What E80-31 actually means

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

Bosch machines check the door is closed and locked before any water goes in. E80-31 (shown as E16 on older models) means that check failed \u2014 either the door genuinely isn't latched, or the switch and lock assembly that confirms it is closed isn't reporting back to the control board. The drum stays inert and the cycle won't begin.

What usually causes it

Door not pushed firmly enough to click shut
Washing trapped in the door seal stopping it closing fully
Worn or broken door catch or hook
Faulty door interlock switch
Fault on the control module reading the door circuit

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 until you hear it click
Check no clothing is caught between the door and the rubber seal
Wipe the seal and the catch area clean
Turn the machine off at the wall for a minute, then switch back on and restart

When to call someone

This sometimes clears with the checks above. If it comes back, it needs looking at properly. 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 E80-31 error — washing machine

What E80-31 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?