Error E18 in a Bosch washing machine
The appearance of an error code on a washing machine during or at the very end of a cycle can be frustrating and confusing. However, there's no need to worry, as any problem can be resolved. Sometimes, a few minutes are all it takes to fix the issue. This can happen, for example, when the E18 error appears on a Bosch washing machine. Let's explore what this error is and what to do about it together.
Explanation and reasons
The description of this error in any manual for this brand's appliances is fairly short and straightforward. Error E18 means the wastewater is not draining. The user can see that there's still water in the tank, no matter how hard the machine tries to drain.
This error code varies across different washing machine models. F18 and d02 are identical.
As for non-display machines, the user is alerted via indicators on the control panel. If there's no drain, the spin speed indicators for 1000 and 600 rpm will light up. What could be causing the water not to drain from the drum? Let's list the main ones:
- Violation of the rules for connecting the drain hose;
- kinking or pinching of the water drain hose;
- blockage of the drainage system (filter, pipes, pump);
- pump failure;
- malfunction of the sensor measuring the water level in the tank;
- "brain glitches" of the washing machine - module malfunction.
We are cleaning
If such an error occurs, the first thing to do is to turn off the water supply and turn off the machine first with the button, and then with the button. To carry out repairs and find the cause, you also need to drain the water from the tank. This can be done through a small drain hose located at the bottom of the machine, next to the drain filter behind a small plastic door.
The second way to drain the water is to remove the drain filter, but this will require you to place plenty of rags or a shallow container underneath the machine. After removing the filter, you can also check to see if it's causing a clog in the drainage system. If dirt, small objects, or hair have accumulated, clean and rinse the filter. Also, inspect the drain hose for kinks. While this is extremely rare, it's still worth checking.
After emptying the tank and inspecting the filter for clogs, you can begin looking for another cause. To do this, move the machine to a convenient location and prepare your tools (screwdriver and pliers). Then:
- remove the bottom plastic panel and unscrew the bolts underneath it;
- remove the clamp holding the rubber cuff using a screwdriver;
- unscrew the lock device;
- disconnect the connector with wires from the lock;
- remove the powder tray and unscrew the bolts underneath it;
- carefully remove the control panel without pulling the wires;
- move the front part of the case aside;
- at the bottom right, find the drain pump and the pipes connected to it;
- loosen the clamps on the pipes and remove them;
- If there is no debris in the pipes, then the cause of this error is not blockages, but something more serious, but more on that later.
Pump and pressure switch repair
So, the washing machine is disassembled, and the drain pump is practically in your hands. You need to pull it out and disconnect it from the housing by releasing the latches. Once you remove the housing, you'll see the rotating part of the pump—the impeller. Lint or hair may be wrapped around it, preventing it from rotating freely. As a result, the pump doesn't work, and draining is difficult.
Additionally, the impeller may be damaged, or the electrical component of the pump may have burned out. In either case, the part will need to be replaced. Installing a new part should be straightforward. Follow the steps in reverse order:
- connect the pump to the snail;
- connect the pipes to it using new clamps;
- connect the plug with wires;
- fix the pump to the body;
- Assemble the washing machine and check its operation.
If the machine's drainage system is in good working order, the problem is likely related to other components of the machine. Besides the pump, proper drainage depends on the proper functioning of the water level sensor. If it's broken, the machine may freeze with a full tank, so have a multimeter handy.
The pressure switch in the Bosch machine is located in the upper right part of the body; to access it, simply remove the top cover. Before removing the part itself, check the integrity of the tube coming from the sensor, as well as the contacts of the wires connected to the pressure switch. Only after this can you check the sensor itself and replace it if necessary.
Module failure
A breakdown of this washing machine part can cause absolutely any error, since it is responsible for the overall operation of the machine.
The control module contains many different electronic components, and damage to these components can cause the machine to stop working. As an example, consider the universal module found on Bosch MAXX4/5/6 series washing machines.
This module is considered repairable by specialists, so if you're unfamiliar with its operation, entrust it to a specialist. Otherwise, you'll have to replace the entire part, which will cost approximately a third of the washing machine's price. Therefore, if this error occurs, first check the pressure switch connections and the pump triac. They are marked in red in the diagrams below. If any of the components is faulty, replace them by re-soldering them with a new one.
So, if Bosch washing machine If your water supply stops, don't panic. You may be able to resolve the issue yourself. We hope the information in this article helps.
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6 reader comments
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Thank you for such a resource; I took it all apart and put it back together myself in two hours. And it worked.
The problem was in the pump itself. I took it apart as shown in the video, and the picture was the same. The only difference was that in my case, the impeller didn't have a life of its own.
I cleaned everything, put it back together, and it works!
Bosch is a complete piece of crap, not a washing machine. I can definitely speak for my Bosch Maxx 5. Before that, I had a Daewoo, and it didn't break down once in 8 years. I've already had the new one repaired twice.
I completely agree, Bosch is complete crap! I've had to repair it twice in three years.
You need to take the original, Vasya!
Where can I get the original, Petya? And how will the price differ?
I've had my Bosch for eight years now and it has never broken down, only the filter has clogged a couple of times.
A good model Bosch Classic 6, served me faithfully for 12 years (my darling).