What E06 actually means
The machine has spotted a problem in the main drive motor circuit and has shut the motor down to stop it overheating.
Bush washing machines use a protective circuit around the drive motor, and if the control board loses a sensible signal from that circuit it flags a motor fault and stops. In practice the drum either won't turn at all, or it starts and then stalls part-way through wash or spin. The board can only tell that something in the motor circuit is wrong ot the a 6-series code is a pointer to the motor and its wiring rather than a diagnosis of the exact part.
What E06 looks like on a Bush washing machine
Most people find this page having searched for what the machine is doing rather than the code itself. On a Bush washing machine, E06 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
- Not heating the water
- Washing coming out cold
- Cycle takes far longer than it should
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 carbon brushes in the drive motor \u2014 the most common finding by a distance
- A loose or corroded plug on the motor or its connector block
- A fault in the tacho (the small sensor that tells the board how fast the drum is spinning)
- Overheated motor after repeated heavy or overloaded washes
- A failed motor or control board in older machines
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 cycle \u2014 if the motor has simply got hot, it may need time to cool
- With the machine switched off, open the door and turn the drum by hand; it should spin freely with no grinding or heavy resistance
- Take out some of the load and try again \u2014 a very heavy, tightly packed drum makes the motor work harder
- Check nothing is caught between the drum and the outer tub, such as a coin or an underwired bra
Common questions about Bush E06
What does E06 mean on a Bush washing machine?
The machine has spotted a problem in the main drive motor circuit and has shut the motor down to stop it overheating. Bush washing machines use a protective circuit around the drive motor, and if the control board loses a sensible signal from that circuit it flags a motor fault and stops. In practice the drum either won't turn at all, or it starts and then stalls part-way through wash or spin. The board can only tell that something in the motor circuit is wrong ot the a 6-series code is a pointer to the motor and its wiring rather than a diagnosis of the exact part.
Can I fix Bush E06 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 cycle \u2014 if the motor has simply got hot, it may need time to cool.
- With the machine switched off, open the door and turn the drum by hand; it should spin freely with no grinding or heavy resistance.
- Take out some of the load and try again \u2014 a very heavy, tightly packed drum makes the motor work harder.
- Check nothing is caught between the drum and the outer tub, such as a coin or an underwired bra.
This one usually needs an engineer once you have tried them.
How much does it cost to repair Bush E06?
£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 E06?
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 Bush washing machine codes
All Bush fault codes and repairs →
What this looks like when it happens
- washing machine not spinning
- washing machine making a loud noise
- washing machine not heating the water
- washing machine door will not open