What E01 actually means

The machine can't confirm the door is properly locked, so it won't start or fill.

On Bosch machines (and the Neff and Siemens versions built alongside them) E01 is one of the door lock codes, along with F08, F16, F34 and E61. The control board waits for the interlock to report the door is shut and latched before it lets water in; if that signal doesn't arrive, the cycle stops dead at the beginning. In practice it is almost always the door interlock itself that has failed rather than anything deeper in the machine, though a door that isn't quite closing on the catch will do the same thing.

What usually causes it

Failed door interlock \u2014 by far the most common cause
Door not fully pushed shut, or something caught in the seal keeping it off the catch
Worn or dropped door hinge so the catch no longer lines up with the lock
Damaged wiring or connection to the lock
Control module fault (uncommon)

What you can safely check yourself

Work through these in order. Anything beyond this — panels off, testing parts, anything to do with the wiring — is an engineer's job, and not one to attempt with the machine plugged in.

Open the door and close it again firmly \u2014 listen for the catch clicking home.
Check nothing is trapped in the door seal: a sock, a bra strap, a stray coin.
Wipe any detergent residue off the catch and the recess it goes into.
Switch off at the wall for a minute, then power up and try a short cycle.
Look at the door as you close it \u2014 if it sits low or has to be lifted to catch, the hinge has dropped and needs attention.

When to call someone

This one usually needs an engineer once you have tried the checks above. We cover Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire, and it's £66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it — £84 in total if it's repaired on the visit with no parts needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.

Outside our area? The explanation above still stands — take it to a local engineer and tell them the code. Knowing it saves them time and you money.

Bosch E01 error — washing machine

What E01 actually means

What usually causes it

What you can safely check yourself

When to call someone

Other Bosch washing machine codes

Need it looked at properly?