What is actually happening
Genuinely dead is usually a supply problem rather than the machine. Before anything else it is worth proving the socket, because a tripped RCD or a failed plug fuse accounts for a good share of these. Where the supply is proven good, the fault is normally the mains filter, the on/off switch or the control board.
The Bosch fault codes that point at this
A Bosch washing machine will usually tell you what it thinks is wrong before anyone opens it up. These are the codes we hold for this make that relate to will not turn on:
- E01 — The machine can't confirm the door is properly locked, so it won't start or fill.
- E13 — The machine hasn't managed to pump the water away within the time it expects, so it has stopped and flagged a drainage problem.
- E16 — The machine thinks the door isn't shut, so it won't start or carry on with the wash.
- E17 — The machine hasn't taken in enough water in the time it allows, so it has stopped before the wash can start.
- E18 — The machine hasn't managed to pump the water out within the time it allows, so it has stopped with a drum full of water.
- E29 — The machine hasn't taken in enough water in the time it expects, so it has stopped the cycle before washing.
- E30 — The machine has tried to fill with water and not enough has arrived in the time it allows, so it stops at the start of the cycle.
- E30-10 — The machine hasn't taken in enough water in the time it expects, so it stops rather than carry on with a dry drum.
If yours is showing one of those, that is a much shorter conversation than a general fault — tell us the code when you book and the engineer can often carry the part.
The usual causes on a Bosch washing machine
- A tripped RCD or breaker in the consumer unit, often caused by the machine itself
- A blown plug fuse or a failed socket
- A failed mains interference filter — a common failure and an easy one to test
- A failed on/off switch or door switch
- A failed control board
What you can safely check yourself
- Plug something you know works into the same socket
- Check the consumer unit for a tripped breaker or RCD
- Check the plug fuse
- If the RCD trips again the moment the machine is switched on, stop and leave it off — that is an electrical fault, not a nuisance trip
Still will not turn on?
Most of these need an engineer once the checks above are done. £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 engineers work on Bosch machines week in, week out, so they arrive knowing the machine rather than reading the back of it. Local engineers across Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire.
Call 0115 648 0929 Book online — postcode and number is all we need
Common questions
Why is my Bosch washing machine will not turn on?
No lights, no display and no response — the machine appears completely dead. Genuinely dead is usually a supply problem rather than the machine. Before anything else it is worth proving the socket, because a tripped RCD or a failed plug fuse accounts for a good share of these. Where the supply is proven good, the fault is normally the mains filter, the on/off switch or the control board.
Can I fix a Bosch washing machine will not turn on myself?
Plug something you know works into the same socket. Check the consumer unit for a tripped breaker or RCD. Check the plug fuse. If the RCD trips again the moment the machine is switched on, stop and leave it off — that is an electrical fault, not a nuisance trip. Beyond those checks this one normally needs an engineer.
What Bosch error codes mean will not turn on?
Bosch washing machines report this through their own fault codes. The ones that point at will not turn on are E01, E13, E16, E17, E18, E29. If your machine is showing one of those, that narrows it down considerably — each has its own guide on this site.
How much does a Bosch washing machine repair cost?
£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.
Other Bosch washing machine faults
- washing machine not draining
- washing machine not spinning
- washing machine leaking water
- washing machine making a loud noise
- washing machine not heating the water
- washing machine door will not open