Bosch E80-31 washing machine: what it means & what to check

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 E80-31 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, E80-31 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
No function at all
Dead — nothing lights up
Lights flashing and nothing happening

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 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

Which Bosch models show E80-31

E80-31 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 E80-31

What does E80-31 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. 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.

Can I fix Bosch E80-31 myself?

There are 4 checks you can safely do yourself first.

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.

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

How much does it cost to repair Bosch E80-31?

£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 E80-31?

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 E80-31 error — washing machine