What does error E17 (F17) mean on a Bosch washing machine and how to fix it?

To identify problems in Bosch washing machines, there is a self-diagnosis system. If, after loading the laundry and starting the program, the washing does not start or the process is interrupted and does not resume, and an alphanumeric code appears on the display, the question arises - what does error E17 mean in a Bosch washing machine ✔.

Decoding the F17 code issued by the Bosch washing machine

The display of E17 coding as a result of self-diagnosis of the Bosh washing machine indicates problems associated with water intake. This may indicate that the time allotted for collecting water into the tank has been exceeded.

Such a failure can occur both at the start of operation, when the door is blocked, but no water is drawn in, or when rinsing begins.

On older Bosh models, the error code may appear as F17. On devices without a display, information about a failure is indicated to the user by blinking (lit) indicators:

• an upper diode indicating the maximum spin speed (depending on the model of the washing machine, this may be a different indicator);
• "no spin".

If there is no water supply, Bosch stops working and freezes. To restore operation, you need to understand the cause of the failure.

How to clean the mesh filter

Let's look at a step-by-step method to fix the problem in the filter mesh. Blockage is the most common cause of error. You can get rid of the blockage in this way:

• turn off the power to the washing machine;
• close the water supply tap to the washing machine;
• unscrew the end of the hose that is attached to the machine itself;
• if there is water left in the hose, then it is necessary to prepare a container for this water;
• remove the mesh and rinse it thoroughly;
• screw the hose back;
• then unscrew the hose from where the water enters the washing machine;
• we get rid of dirt, if there is any, of course;
• screw the hose back.

Reset the washing machine

Unscrew the water supply hose

We take out the filter mesh

clean the filter mesh from dirt

So, if you turn on the machine and do not hear the sound of water being drawn for a long time, and error F17 appears on your display, this means that the water supply time has been exceeded. Let's look at the causes of the malfunction that require repair.

Causes of malfunction and ways to eliminate them

Error E17 - what is it? Stopping the wash cycle due to lack of water supply does not always indicate a complex Bosh failure.

In some situations, the problem can be solved quite simply , without requiring disassembly of the washing machine and calling a technician. In rare cases, a malfunction of the washing machine may be caused by a one-time power surge or a coincidence.

In this case, a simple reboot can help - unplug the washing machine for 20-30 minutes (pull the plug out of the socket), and then turn it on and start again. If the reboot does not help, move on to diagnosing the failure.

Self-draining during washing

Self-draining is characterized by the intake and immediate discharge of water . This situation indicates a violation of the Bosh connection. This can happen either with a recently installed washing machine or with an old one that has been moved or moved to a new location.

When installing the machine, the drain hose must be raised above the level of the tank. This point is stated in the instructions for the washing machine. If the hose simply spreads along the floor, the collected water will flow out spontaneously. As a result, the tank remains empty, and after a certain time the washing machine issues an alert E17 (F17).

The solution to the problem is to check that the washing machine is connected to the communications correctly.

Weak pressure

The Bosh washing machine produces water, but the process is very slow. It is necessary to make sure that there is sufficient pressure in the water supply system . You also need to see if the tap that shuts off the water supply to the washing machine is fully open.

Clogged water supply filter

If the filter is clogged, the Bosh washing machine may draw little water or not draw it at all. Functionally, a filter is a mesh that is designed to capture and retain small fractions that may be in tap water.

If water does not flow to the washing machine, you need to clean the filter. To do this, perform the following steps:

1. 
   Turn off the water supply valve to the device.

2. Pull out the washing machine so as to gain convenient access to the rear wall.
3. Place a rag on the floor from the back wall and place a bucket.
4. Unscrew the plastic nut, disconnecting the hose.
5. Carefully remove the mesh.
6. Clean in water.
7. Reassemble the assembly in reverse order.

When performing a test run of the washing machine, you must ensure that the connection is tight.

The device does not draw water

If the washing machine tries to draw water, but it fails, you need to make sure that there is water in the water supply. This is very easy to do - you just need to try opening the tap in the bathroom or sink. If there is no water in the system, washing will have to be postponed.

Another possible reason is turning off the water supply tap to the washing machine. Make sure that the shut-off valve is turned to the “ON” position .

A more rare, but quite possible situation is a severe bending/squeezing of the hose. It is advisable to check its condition along its entire length, including behind the furniture.

Inlet hose clogged

In order to check the condition of the inlet hose, it should be disconnected from the washing machine and from the water supply. Remove it after the water supply to the device is turned off.

If the hose is in a dilapidated condition, it is better to replace it. It may also be damaged due to mechanical impact. The hose cannot be repaired.

Fill valve problem

The fill valve has a rather complex structure - it consists of an electromagnetic coil, a membrane and a housing.

To access the valve, the washing machine will have to be partially disassembled. If the unit fails, the valve is replaced with a new one.

The valve in Bosch washing machines can be two sections - one of them is designed to draw water for washing, the other for rinsing. Depending on which section is out of order, the washer may either not rinse or not start washing.

Breakdown of the pressure switch

Pressostat is a part that measures the water level in the washing machine tank . If the sensor fails, it does not provide objective information to the control module, and water is not drawn. The solution to the problem is to repair or replace the pressure switch.

Control unit malfunction

If the control unit fails, the Bosh washing machine does not draw water. Repair of the module is carried out by partially disassembling the washing machine and removing the unit.

In most cases, repairs can eliminate the damage. But if the module is badly burned out, it is replaced with a new one .

Wiring irregularities

If the wiring in the washing machine is defective, various malfunctions can occur. One of them is the lack of water supply. For diagnostics, the washing machine is partially disassembled to check the condition of the wires and terminals.

If defects are found, they are eliminated. These could be oxidized contacts, damaged wires, etc. If necessary, the contacts are soldered, twisted, or even the contact group is completely replaced.

Reasons not related to the operation of the equipment itself

• Lack of water in the water supply system or insufficient pressure (below 1 bar). It’s unlikely that anything depends on you here. All you can do is call the service company and find out why the water is turned off. Or why the pressure of the water supply system is reduced. Wait for the technicians to fix this problem.
• The water supply tap to the machine from the water supply network is closed. This is a “mechanical” error associated with your carelessness. Next time, before turning it on, check that the tap is open.

If these are not the reasons, then error F17 is issued due to problems with the control system of the machine itself. You may not be able to do this without Bosch service. However, we will continue to look into it.

Call the master

In cases where a problem with a Bosh washing machine can be fixed on your own, there is no need to call a technician.

Without a specialist, you can easily correct situations that do not require disassembling the device . To solve more serious problems, preparation is required, including the selection of the necessary tools.

Depending on the complexity of the breakdown and the pricing policy of a particular company, the cost of the work is determined. The customer pays separately for new parts needed for replacement, as well as consumables (wires, gaskets, etc.).

You can find a washing machine repair company on the Internet. It is also advisable to read reviews about companies there. Among trustworthy companies, it is better to give preference to those that have been operating for a long time and value their reputation.

The average cost of work in the capital is:

• restoration of wiring - about 2,000 rubles;
• repair/replacement of the control module – from 2,500 rubles;
• repair or replacement of a pressure switch – from 2,000 rubles.

After the repair, the master issues a guarantee for the work performed.

Adviсe

In addition to the low quality of equipment and technical wear and tear of its elements, as well as violation of the rules for using the unit, malfunctions can also be caused by objective factors that directly affect the functioning of household appliances - the quality of water and electricity supply. These are the ones that most often lead to errors.

Any changes in the network have the most unfavorable effect on the operation of the washing machine , leading to its rapid failure - which is why the problem must be eliminated. At the same time, you should not completely rely on the built-in surge protection system inside the most modern machine models - the more often it operates, the faster it will wear out. It is best to get an external voltage stabilizer - this will allow you to save money on equipment repairs in case of problems in the electrical network.

The fact is that tap water has high hardness, the salts it contains settle on the drum, pipes, hoses, pump - that is, on everything that can come into contact with the liquid.

This entails damage to the devices.

To prevent the appearance of limescale, you can use chemical compounds. They will not be able to cope with significant “salt deposits” and will not remove old formations. Such compositions contain a weak concentration of acid, so the equipment should be processed regularly.

Folk remedies act more radically - they clean quickly, reliably and very efficiently. Most often, citric acid is used for this, which can be purchased at any grocery store. To do this, take 2-3 packages of 100 g each and pour them into the powder compartment, then turn on the machine at idle speed. When the work is completed, all that remains is to remove the pieces of fallen scale.

However, manufacturers of household appliances claim that such measures are fraught with the most dangerous consequences for machines and cause damage to their parts. However, as evidenced by the reviews of many users who have been using acid for many years, such assurances are nothing more than anti-advertising.

Which means to use is up to you.

In addition, breakdowns are often the result of human factors. For example, any forgotten metal item in your pockets significantly increases the risk of equipment failure.

In order for a Bosch machine to serve faithfully for many years, it requires regular maintenance . It can be current or capital. The current one is done after each wash, a major one needs to be done every three years.

When carrying out major preventative maintenance, the machine is partially disassembled and the degree of wear of its parts is checked. Timely replacement of old elements can save the machine from downtime, breakdowns and even flooding of the bathroom. These rules apply to all Bosch machines, including the Logixx, Maxx, Classixx series.

How to reset an error on a Bosch washing machine, see below.

Prevention measures

Problems with your Bosh washing machine that are associated with water intake from the water supply can be prevented using preventive measures.

These include:

1. Organizing the correct connection of the washing machine to communications. This applies not only to the drainage system, but also to the water intake system, as well as to electricity.
2. One of the factors that lead to control module burnout is power surges in the network. It is possible to prevent equipment breakdown by connecting the machine through a voltage stabilizer.
3. If the water quality in the water supply is very low, it is advisable to install a filter at the entrance to the apartment. This will prevent fractions in the water from entering the washing machine and will extend the life of the equipment.

Where to begin

Reboot the SMA circuit.

• Imported equipment, even Russian-assembled, is sensitive to network parameters. Failures (jumps, phase imbalances, low voltage, interference) are the causes of Bosch errors. If the problem is caused by power instability, the fault code will be cleared.

Method: remove the plug from the socket - wait up to 15 minutes - restart the washing machine.

Check power and signal cables.

• The Bosch SMA is operated in damp conditions and vibrates during operation. The causes of washing machine errors are broken connections and moisture in the connectors. Regardless of the symbolism of the malfunction, the condition of the contacts and internal wiring is assessed. Breaks, short circuits, and damaged lines are easy to identify and repair without the involvement of a professional.

Check power and signal loops

• This is the “brain” of the washing machine that generates errors. If no other reason is identified, the module should be tested. How to proceed is described at the end of the article.

This is interesting: Decoding the error OE, E3, OF, OC on a Samsung washing machine: causes of malfunction, solutions

Recommendations

The following tips will help you diagnose and repair your washing machine

1. 
   The inlet filter mesh becomes clogged when the water quality is low, there is scale, rust, etc. in it.
   If it is in a neglected state, then you can soak it for a couple of hours in a concentrated solution of citric acid. This will help clean it better.

2. It is advisable to check possible faults due to which water does not fill, starting with the simplest ones, gradually moving on to more complex ones.
3. All repair and diagnostic activities that require opening the case should be carried out when the device is disconnected from the electrical network and from the water supply.
4. You should not begin serious repairs and disassembly of components if you do not have a set of tools and skills for repairing household appliances.
5. When calling a technician to your home to repair a washing machine, it is advisable for the company dispatcher to indicate not only the brand, but also the model of the device.

Control module failure

You should only start checking the control module as a last resort. This part is repairable on Bosch machines.

It is better to entrust repair of the control module to a specialist. Especially if you have not previously dealt with repairing complex electronics. This part is quite expensive, so it’s better not to take risks. So, code E17 on a Bosch machine can appear for various reasons.

Simple ones can be completely eliminated on your own. And if complex malfunctions occur, such as a breakdown of the electronic module of a Bosch machine, it is better to contact specialists.

Inlet valve faulty

In order to check the valve, you need to turn off the water and disconnect the washing machine from the electricity. Next, you need to prepare a container to drain the water and disconnect the hoses from the inlet valves. You need to unscrew two screws and remove the top panel. The next thing to do is remove the clamps and unscrew the fixing screw. Remove the valve and check if it is clogged. Perhaps there was some damage on it. Check everything and reinstall the valve. If everything goes well, then error F17 should disappear.

Error E17 - when you can fix it yourself

Don't be upset if your Bosch is stuck with code F17. In half of the cases, the problem can be fixed on your own.

Did our tips not help you get rid of the error? This means you have a breakdown, and you can’t do it without the help of a repairman.