be taken:

1. The hatch is not closed due to a mechanical obstacle or a broken UBL. It is necessary to inspect the cuff, assess the condition of the handle and lock.
2. Water does not fill or drain into the drum, and it does not rotate. Reason: breakdown of the pressure switch, pump or electronic module. Defective parts must be replaced.
3. Problems with the belt. If it falls off or breaks, the drum will not rotate.
4. The drum is jammed due to a foreign object getting into it.
5. Worn motor brushes or bearings. Parts require replacement.

The error code that indicates problems with the drum is F21, F43. Details - Here.

Bosch washing machine malfunctions and their elimination

The owner of a Bosch washing machine may find that familiar functions become unavailable. If the device does not spin things out, does not heat water, freezes or does not work properly, you need to look for the cause of the malfunction. Accurate diagnosis will allow you to quickly fix the problem.

Water doesn't heat up

In 90% of cases, the lack of heating comes down to a breakdown of the heating element. If this is indeed the case, then one of the following codes will appear on the screen: F19, F20.

Also, the lack of heating may be due to a malfunction of the temperature sensor; a breakdown is indicated by errors such as: F22, F37, F38.

Causes of malfunction:

• violation of the integrity of the wires;
• scale formation on the heating element;
• control board malfunction;
• power surges.

Broken parts need to be replaced or repaired. Details - Here.

The “lock” symbol lights up on the screen

If the lock lights up during washing, then this is a normal situation and does not require any action.. The problem is indicated by the door locking after the cycle has completed. If the door handle or UBL breaks down, codes F16, F01, E16, F34, F68 will appear on the screen.

If this method does not work, the device must be restarted by leaving it turned off for 15 minutes. If the UBL or hatch handle breaks, they need to be replaced. They cannot be repaired.

Leaking from the tray

Bosch washing machines are equipped with a tray in which water accumulates during various malfunctions.If a puddle has formed on the floor, then the situation is serious.

There may be several reasons:

1. Pump malfunctions. Error codes F03, F18, E most often the problem comes down to a clogged water pumping system.
2. Drain hose rupture.
3. Cuff rupture. There is no error code, but the defect is easy to detect during a visual inspection.

You need to start diagnostics and repairs only after disconnecting the device from the network and collecting water. First, check the integrity of the hoses and cuffs, then the presence of blockages. Why the machine is leaking from below, you can find out Here.

No spin

If SMA Bosch doesn't wring things out, reasons may be as follows:

1. A mode has been selected in which spinning is not included in the settings, for example, the Wool program.
2. There are problems with the drum: it is jammed due to a foreign object getting inside, or the axis has shifted due to crumpled laundry. Error codes: F21, F
3. Broken crosspiece, brush or bearings. Most often, the reason comes down to natural wear and tear of parts. Possible error codes: – F02, E43, E
4. The belt has fallen off or stretched. You need to inspect its location.
5. The tachometer has failed. It is installed on the engine rotor. It needs to be twisted and replaced. Codes indicating malfunction F21, F43, E02, E42, F
6. Springs have stretched or burst. Shock absorbers are being changed.

Before you begin complex repairs, you need to try resetting the washing machine. Perhaps there is no spin due to a malfunction of the control board. Read more Here.

Freezes

The Bosch washing machine may stop during the washing process and do not respond to commands for the following reasons:

• a surge in the power grid caused a malfunction in the equipment;
• there are too many things loaded into the drum;
• an important part has broken, without which further execution of the cycle is impossible - it could be a heating element, a pump, a motor, a drum;
• The control module has failed.

The machine does not turn on

If the device does not turn on when you press the Start button, you need to look for the cause of the malfunction:

1. The electricity in the house was turned off.
2. The power cord is broken or the socket is burnt out.
3. A one-time collection occurred in the operation of the electronic module. In this case, the device will turn on, but will not respond to commands. Error codes: F00, F02, E00, E67, F67, F

If there is no power, you need to wait for it to resume and put the device into operation. If the control board is faulty, it needs to be repaired. Broken cords and wires must be replaced; before this, you cannot use the device, this can be dangerous.

Doesn't take up water

If the appliance turns on, the wash starts, but no water is drawn in, it is necessary to exclude all possible causes:

• there is low pressure in the water supply - if cold water flows in a thin stream, it will not be possible to wash things;
• the water supply hose is leaky or pinched - it needs to be replaced;
• the water supply valve is turned on (if available);
• the filling valve is broken or clogged - the blockage must be removed, the broken part must be replaced;
• the pressure switch is broken - in this case the following codes will appear on the screen: F02, F26, F27.

Sometimes the reason for the lack of water in the tank is a malfunction of the equipment. You can fix it by rebooting. Details - in this article.

It makes noise and knocks

Unusual noise and knocking during operation of the Bosch SMA may be triggered by the following factors:

1. The device was put into operation for the first time without removing the transport bolts.
2. Due to strong vibration, the counterweight mounts became loose. They need to be tightened.
3. The machine is installed on an uneven surface. This can be corrected by adjusting the height of the legs.
4. Important parts have worn out: bearings, crosspieces, shaft, shock absorbers. They will have to be replaced.

Sometimes noise and grinding noise occurs as a result of a foreign object entering the space between the tank and the drum. It needs to be removed. Details - Here.

Water does not drain

The main reason why water stagnates in the tank is a broken or clogged pump. In this case, the code F03, F18 or E18. To fix the problem, you need to get to the pump, clean it or replace it.

Sometimes the water does not drain because the drain hose is pinched or kinked.. If the control board malfunctions, the device is rebooted. Read more here.

The door won't open

The hatch door is jammed or blocked may be associated with factors such as:

• child lock enabled;
• the UBL or the hatch handle has broken down, error codes F16, F01, E16, F34, F68;
• The device has frozen due to a power surge and needs to be rebooted.

Sometimes the hatch is blocked due to the machine taking a long time to process the operation, so you need to wait 10-15 minutes before taking any action. Details - Here And here.

Jumps or vibrates strongly

If the machine moves and vibrates strongly during operation, you need to look for one of the following reasons:

1. The drum is overloaded. Some things need to be removed.
2. The machine is standing on an uneven surface.Its position must be adjusted using a level.
3. The counterweight twisted. Its fastenings need to be tightened.
4. Parts have failed: shock absorbers, bearings, crosspieces. They will have to be replaced.

During the first wash, the appliance may vibrate strongly due to the transport bolts not being tightened.

Features of repairing top-loading washing machines

Bosch top-loading washing machines are not sold in Russia, so craftsmen are practically never faced with the need to repair them.

If a person still has to work with such a model, he The following features must be taken into account:

1. The control panel is located on the top cover, not on the front wall. To get to the main components, you will have to twist it.
2. During the washing process, the flaps may open, causing the drum to stop. In this case, the device will have to be completely disassembled.
3. To replace the drain filter, inspect the electronic module, fill valve or cuff, you do not have to disassemble the device.

How to disassemble the device?

Algorithm for disassembling a Bosch washing machine consists of the following steps:

• twist the 2 bolts holding the top cover;
• take out the powder cuvette, remove the control board;
• unscrew the bolt holding the water level sensor;
• remove the upper counterweight and surge protector;
• remove the filling valve;
• twist the back wall to gain access to the belt, motor and heating element;
• remove the lower trim panel, disconnect the pump and drain hose;
• unscrew the hatch, take out the cuff;
• remove counterweights;
• disconnect the body from the shock absorbers, take out the tank, along with the drum.

The tank is disassembled when the bearings and seal need to be replaced. Details - in this And this articles.

When should the drain hose be replaced?

If the hose in the washing machine is clogged, there is no need to change it. To remove the blockage, simply rinse it with a powerful stream of hot water.

Replacement will be required in the following cases:

1. The hose is not long enough to install the device in the desired location.
2. The integrity of the hose is damaged and it is leaking.
3. The blockage is not represented by ordinary garbage, but by hard lime deposits that cannot be cleaned.

To replace the hose, the device must be disconnected from the network, drain the remaining water, and remove it from the sewer. Then the machine is turned over on its side and the bottom panel is removed. Having gained access to the hose attachment point, loosen the clamp, remove it and replace it with a new one.

Repair it yourself or call a professional?

Do-it-yourself and service repairs have their advantages and disadvantages. Before making a choice in favor of one of the options, you need to familiarize yourself with them.

If the machine is under warranty

If the Bosch SMA is under warranty but fails, it must be repaired by a service center absolutely free.

This service is provided as part of the warranty service. The period during which it can be used is 1 year.

The service center technicians will undertake repairs to the device only if it fails due to no fault of the owner. In this case, you cannot open the case yourself and try to fix the problem. To prove eligibility for warranty repairs, you must provide a receipt confirming the date of purchase.

Pros and cons of home renovation

pros home renovation:

• financial savings;
• quick departure of a specialist;
• the ability to independently repair simple breakdowns;
• there is no need to transport the machine;
• the ability to choose a master who inspires confidence.

Minuses home repairs:

• many craftsmen do not provide receipts and do not guarantee work performed;
• there is a possibility of meeting with scammers;
• lack of necessary knowledge, experience and tools.

At the service center

Advantages of contacting a service center:

• Large organizations employ professionals;
• warranty for replaced parts;
• the ability to perform complex repairs;
• original spare parts.

The main disadvantage of contacting a service center is the high cost of the services provided. In addition, the equipment will have to be left in the workshop for several days.

Conclusion

Bosch washing machines rarely break down. The self-diagnosis feature helps you quickly identify the problem and direct efforts to fix it. You can deal with simple breakdowns on your own. In other cases, it is better to contact specialists.