When your washer won’t start, quick troubleshooting is required to keep dirty laundry at bay. Why is my Bosch washer not starting? Trapped clothing or a failed door latch can prevent the door from closing completely. Determine why your Bosch washer won’t start with these common causes.
Bosch Washer Won’t Start?
Try These Troubleshooting Tips.
Bosch washing machine troubleshooting includes both DIY fixes and knowing when a professional repair is required. Here’s how to determine the right solution when your Bosch washer won’t start.
No Power to Washing Machine
A Bosch washing machine won’t turn on or perform any other function without consistent power. Be sure to check all power sources to make sure they’re functioning properly.
Here’s how to assess for power problems when your Bosch washer won’t start:
- Check the power cord: Make sure it’s completely plugged into a functioning outlet.
- Avoid extension cords: These cords can’t safely transmit the voltage a washer requires, resulting in surges that interrupt power.
- Look for tripped breakers: Check your home’s circuit breaker box and reset any tripped breakers.
Child Lock Is Active
The Bosch washer Child Lock setting locks all control panel functions to prevent an accidental start. When activated, the letters “CL” or a key icon will appear on the control panel’s display. Check your user manual to determine how to deactivate the Child Lock setting on your model washer. Typically, a button or series of buttons must be pressed and held for 3 seconds.
Washer Door Not Latching
As a safety precaution, a Bosch washer won’t start until the door is completely closed and latched. Once secure, the door latch signals the washer’s internal control panel to begin a wash cycle. Before closing the door, check for trapped clothing or excessive debris in the door gasket that can prevent proper closure. Remove any blockages and clean washing machine components like the gasket regularly to prevent buildup.
If the gasket is clean and free of clothing, the door latch may have failed. A damaged latch may not properly secure the door, while electronic failure won’t signal the washer’s control panel. If the latch shows visible damage or no continuity with multimeter testing, it should be professionally replaced.
Check Washing Machine Settings
Your washer’s control panel not only indicates what setting is selected but if there are errors that could prevent it from starting. Always check your control panel to verify the settings and assess for possible errors.
Image from Bosch
The following control panel indicators can determine why the washer won’t start:
- Time Delay: Postpones the end of a wash cycle to a preselected later time. If this function is activated, a small dot at the bottom of the control panel will flash. To turn off the Time Delay function, press and hold the “Delay Start Hours” button until the display passes “19.” Once passed, the display should show the duration time for your selected wash cycle, indicating that Time Delay is deactivated.
- Error Codes: These combinations of numbers and letters correspond to a particular problem, some of which could prevent the washer from starting. Consult your user manual to determine the meaning of the code and how to clear it.
- Bosch washing machine start button flashing: Indicates that the Start button was pushed incorrectly. If held for too long, the Start button will beep and flash. If held too briefly, the washer won’t start. Make sure you press and hold the Start button for 1-2 seconds to start your washer.
Broken Washer Components
If all else fails, it’s possible a broken component is preventing the washer from starting.
These part failures require a professional washing machine repair:
- Control panel: If the washer has power but the buttons on the control board fail to illuminate, the control panel has failed and the washer won’t start.
- Blown line fuse: The line fuse blows to protect various components when the washer circuits are overloaded. Before replacing the fuse, check for shorted wires to the motor and/or drain pump to prevent the fuse from blowing again.
- Timer: Signals power to various functions so they operate at the right time in the wash cycle. When the timer breaks, the washer won’t drain water, start or perform other wash cycle functions.
The technicians at Advance Appliance Service can help when your Bosch washer won’t start. Schedule your expert service today!
