The laundry is loaded, the washing workflow is started, but after some time the washing machine suddenly stops, signaling a problem with error e18.
Understanding what exactly caused this situation will help you restore the functionality of your Bosch washing machine as quickly as possible.
What does error code E18 mean for a Bosch washing machine, how to detect a malfunction and fix it, we will tell you further.
Bosch washing machine code F18 - what is it?
Problems with draining (a few minutes after starting the operating cycle, the washing machine stopped without draining water) are indicated by error e18 (in some models f18, D02) displayed on the display of the household appliance.
A Bosch washing machine without a display signals problems with the drainage system by flashing the spin speed indicator (1000 and 600 or 800 and 400).
Error e18 is a signal to urgently stop using the washing machine. The device must be de-energized: press the “Off” button, then unplug the power cord from the socket. Otherwise, there is a high risk of serious leaks and lengthy repairs.
Reasons for appearance
The Bosch washing machine works well. And yet sometimes it gives error E18 - the inability to drain waste water. There are enough reasons for this problem.
Why does it appear and what to do?
reasons why a Bosch washing machine does not drain water from the drum (or drains it very slowly):
- sewer system blockages;
- blockages or mechanical damage to the drain hose;
- washing machine connection errors;
- clogged drain filter;
- pump failure;
- failure of the pressure switch;
- problems with the control module.
It is better to start diagnosing error e18 with minor problems, the elimination of which does not require special skills, gradually moving towards checking components and mechanisms, the repair of which requires certain knowledge and experience.
Checking the sewer
A clogged drain is a common cause of error E18 in Bosch washing machines. Sewer pipes become clogged with soap scum, hair and other debris , which prevents the water from draining smoothly from the washing machine.
How to fix the situation? To check whether the sewer is clogged or not, the end of the drain hose is lowered into the sink or toilet, after which the water drain mode is started. If the washing machine begins to drain water without any delay, the cause of error E18 lies in clogged sewer pipes.
You can fix the problem yourself in the following way: pour a special powder that dissolves blockages into the sink drain, wait the required time (precisely indicated on the manufacturer’s packaging), and then rinse off the powder with good water pressure.
If such actions do not lead to the desired result, it is better to entrust the cleaning of sewer pipes to a professional plumber.
Drain hose
Kinks, mechanical damage, hairs and soap suds adhering to the inner walls of the drain hose prevent the free drainage of waste liquid from the drum, which is indicated by the Bosch washing machine with error e18.
Checking the drain hose for blockages is very simple; you just need to blow into it. The sounds of gurgling residual water in the pump is a signal that everything is in order with the hose. Otherwise, it must be cleaned with a special brush attached to a long cable.
Additionally, the drain hose is checked for kinks and other mechanical damage.
Checking the device connection
Errors in installing the washing machine to the sewerage system can cause difficulties in draining water and, as a result, the appearance of error code E18.
To prevent waste water from pouring back into the drum, the drain hose must be located at least 50 cm from the floor level. It is also necessary to ensure that the hose is installed with a slight bend and is not twisted or compressed by foreign objects.
Pipes and drain filter
When clogged with small debris, lint and hair, the drain filter blocks the free flow of water from the drum.
To clean it, you need to carry out a series of sequential actions:
- Unplug the washing machine.
- Open the hatch hiding the drain filter (located at the bottom of the body, washed on the left side).
- Pull out the emergency drain hose (located next to the filter) and drain the remaining water into a bowl.
- Unscrew the drain filter (counterclockwise movements), clean it of debris, and screw it back in.
The filter is washed under running warm water using a soft brush. You should not use boiling water, harsh abrasives, or aggressive household chemicals to clean the filter (there is a high risk of deformation of the plastic and rubber sealing rings).
Diagnosing the drain pump
The easiest way to test the operation of the drain pump is to manually turn the impeller. You can get to it through a niche that opens after unscrewing the drain filter. If the blockage cannot be determined visually, the pump will have to be removed.
Algorithm of actions:
unscrew the fasteners, remove the cover and rear panel of the case, lay the washing machine on its side;- disconnect the pipes (at the same time check them for kinks, blockages, damage), wiring from the pump;
- After carefully turning the pump counterclockwise, we remove the unit from the body of the Bosch washing machine.
The dismantled drain pump is carefully inspected for mechanical damage and impeller blockages. Additionally, use a multimeter to test the contacts of the drain pump. If the resistance reading is zero, the device is faulty, a short circuit or winding breaks are possible.
It is not economically feasible to repair a faulty pump . It is more profitable to install a new drain pump.
Testing the pressure switch
Water level sensor in the tank - pressure switch. It is he who transmits data to the control module about the degree of filling of the drum and the need to drain the water. If the operation of the pressure switch is disrupted, the control module does not receive the necessary information, which is indicated by the washing machine with error e 18.
Testing the pressure switch (located under the cover on the back panel of the washing machine) is very simple . It is enough to put a tube of a suitable diameter on the sensor fitting and blow into it. Characteristic clicks indicate that the pressure switch is working properly. Otherwise, the water level sensor in the drum will have to be replaced.
Additionally, the pressure switch is checked with a multimeter. To do this, the tester probes are connected to the relay contacts. If the values on the multimeter display change, the sensor is working; if not, then the pressure switch requires replacement.
Installing a new water level sensor in the tank is simple: just fix the pressure switch in place of the dismantled element, connect the pipe to the fitting and secure it with a clamp, connect the connector with wiring.
Control module
Burnout of tracks and contacts, problems in the operation of resistors, relays and capacitors of the control unit disrupt the normal operation of the washing machine, as indicated by error e 18.
In order to fix the problem, using special tools and devices, technicians test the module, identifying and replacing faulty elements .
Lack of knowledge and experience in electronics repair is a good reason to seek help from professionals.
Possible faults requiring repair
Unfortunately, it is not always possible to eliminate E18 on your own. In more than half of the cases, a Bosch washing machine requires repair. Here are the most common problems with this error.
| Signs | Breaking | Repair or replacement | Cost* (work only) |
| The Bosch washing machine does not drain water and displays code E18 or F18. | Drain pump. Due to a malfunction of the pump, the drain does not work. This is the most common cause of the error. | The pump needs to be replaced. | from 2000 rub. |
| Blockage in the drain path. Occurs in the drain pipe, filter, drain hose or sewer. | You need to check the drain system, identify what is clogged, and remove the clog. | from 1400 rub. | |
| The SMA does not drain the water and writes an error. Sometimes codes F18 or E 18 light up when turned on. | Control unit (electronic controller). In the drain control circuit, the radio elements on the board burned out, the tracks burned out or the contacts rotted. | It is necessary to carry out diagnostics, identify the cause and repair the board. In difficult cases, for example, when the processor fails, the board is completely replaced. | from 2500 rub. |
| The Bosch washing machine did not drain the water, did not spin the laundry and froze with code E18 or F18. | Damage to the wiring or contacts in the drain pump circuit. The control unit did not receive a signal from the pump, so error E 18 was displayed. In private homes, mice or rats often chew through the wiring. Loops with wires also fray due to vibrations. | The technician checks the integrity of the wiring and identifies the location of the break. Then: |
*Prices are only for the work of the master. Spare parts are paid extra.
If you don’t know what to do or how to resolve error E 18 or F18, call RemBytTech:
The technician will arrive within 24 hours, repair your Bosch washing machine at home and give a warranty on repairs for up to 2 years.
Call the master
If you are unable to resolve error E18 on your own, service center specialists will come to your aid. Finding the necessary contacts is not difficult; just use Internet search engines.
Depending on the cause of the E18 error, the cost of repairs varies from 1,400 rubles for eliminating blockages in pipes and cleaning the drain filter , to 4,000 rubles for diagnosing and troubleshooting the control module.
Payment for the work performed can only be made after a test run of the repaired household appliances. It is strictly forbidden to give money for repairs that have not yet been completed (there are high risks that the operation of the washing machine will not be restored).
Contacting certified service centers for Bosch household appliances will protect you from illegal actions of fraudsters.
How to prevent it in the future?
A few simple rules will help prevent error E18 (drainage problems) in a Bosch washing machine
- Before each wash, pockets in clothes are carefully inspected for the presence of small objects (even a small button can cause blockages in the drain pipes, and as a result of serious problems with draining water from the drum).
- Before loading dirty laundry, be sure to check the cleanliness of the sheep.
- Regularly, at least once a month, the drain filters must be thoroughly inspected, cleaned, and, if necessary, replaced.
Taking care and following the basic rules of operating a washing machine will help protect the household appliance from frequent repairs and will maximize its service life.
Adviсe
If the cause of error e 18 is not related to a breakdown of the pump or pressure switch, restarting the washing machine will help .
It is necessary to turn off the washing machine (unplug the power cord from the socket), wait fifteen minutes, then turn on the household appliance again and start the washing process.
Connecting the washing machine through a stabilizer will prevent the occurrence of error E18 caused by malfunctions in the electrical network.
If the machine does not heat the water when washing
Oh, these villi! They can also clog the pressure switch tube.
The task of the pressure switch is to give a signal to the control unit that the required water level has been reached, the inlet valve can be closed and the water heating can be turned on. If the pressure switch tube is clogged with laundry fluff or animal hair, the connection between the pressure switch and the control unit is disrupted. The water will fill up, but the heating will not turn on, the washing program will continue. In any case, if there is no heating, it is useful to remove the pressure switch tube and blow it out.
