Error E18 on a Bosch washing machine: what does the F18 code that a Bosch washing machine produces mean, the causes of malfunctions, what to do and how to troubleshoot?

The laundry is loaded, the washing workflow is started, but after some time the washing machine suddenly stops, signaling a problem with error e18.

Understanding what exactly caused this situation will help you restore the functionality of your Bosch washing machine as quickly as possible.

What does error code E18 mean for a Bosch washing machine, how to detect a malfunction and fix it, we will tell you further.

Bosch washing machine code F18 - what is it?

Problems with draining (a few minutes after starting the operating cycle, the washing machine stopped without draining water) are indicated by error e18 (in some models f18, D02) displayed on the display of the household appliance.

A Bosch washing machine without a display signals problems with the drainage system by flashing the spin speed indicator (1000 and 600 or 800 and 400).

Error e18 is a signal to urgently stop using the washing machine. The device must be de-energized: press the “Off” button, then unplug the power cord from the socket. Otherwise, there is a high risk of serious leaks and lengthy repairs.

Preventive measures

In order to prevent damage to the washing machine, each owner must remember a few simple but very important rules.

Before washing, you should carefully check your laundry. It's worth looking in every pocket, shaking every shirt and towel.
Before putting dirty laundry into the washing machine, you should check the drum for foreign objects.
Every month it is necessary to check the washing machine system and inspect the filters. In any case, blockages will accumulate gradually, and monthly cleaning will avoid big problems.
To wash dirty laundry, you must use water softeners. They do not affect the quality of the fabric; on the contrary, they soften its fibers. But the main thing is that soft water is gentle on the parts and spare parts of the washing machine.

With such care and attention, any washing machine will serve its owner for decades.

Resolving error E18 on a Bosch Max 5 washing machine in the video below.

Why does it appear and what to do?

reasons why a Bosch washing machine does not drain water from the drum (or drains it very slowly):

sewer system blockages;
blockages or mechanical damage to the drain hose;
washing machine connection errors;
clogged drain filter;
pump failure;
failure of the pressure switch;
problems with the control module.

It is better to start diagnosing error e18 with minor problems, the elimination of which does not require special skills, gradually moving towards checking components and mechanisms, the repair of which requires certain knowledge and experience.

Checking the sewer

A clogged drain is a common cause of error E18 in Bosch washing machines. Sewer pipes become clogged with soap scum, hair and other debris , which prevents the water from draining smoothly from the washing machine.

How to fix the situation? To check whether the sewer is clogged or not, the end of the drain hose is lowered into the sink or toilet, after which the water drain mode is started. If the washing machine begins to drain water without any delay, the cause of error E18 lies in clogged sewer pipes.

You can fix the problem yourself in the following way: pour a special powder that dissolves blockages into the sink drain, wait the required time (precisely indicated on the manufacturer’s packaging), and then rinse off the powder with good water pressure.

If such actions do not lead to the desired result, it is better to entrust the cleaning of sewer pipes to a professional plumber.

Drain hose

Kinks, mechanical damage, hairs and soap suds adhering to the inner walls of the drain hose prevent the free drainage of waste liquid from the drum, which is indicated by the Bosch washing machine with error e18.

Checking the drain hose for blockages is very simple; you just need to blow into it. The sounds of gurgling residual water in the pump is a signal that everything is in order with the hose. Otherwise, it must be cleaned with a special brush attached to a long cable.

Additionally, the drain hose is checked for kinks and other mechanical damage.

Checking the device connection

Errors in installing the washing machine to the sewerage system can cause difficulties in draining water and, as a result, the appearance of error code E18.

To prevent waste water from pouring back into the drum, the drain hose must be located at least 50 cm from the floor level. It is also necessary to ensure that the hose is installed with a slight bend and is not twisted or compressed by foreign objects.

Pipes and drain filter

When clogged with small debris, lint and hair, the drain filter blocks the free flow of water from the drum.

To clean it, you need to carry out a series of sequential actions:

Unplug the washing machine.
Open the hatch hiding the drain filter (located at the bottom of the body, washed on the left side).
Pull out the emergency drain hose (located next to the filter) and drain the remaining water into a bowl.
Unscrew the drain filter (counterclockwise movements), clean it of debris, and screw it back in.

The filter is washed under running warm water using a soft brush. You should not use boiling water, harsh abrasives, or aggressive household chemicals to clean the filter (there is a high risk of deformation of the plastic and rubber sealing rings).

Diagnosing the drain pump

The easiest way to test the operation of the drain pump is to manually turn the impeller. You can get to it through a niche that opens after unscrewing the drain filter. If the blockage cannot be determined visually, the pump will have to be removed.

Algorithm of actions:

unscrew the fasteners, remove the cover and rear panel of the case, lay the washing machine on its side;
disconnect the pipes (at the same time check them for kinks, blockages, damage), wiring from the pump;
After carefully turning the pump counterclockwise, we remove the unit from the body of the Bosch washing machine.

The dismantled drain pump is carefully inspected for mechanical damage and impeller blockages. Additionally, use a multimeter to test the contacts of the drain pump. If the resistance reading is zero, the device is faulty, a short circuit or winding breaks are possible.

It is not economically feasible to repair a faulty pump . It is more profitable to install a new drain pump.

Testing the pressure switch

Water level sensor in the tank - pressure switch. It is he who transmits data to the control module about the degree of filling of the drum and the need to drain the water. If the operation of the pressure switch is disrupted, the control module does not receive the necessary information, which is indicated by the washing machine with error e 18.

Testing the pressure switch (located under the cover on the back panel of the washing machine) is very simple . It is enough to put a tube of a suitable diameter on the sensor fitting and blow into it. Characteristic clicks indicate that the pressure switch is working properly. Otherwise, the water level sensor in the drum will have to be replaced.

Additionally, the pressure switch is checked with a multimeter. To do this, the tester probes are connected to the relay contacts. If the values on the multimeter display change, the sensor is working; if not, then the pressure switch requires replacement.

Installing a new water level sensor in the tank is simple: just fix the pressure switch in place of the dismantled element, connect the pipe to the fitting and secure it with a clamp, connect the connector with wiring.

Control module

Burnout of tracks and contacts, problems in the operation of resistors, relays and capacitors of the control unit disrupt the normal operation of the washing machine, as indicated by error e 18.

In order to fix the problem, using special tools and devices, technicians test the module, identifying and replacing faulty elements . Lack of knowledge and experience in electronics repair is a good reason to seek help from professionals.

Step-by-step algorithm for checking and eliminating unit errors

Bosch washing machine and error f18 will require some effort on your part. So, you have removed the water from the tank, examined the inside of the filter and everything seems to be in order. Let's start looking for the true cause of the error, but to do this, roll out the equipment to the middle of the room and arm yourself with a screwdriver and pliers.

Carrying out cleaning

The algorithm of actions is as follows:

it is necessary to remove the bottom panel from the washing machine by unscrewing the bolts from it;
then use a screwdriver to remove the clamp that holds the rubber cuff;
the next step will be to unscrew the locking device;
then disconnect the chip with wires from the lock;
Now you can pull out the cuvette for filling the powder and unscrew the bolts located under it;
you should carefully remove the control panel; these manipulations should be performed carefully, without touching the wires;
Next, we remove the end part of the equipment to the side;

now you need to remove the clamps from the pipes on the drain pump;
If the pipes are clean without blockage, then we are looking for further reasons. They may be hidden in a broken pump or pressure switch.

How to repair a pump and pressure switch

A Bosch washing machine with error E18 sometimes requires a more thorough check. After disassembling the washing machine, you can safely remove the drain pump. First, disconnect it from the cochlea, and then release the latches. After you find a snail, it is worth checking the impeller; there may be traces of lint or hair on it that may interfere with the free rotation of the pump.

If there is damage to the impeller or electrical part of the pump, care should be taken to replace the parts. After purchasing the necessary spare parts, installation work is performed in the same sequence, only in reverse order.

the pump is connected to the cochlea;
pipes with new clamps are connected to the pump;
the wires are connected and the pump is fixed on the body;
All parts of the machine are assembled and secured, then its operation is checked.

The issue of error F18 on a Dosch washing machine can also be associated with other components and parts of the mechanism, for example, with the pressure switch, which is located in the case at the top right. In order to check the serviceability of this important part, remove the cover located on top from the housing, and also inspect the tube coming from the sensor. The contacts that connect directly to the pressure switch may be broken.

Control module and its breakdown

The control module is the part that is responsible for the technical serviceability of the washing machine and, in any failure, is responsible for stopping the entire mechanism. It consists of many radio elements and circuits and instantly responds to any internal or external provocation.

The module in Bosch MAXX series 4, 5, 6 machines is subject to repair, but this work is carried out only by specialists. You can replace the module, but it is quite expensive. In case of error E18, it is necessary to check the contacts when connecting the pressure switch and the pump triac. If these parts are damaged, they should be re-soldered by a professional.

Call the master

If you are unable to resolve error E18 on your own, service center specialists will come to your aid. Finding the necessary contacts is not difficult; just use Internet search engines.

Depending on the cause of the E18 error, the cost of repairs varies from 1,400 rubles for eliminating blockages in pipes and cleaning the drain filter , to 4,000 rubles for diagnosing and troubleshooting the control module.

Payment for the work performed can only be made after a test run of the repaired household appliances. It is strictly forbidden to give money for repairs that have not yet been completed (there are high risks that the operation of the washing machine will not be restored).

Contacting certified service centers for Bosch household appliances will protect you from illegal actions of fraudsters.

Error F18 in a Bosch washing machine

To fix a problem, you must first understand its cause. To do this, you need to decipher the error code F18. It means the water drainage time has been exceeded. There can be many reasons for such a malfunction. Let's look at them all in order.

One of the most common is considered to be an incorrect connection of the drain hose.
Various debris clogged the hose opening.
Pressostat failure.
Problem with the pipe.
Water does not go through the drain filter.
The pump does not pump out water.
Problems in the control unit.

The Bosh washing machine has an algorithm in its software for how the unit will operate while draining the waste liquid. If the dirty water is not drained within a certain period of time, the machine will no longer work.

A signal is sent from the water control sensor (pressostat) to the control unit that the liquid is not drained. The controller, in turn, processes the signal and stops the machine, issuing the corresponding error code.

How to prevent it in the future?

A few simple rules will help prevent error E18 (drainage problems) in a Bosch washing machine

Before each wash, pockets in clothes are carefully inspected for the presence of small objects (even a small button can cause blockages in the drain pipes, and as a result of serious problems with draining water from the drum).
Before loading dirty laundry, be sure to check the cleanliness of the sheep.
Regularly, at least once a month, the drain filters must be thoroughly inspected, cleaned, and, if necessary, replaced.

Taking care and following the basic rules of operating a washing machine will help protect the household appliance from frequent repairs and will maximize its service life.

Water level sensor malfunction

Washing machines are designed with a special sensor that determines the liquid level in the drum. The sensor is connected to the control controller; signals from the sensitive element turn the pump on and off. Sensor failure or oxidation is a common problem with Bosch washing machines. The sensor is installed inside the machine body (most often it is mounted on a power frame near the side wall).

In this case, the owner needs to partially disassemble the case, which will allow the sensor to be detected. Then you need to make an extension tube that fits onto the sensing element fitting instead of the standard hose. To dismantle the tube, you will need to remove the metal or plastic clamp. Testing consists of applying pressure through a hose into which you want to blow.

In a working sensor, the contact groups should operate and produce a single or triple click.

The verification methodology is not accurate because it is impossible to ensure regulatory pressure. It is recommended to inspect the sensor housing, which should not be cracked. The condition of the metal terminals is checked, and the standard tube is also inspected. There have been cases of incorrect operation of the sensor due to dirt drawn into the line. The hose is washed with water supplied under pressure from the tap.

An additional testing method is based on the use of a digital multimeter, which is connected to the sensor contacts. When the sensor is triggered, the resistance should change; if the parameters on the device screen remain unchanged, then the sensor must be replaced. It should be taken into account that the sensor gives erroneous signals, but such a problem can only be identified in the service.

Adviсe

If the cause of error e 18 is not related to a breakdown of the pump or pressure switch, restarting the washing machine will help .

It is necessary to turn off the washing machine (unplug the power cord from the socket), wait fifteen minutes, then turn on the household appliance again and start the washing process.

Connecting the washing machine through a stabilizer will prevent the occurrence of error E18 caused by malfunctions in the electrical network.

Error code

Error F18 in a Bosch washing machine means that the water is taking too long to drain. The washing program contains the shortest and longest period of time during which dirty water must be removed from the machine. If, after the maximum time has elapsed, the water is not completely drained, the control module stops the washing process. In this case, code F18 appears on the display.

If the washing equipment does not have a display, the owner will learn about error F18 from the indicators. The 600 and 1000 rpm indicators light up on the panel. Why does my Bosch machine drain water too slowly?

This happens for the following reasons:

During the installation of Bosch equipment, the drain hose was connected incorrectly. This reason is the most common.
The pump, hose, drain pipe or garbage filter is clogged.
The pressure switch or pump has failed. If the first one fails, the control module does not receive information about the water level. Therefore it throws error F18. If the pump breaks down, the washing machine cannot pump liquid out of the tank.

Washing machine error F18: what could have broken?

Such an indication could be caused by a breakdown or blockage of any link in the chain of parts performing drainage:

Drain hose. It may be clogged or incorrectly positioned.
Drain filter. There may be debris accumulated in it. Unfortunately, owners of washing machines do not always thoroughly empty the contents of pockets, pillowcases, and duvet covers. It is necessary to inspect the laundry before loading it into the drum so that foreign objects do not fall into the drain.
Water pump. The pump for pumping out water is a very likely culprit for the appearance of error f 18 on the display of a bosch washing machine. A foreign object can interfere with the rotation of the impeller. Or the problem is a defect in the pump itself.
Drain pipe. A blockage may prevent water from leaving the tank through it.
Pressostat. Sometimes this sensor fails and supplies incorrect data to the machine controls.
Electronic module. Finally, the f 18 error could be caused by a failure of the control module - the software has gone wrong or one of the components of the electronic board has failed.

First, look at the filter:

Then we check the pipes, they may also be clogged:

If the blockage is not found and error F 18 does not go away, change the pump (it is better to install the original Bosch):

This is what the pressure switch (water level sensor) looks like:

And this is the control module:

How to drain water from the machine?

The first thing you need to do before eliminating error f18 in a Bosch washing machine is to drain the waste water. Since the drain planned by the program was not carried out or did not occur completely, if the liquid is not removed, in the process of correcting the error it will definitely spill on the floor.

Unplug the machine. To do this, completely disconnect it from the network. Otherwise there is a risk of electric shock. Please also be aware that the liquid in the tub may be very hot (depending on the wash cycle). You need to touch the glass of the hatch. If it is warm, it is better to wait until it cools down.
Many Bosch models have a special emergency drain hose. It is located at the bottom, in front, behind a small panel, round or square door. Remove the plug from the hose and place a container to collect water.
Draining can be done through a hose going into the sewer. Its end is lowered into a previously prepared container. If water does not immediately flow out of the hose, you need to use the same technique as when pumping out gasoline - eliminate the air lock.
You can get rid of the liquid in the tank by removing the bottom filter. The machine is slightly lowered back, the basin is placed, the bottom panel is removed/the small metal door in the front is opened. The filter slowly rotates counterclockwise. There is no need to unscrew it immediately so that there is no large flow of liquid. By the way, if after this the water does not flow, then most likely the blockage is localized in the pipe between the tank and the filter.
Sometimes you have to drain the water directly from the tank through the hatch door. The machine must be tilted so that when the door is opened, water does not rush onto the floor.