What F34 actually means
The machine can't confirm the door is locked shut, so it won't let the cycle run.
On Bosch machines F34 is a door lock (interlock) fault. Before any water goes in, the control board energises the lock and waits for confirmation the door is secured; if that confirmation doesn't come back, or the lock won't release at the end of a cycle, the machine halts and shows F34. You'll usually see it right at the start of a programme, or find the door stuck closed after washing.
What usually causes it
- A failed door interlock — by far the most common cause
- Laundry or a stray item trapped in the seal keeping the door off its catch
- A worn or dropped door hinge so the door no longer sits square in the catch
- A damaged wiring connection to the lock
- Control board fault, which is uncommon but does happen
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, clear any clothing caught in the rubber seal, and close it firmly until you hear it click.
- Look at how the door sits against the frame — if it has dropped or fouls the catch, that's worth mentioning when you call.
- Switch off at the wall for a minute, then power back up and try a short programme.
- If the door is locked shut with water inside, run a drain or spin programme first rather than forcing the door.
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.
Other Bosch washing machine codes
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- Bosch E03 — Your Bosch hasn't managed to pump the water out in the time …
- Bosch E13 — The machine hasn't managed to pump the water away within the…
- Bosch E16 — The machine thinks the door isn't shut, so it won't start or…
- Bosch E17 — The machine hasn't taken in enough water in the time it allo…
- Bosch E18 — The machine hasn't managed to pump the water out within the …
- Bosch E29 — The machine hasn't taken in enough water in the time it expe…
- Bosch E30 — The machine has tried to fill with water and not enough has …