Error F18 in a Bosch washing machine

F18 is an error code in the self-diagnostic system of some Bosch washing machines. Not all Bosch washing machines display this error. Sometimes, in a similar situation, a Bosch washing machine displays the E18 code, while other times it displays the D02 code. Everything depends on the version of the self-diagnostic system embedded in the software of the specific model. But it doesn't matter which of these three codes your Bosch washing machine displays; the main thing is to decipher it correctly and determine the malfunction that caused it.

Decoding the code

So, error F18 appears in a Bosch washing machine if the “home helper” spends too much time draining the water. The washing machine's program specifies minimum and maximum time intervals during which the wastewater must be removed. If the draining process isn't completed within the maximum time limit, the control module stops the wash cycle and displays the F18 code on the display.

If your Bosch washing machine has a display, the F18 error is clearly displayed there. If it doesn't have a display, the machine alerts the user to this error by illuminating the 1000 RPM indicator and the 600 RPM indicator.

Why does my Bosch washing machine drain so slowly? What's the reason for this behavior? There could be quite a few reasons.

1. One of the main reasons is incorrect connection of the drain hose when installing the washing machine.
2. Error F18 can be caused by blockages in the pump, waste filter, drain pipe, or hose.
3. The same problem occurs when the pump and pressure switch fail. In the former case, the machine simply can't pump water out of the tank, while in the latter case, the control module doesn't receive data on the water level in the tank and immediately displays error code F18.

Incorrect installation

If you are installing a Bosch washing machine yourself, especially if you are doing it for the first time, you need to pay attention to the fact that How to connect a washing machine drain hose to the sewerAnd the issue here is not even in the method of connecting the hose to the sewer, but in the correct positioning of the hose itself.

What do we mean? The hose must have a slight bend when connected to the drain. The drain hose must not be connected tightly. If the standard hose included with your Bosch washing machine isn't long enough, you can extend it or purchase a longer hose. However, it's important to understand that the longer the drain hose, the greater the load on the pump, and the greater the load, the shorter the service life of the part.

The connection height relative to the washing machine's feet should not exceed 1 meter, and the hose should not be positioned too low. The optimal connection height is 40-60 cm.

Also, make sure that the drain hose is not pinched or twisted in any way, as this will definitely hinder or stop the drainage of waste water.

Various blockages

Clogged drains can be a real scourge for a Bosch automatic washing machine, or any other. If the drain is blocked or nonexistent and the washing machine displays error code F18, you should know that a serious clog is likely to blame. How do we find this clog?

• At first, we won't be digging into the washing machine's body or disassembling anything. We'll look where it's easiest to do, namely, into the dust filter opening.
• After checking the debris filter, disconnect the drain hose and check it; perhaps the blockage is hidden there.
• The next step is to turn off the washing machine, pull it out, remove the detergent drawer, and lower the Bosch machine onto its left side wall. The pump and drain pipe are easily accessible through the bottom, as this is where a clog can also be hiding.

After checking everything possible and ensuring there are no blockages, you can proceed to the next step in troubleshooting the F18 error – checking the pump and pressure switch. Incidentally, this will be easier now that the machine is disconnected and disassembled. Furthermore, you've already gained access to the pump through the bottom of the machine, so it's best to start with the drain pump.

Pump and pressure switch

To check the drain pump, first remove it. Remove the clamps that connect this part to the hoses. Next, unscrew the external screws that connect the pump to the waste filter (the screws around the opening of the waste filter). Now all that's left to do is disconnect the wires, pull the pump away from the hoses, and remove it from the washing machine.

Let's unscrew the pump and inspect its internals, paying particular attention to the condition of the impeller. If the impeller is intact, there's nothing wrapped around it, and there's no dirt, the pump's mechanics are likely in good working order. We move on to checking the drain pump's electrical system. We take a multimeter and test the wires that power the pump, then test the drain pump itself.

It is possible that after all the tests, the F18 error will not disappear. In this case, you will have to check the water level sensor, which is located under the top cover of the Bosch washing machine. You can read about how to check and repair this sensor in the article. Checking the pressure switch of a washing machine.

In conclusion, we've managed to understand the nature of the F18 error in your Bosch washing machine, list its potential causes, and explain how to troubleshoot and resolve the issue. We hope this information is helpful. Good luck!

   

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