Stop using it for now. Carrying on with this fault risks further damage or a leak. Switch it off at the wall until it has been looked at.

What F43 actually means

The drum isn't turning as the machine expects, so it has halted the programme — on Bosch machines this is one of the motor-related fault codes.

The control board watches the motor and the drum's rotation. When what it commands and what it actually gets don't match, it stops the cycle and shows this code rather than carrying on with a wet load sitting still. The documents we work from group this code with the other Bosch motor faults (F04, F05, F21, F42, F44), which on the older brushed-motor machines usually points at the motor drive side rather than anything to do with water.

What usually causes it

Worn motor carbon brushes on machines with a brushed motor
A fault in the motor itself or its wiring connections
Control module (main board) fault driving the motor
Drum jammed or something trapped stopping it turning freely
A one-off electrical glitch that clears on a reset

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.

Turn the machine off at the wall for a minute, then switch back on and try a short programme — a genuine one-off glitch will clear.
With the machine switched off at the wall, open the door and turn the drum by hand. It should spin freely; if it grinds, drags or won't move, note that for the engineer.
Check nothing bulky (a trainer, a bra wire, coins) has worked its way between the drum and the outer tub — you'll often hear it before you see it.
Take out an overloaded load and try again with less in the drum.

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.

Bosch F43 error — washing machine

What F43 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?