Bosch F43 washing machine: what it means & what to check

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 F43 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, F43 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
Drum not turning
Won't spin
Hums or buzzes but nothing moves

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

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.

Common questions about Bosch F43

What does F43 mean on a Bosch washing machine?

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.

Can I fix Bosch F43 myself?

There are 4 checks you can safely do yourself first.

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.

This one usually needs an engineer once you have tried them.

How much does it cost to repair Bosch F43?

£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 F43?

This one usually needs an engineer once you have tried the checks above. 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 F43 error — washing machine