Bosch E16 washing machine: what it means & what to check

What E16 actually means

The machine thinks the door isn't shut, so it won't start or carry on with the wash.

E16 (shown as E80-31 on newer Bosch machines) means the control board has not had confirmation that the door is closed and locked. Until it gets that signal it won't fill or turn the drum, because it can't risk running with an open door. Sometimes the door genuinely isn't latched; other times it is shut fine and the fault is in the lock or its sensor.

What E16 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, E16 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

Door not pushed firmly enough to click shut
Washing or a stray sock trapped in the door seal, holding it a fraction open
Faulty door interlock or door switch not reporting 'closed'
Door hook or catch worn, bent or sticking
Control module fault (less common)

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 fully and close it again with a firm push until you hear it click
Run a hand round the rubber seal and the frame to clear any trapped clothing
Check the load isn't overfilled and pressing against the door
Look at the metal catch on the door to see if it's obviously bent or loose — don't try to bend it back
Turn the machine off at the wall for a minute, then switch back on and restart the programme

Which Bosch models show E16

E16 means the same thing on this model. If yours is not listed, the explanation above still applies — the code is set by the control board, not the model number.

WAT28421GB/01

Common questions about Bosch E16

What does E16 mean on a Bosch washing machine?

The machine thinks the door isn't shut, so it won't start or carry on with the wash. E16 (shown as E80-31 on newer Bosch machines) means the control board has not had confirmation that the door is closed and locked. Until it gets that signal it won't fill or turn the drum, because it can't risk running with an open door. Sometimes the door genuinely isn't latched; other times it is shut fine and the fault is in the lock or its sensor.

Can I fix Bosch E16 myself?

There are 5 checks you can safely do yourself first.

Open the door fully and close it again with a firm push until you hear it click.
Run a hand round the rubber seal and the frame to clear any trapped clothing.
Check the load isn't overfilled and pressing against the door.
Look at the metal catch on the door to see if it's obviously bent or loose — don't try to bend it back.
Turn the machine off at the wall for a minute, then switch back on and restart the programme.

This sometimes clears with those checks. If it comes back, it needs looking at properly.

How much does it cost to repair Bosch E16?

£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 E16?

This sometimes clears with the checks above. If it comes back, it needs looking at properly. 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 E16 error — washing machine