Error E23 in a Bosch washing machine
Error E23 in a Bosch washing machine isn't uncommon, but you won't find it in the standard self-diagnostic codes for this brand's washing machines. Common error codes for modern Bosch washing machines begin with the letter "F," and only a few begin with "E." E23 is an exception, appearing on some Bosch washing machine models. Nevertheless, this code still needs to be deciphered, and that's what we'll do.
Leak in the washing machine tray
Error E23 has a similar meaning to error F23, which is much more common in Bosch washing machines. Specifically, E23 indicates that the leak protection sensor, located in the washing machine's tray, has been triggered.
The Aqua Stop sensor works very simply. The washing machine's tray has a special segment connected to a float. When water enters the tray, the float rises, triggering the sensor and displaying E23. There are various possible causes of leaks:
- the washing tank has become leaky;
- crack in the drain pipe;
- the inlet hose is not screwed on properly or is leaking;
- The powder receptacle is not inserted or is leaking.
It is not at all necessary that there is actually a leak, since the sensor may make itself known for another reason.
Our technicians experienced the following incident. A customer called us complaining about the E23 error message on his Bosch washing machine. He wanted a quick verbal consultation with our technician regarding the error. The technician began by explaining the Aqua Stop float switch, which had tripped in the drain pan and, he claimed, was the cause of the error. The customer listened and then explained that his machine wasn't equipped with a leak protection system at all and didn't have a drain pan, much less an Aqua Stop hose.
The mechanic was surprised and offered to come to the customer's home to address the problem. It turned out that the car indeed lacked a leak protection system, but its module contained the E23 code, which diagnosed this error. The problem only appeared as a result of a short circuit.
We tried resetting the error, rebooting the control module, and checking the circuit, but nothing helped. We couldn't solve the problem or find its cause. Ultimately, we were able to get rid of the annoying code only after reprogramming the electronic module. This situation is a reminder that Aqua Stop is Aqua Stop, and control module glitches are something to keep in mind. Error E23, although rare, can be caused by precisely this kind of malfunction.
Sensor dysfunction
It's no wonder that technicians recommend checking the drip tray for debris when installing a washing machine with a leak protection system. We've seen owners move their washing machine to a different location and discover the E23 error. After feeling the tray, they found it dry and the cause of the error was unclear. Our technicians opened the tray and discovered that a small piece of plastic, previously in the tray, had gotten caught under the float while moving the Bosch machine, naturally lifting it. They removed the debris, replaced the tray, and the machine is now working as before.
Debris in the pan may prevent the sensor from triggering when a leak actually occurs.

Incidentally, this sensor is quite sensitive. Carelessness when installing or moving the washing machine can immediately trigger the E23 error. A short circuit, which can burn out the sensor with all the ensuing consequences, and a break in the sensor's power supply wires are also worth mentioning. The latter, incidentally, can happen during DIY repairs when the owner, while disassembling the machine, accidentally disconnects the wire running from the housing to the sensor's base.
In general, if you encounter the E23 error, pay special attention to the float sensor located in the tray of your Bosch washing machine. A detailed inspection may reveal a fault, and once detected, repairs should begin.
Troubleshooting
If you've noticed that the E23 error is due to water collecting in the washing machine's drip tray, you need to immediately begin investigating the cause of the leak. Some users on forums recommend tilting the machine to lower the float to resolve this error, others use an enema bulb to remove the water, and still others resort to other "perverse" methods. We'd like to point out that these measures are purely temporary. If the underlying cause of the leak isn't fixed, the water will accumulate again, and will you have to pump it out again?
In our opinion, it is necessary to partially disassemble the Bosch washing machine and check for leaks:
- pipes and their connection points;
- hoses and their connection points;
- pump;
- tank;
- dispenser.
The article describes how best to disassemble a washing machine of this brand. Bosch washing machine design, let's not focus on this. If a leaking pipe or tank is discovered, it can be replaced, or sealed with sealant or cold welding, depending on the nature of the damage. Incidentally, some mechanics are very cool to this repair method, preferring to replace the entire part. This is generally correct, but there are situations where the crack is very small, and replacing the entire tank is a hassle and expensive. Of course, the decision is yours.
If the problem isn't a leak, but rather the Aqua Stop sensor, you'll need to replace it. To do this, unscrew and carefully (without ripping the wire) remove the pan. Disconnect the wire from the sensor. Using a screwdriver, pry the sensor out of its clips and set it aside. Replace it with a new, original sensor.
In conclusion, it's worth noting that both the E23 and F23 errors on Bosch washing machines have the same meaning. Therefore, you should take all necessary measures to either eliminate the leak detected by the Aqua Stop system or repair the Aqua Stop system itself, depending on what caused the code to appear. Good luck!
Interesting:
29 reader comments
Headings
Washing machine repair
For buyers
For users
Dishwasher







Thanks a lot!
I have an 8 kg Bosch washing machine. I got the E23 error. I tried everything! From jokes to wires to programming... thanks to you, I just tilted the machine and that was it! Thank you!
Thank you for your help, everything is easy and simple!
Help me reset the error. E:23 is flashing on the display.
Tilt the car and that's it.
Cool, I did it too!
Thank you! It really helped, I never would have thought)
Thank you for the advice, this method helped me too. I tilted the machine and it worked.
Thank you very much, the tilt helped!
Thank you so much! My well water is hard. I lifted the lid, removed the discharge hose, and cleared the calcium buildup from the inlet pipe to the powder receiver.
Thank you very much, it helped us. We tilted the machine, all the water ran out, and everything worked again.
Thank you very much for the article. It was very helpful. Bosch washing machine. 7 kg capacity.
Thanks! The comments about tilting the machine to drain the water helped me! It worked! My Bosch washing machine holds 7 kg. It was giving me the error E:35.
Which way to tilt?
Thank you and it helped us =)
Thank you. It helped.
That's right! I tilted it, and the water drained. The problem was discovered when removing the top cover. The outlet hose, at the very corner of the outlet, connected to a thin black hose. That's what broke off. A clamp helped, and everything works.
Thank you so much for your help! I tilted it to the front and everything worked! I'll keep an eye on the recurrences and look for the cause of the leak!
How to fix error E23 after replacing the pump on a Zanussi washing machine?
I never would have thought I was such a master. I tilted the machine and the E23 error went away. Thank you!
Thanks for the advice, I tilted it and it works.
Same thing! I fixed it all myself! Thanks so much for the advice!
I really appreciate the advice about tilting the car. It worked!
The beginning was scary: call service! But the advice to tilt the device worked! Thank you! The main thing is that the problem doesn't recur.
Thanks so much for the advice! It worked. I tilted the machine forward, about two glasses of water leaked out, and everything started working again. It's a Bosch Series 6. The display was showing the E23 error.
I tilted the machine and got it working :)
Thank you. You helped a lot.
I cleaned the filter, then read the recommendations and reviews here! I tilted the machine, and about a glass's worth of water drained, maybe less. And it worked 🙂 Thank you!
Thanks! It worked!
You tilted it, water ran out, the error went away, and now the error hasn't returned? Is the water still not flooding the tray?