Skip to main content
Monday - Friday: 8 AM to 10 PM • Saturday: 8 AM to 10 PM • Sunday: 10 AM to 10 PM Mon–Sat 8 AM–10 PM • Sun 10 AM–10 PM
Choose your location
Error code reference

Bosch Dryer Error Codes: What They Mean and What to Do

When your Bosch dryer shows a code, it is pointing at the part of the cycle that failed. This page lists the 12 codes we could confirm in Bosch's own owner's manuals and support articles: what each one means, the checks that are safe to do yourself, and the point where a technician should take over.

★★★★★ 4.9 rating · 470+ Google reviewsRead our Google reviews
Licensed in VA, DC & MD

Book Bosch dryer repair

Monday - Friday: 8 AM to 10 PM
Saturday: 8 AM to 10 PM
Sunday: 10 AM to 10 PM

Diagnostic visit: $75, or $115 for a double unit.
Credited toward your repair when you approve the quote.

At a glance

Bosch dryer codes and what to do

Covers Bosch 24-inch compact dryers sold in the US (condensation models such as the 300/500/800 Series WTG864xx and heat-pump models such as WTW87NH1UC), based on Bosch US support pages, which do not say which codes apply to which models. E03 only applies to dryers that drain condensate through a hose. Bosch's E12 vent advice is for vented models.

The code appears on the dryer's display. Bosch's support page suggests unplugging or switching off the breaker for at least 5 minutes and then restoring power; if the code comes back, book service.

CodeMeaningWhat to do
E01Lint filter is blocked and needs cleaningUsually a quick fix
E03Condensate drain hose is blocked or kinkedCheck, then call if it returns
E04Dryer is overloadedUsually a quick fix
E06Heating circuit faultNeeds a technician
E08Electronics fault (Bosch groups all these codes together)Needs a technician
E12Overheating from restricted airflowCheck, then call if it returns
E16Door was opened during a cycleUsually a quick fix
E56Moisture sensor problemCheck, then call if it returns
E63Heating element failureNeeds a technician
drDoor not closed properly, or door switch problemCheck, then call if it returns
CrENot an error: time to run the appliance care programUsually a quick fix
Key symbolNot an error: child lock is onUsually a quick fix

Safety first. Switch the appliance off at its power button and unplug it or turn off the breaker before you clean a filter or check a hose. If you smell gas, leave the home and call your gas utility from outside. If there is a burning smell, smoke, sparking or water near wiring, stop using it and keep it off until it has been checked.

Code by code

What each Bosch dryer code means

E01Lint filter is blocked and needs cleaning

Usually a quick fix

Also shown as or same meaning as: E02

Common causes

  • Lint built up on the filter

What you can safely check

  • Remove the lint filter and discard the lint
  • Rinse the filter under running water and let it dry fully
  • Refit it; clean the lint filter after every load

Call a technician if: Code returns with a clean, dry filter

Source: [1], [2], [3]

E03Condensate drain hose is blocked or kinked

Check, then call if it returns

Applies to: Condensation / heat-pump dryers that drain through a hose

Common causes

  • Kinked condensate drain hose
  • Lint or debris in the hose

What you can safely check

  • Unplug the dryer
  • Check the condensate drain hose at the back for kinks and straighten it
  • Run a short cycle to test

Call a technician if: Hose is straight and clear but the code repeats

Source: [2], [4]

E04Dryer is overloaded

Usually a quick fix

Common causes

  • Too much laundry in the drum

What you can safely check

  • Remove some items so about a hand's width is free above the load
  • Restart the cycle

Call a technician if: Code shows with a normal-size load

Source: [2]

E06Heating circuit fault

Needs a technician

Common causes

  • Heater circuit failure

What you can safely check

  • Stop using the dryer
  • Note the code and book service

Call a technician if: Always; Bosch says only a technician can fix it

Source: [1], [2]

E08Electronics fault (Bosch groups all these codes together)

Needs a technician

Also shown as or same meaning as: E09, E24, E25, E28, E36, E90

Common causes

  • Control electronics fault

What you can safely check

  • Stop using the dryer
  • Note the exact code and book service

Call a technician if: Always; Bosch says only a technician can fix it

Source: [1], [2]

E12Overheating from restricted airflow

Check, then call if it returns

Common causes

  • Lint filter clogged
  • Condenser clogged (condensation models)
  • Blocked outside vent (vented models)

What you can safely check

  • Unplug, then clean the lint filter and the slot it sits in
  • Condensation models: clean the condenser as the manual shows
  • Vented models: make sure the outside vent hood is clear

Call a technician if: Filters and condenser clean but code repeats; ducts may need professional cleaning

Source: [2], [5], [6]

E16Door was opened during a cycle

Usually a quick fix

Common causes

  • Door opened or not latched

What you can safely check

  • Close the door firmly and press Start
  • Use the child lock if children open the door

Call a technician if: Door is shut but the code keeps appearing

Source: [2]

E56Moisture sensor problem

Check, then call if it returns

Common causes

  • Residue or limescale on the drum's moisture sensor

What you can safely check

  • Wipe the sensor strips near the lint filter with a damp cloth and a little vinegar
  • Restart the cycle

Call a technician if: Code repeats after cleaning the sensor

Source: [2], [7]

E63Heating element failure

Needs a technician

Common causes

  • Failed heating element

What you can safely check

  • Unplug the dryer and do not use it
  • Book service; do not open the dryer

Call a technician if: Always

Source: [2]

drDoor not closed properly, or door switch problem

Check, then call if it returns

Also shown as or same meaning as: DR

Common causes

  • Door not latched
  • Door switch fault

What you can safely check

  • Close the door firmly; check nothing is caught in it

Call a technician if: Door closes properly but the code stays

Source: [2]

CrENot an error: time to run the appliance care program

Usually a quick fix

Common causes

  • Maintenance reminder

What you can safely check

  • Run the care program described in your user manual

Call a technician if: Not needed

Source: [2]

Key symbolNot an error: child lock is on

Usually a quick fix

Common causes

  • Child or control lock activated

What you can safely check

  • Hold the button combination shown in your manual for a few seconds to unlock

Call a technician if: Not needed

Source: [2]

Still showing the code?

When to call a technician

If a code comes back after the safe checks, or the table says it needs a technician, the fault is usually a sensor, valve, pump, motor or control board, and diagnosing it means opening the dryer. Our technicians repair Bosch appliances across Washington, DC, Northern Virginia and Maryland, seven days a week until 10 PM. Tell us the code when you book and we bring the parts that code usually points to.

Book Bosch dryer repair $75 diagnostic, credited toward the repair.

Sources

Where these meanings come from

Every code on this page was checked against Bosch's own documentation: owner's manuals, use and care guides, support articles or Bosch technical sheets. Codes we could only find on third-party sites are left out. Meanings are paraphrased; your model's manual is the final word.

  1. Bosch Dryer Error Codes (owner support table) — BSH Home Appliances (Bosch US). www.bosch-home.com
  2. Bosch Dryer Error Codes (dryers troubleshooting page) — BSH Home Appliances (Bosch US). www.bosch-home.com
  3. How To Fix Bosch Dryer Error Codes E01 & E02 — BSH Home Appliances (Bosch US). www.bosch-home.com
  4. How To Fix Bosch Dryer Error Code E03 — BSH Home Appliances (Bosch US). www.bosch-home.com
  5. How To Fix Bosch Dryer Error Code E12 — BSH Home Appliances (Bosch US). www.bosch-home.com
  6. Cleaning the dryer condenser — BSH Home Appliances (Bosch US). www.bosch-home.com
  7. Bosch Dryer Not Drying (troubleshooting) — BSH Home Appliances (Bosch US). www.bosch-home.com

Bosch is a trademark of its owner. Appliance Surgeon is an independent repair company and is not affiliated with Bosch.