Bosch E01 washing machine: what it means & what to check

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 E01 looks like on a Bosch washing machine

Most people find this page having searched for what the machine is doing rather than the code itself. On a Bosch washing machine, E01 usually shows up as one or more of these:

Machine door won't open
Door won't lock or click shut
Door lock light flashing
Door stuck shut with the load inside
Won't start even with the door closed
Not filling with water
No water going in
Takes for ever to fill

Recognise any of those? That is this fault, and the rest of this page explains what causes it and what you can check yourself.

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.

Common questions about Bosch E01

What does E01 mean on a Bosch washing machine?

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.

Can I fix Bosch E01 myself?

There are 5 checks you can safely do yourself first.

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.

This one usually needs an engineer once you have tried them.

How much does it cost to repair Bosch E01?

£66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it, or £84 in total including VAT if it is put right on the visit and no parts are needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.

Tried the checks and it's still showing E01?

This one usually needs an engineer once you have tried the checks above. Then it wants someone who can open it up.

What it costs, before you call: the price is the same whatever the fault turns out to be — £66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it, or £84 in total including VAT if it is put right on the visit and no parts are needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.

Our own engineers, not a call centre. We cover Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire — most washing machine faults are seen same day or next day.

Call 0115 648 0929 Book online — postcode and number is all we need

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.

Other Bosch washing machine codes

All Bosch fault codes and repairs →

What this looks like when it happens

Repairs we cover near you

Written by the engineers at ASAP Repairs, 0115 648 0929. We repair these machines for a living in Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire.

Bosch E01 error — washing machine