Bosch Washing Machine E16 Error: Meaning, Causes & Safe Checks
Quick answer
Bosch E16 (or F16) means the door isn’t locked properly, usually because laundry is caught in it. Open the door, take out anything trapped in the seal (and a few items if the drum is packed), close it firmly and press Start. If that fails, switch the machine off and on and restart the programme.
Also shown as F16
What E16 means on a Bosch washing machine
The door isn’t locked properly, so the programme can’t start.
Applies to: Bosch washing machines. Some models show F16.
What you might notice
- The programme won’t start
- E16 or F16 on the display
Likely causes
- Laundry caught in the door, or drum overloaded
- A temporary fault that switching off and on clears
- A fault in the door lock
What you can safely check yourself
- The door still won’t lock, or still won’t open, after the checks. Door locks are an engineer repair. Never force the door.
- The code or problem comes back after you’ve done the safe checks on this page.
- The appliance is still under warranty. Contact the manufacturer first, because DIY work can affect your cover.
Work through these in order. Stop as soon as one of the signs above applies.
Close the door properly and check for trapped laundry
- Open the door and look around the rubber seal for socks or other items caught between the seal and the glass.
- Take a few items out if the drum is packed tight. An overloaded drum can stop the door closing.
- Push the door firmly shut until you hear a click, then start the programme again.
Don’t: Don’t force the door or the handle.
Switch off at the wall and let it rest
- If the display shows a code, write it down first.
- Switch the appliance off and turn it off at the wall socket.
- Leave it off for the time your manual or the manufacturer suggests (see the note below if there is one), then switch on and try again.
Don’t: Don’t repeat this over and over if the code keeps returning. That means there is a fault to diagnose.
When to call an engineer
If the checks above don’t clear E16, or any of the stop signs apply, contact Bosch or a qualified appliance engineer. Have the model and serial number from the rating label ready, and start with Bosch UK support.
Repair or replace?
Most E16 cases are cleared by the safe checks above. If they don’t help, the remaining causes are parts an engineer has to diagnose. We don’t publish repair prices because they vary by area, part and model.
Related problems
- Washing machine door won’t openA washing machine door that won’t open is usually locked for a reason: there’s still…
- Washing machine won’t turn on or startIf a washing machine is completely dead, test the socket with a lamp, avoid extension…
Related codes
- dCSamsung The machine can’t confirm the door is properly closed, so it won’t start or continue the wash.
- dELG The washing machine couldn’t lock its door.
- E40AEG The machine can’t detect that the door is securely closed and locked, so it won’t start.
- E40Zanussi The appliance thinks the door or lid isn’t closed or locked, so it won’t start a cycle.
- F06Hotpoint Hotpoint’s UK service page describes F06 as a door lock fault.
- F06Indesit Indesit’s UK service page describes F06 as a door lock fault.
Different code or symptom? Use the fault finder, see all Bosch washing machine codes, or read how Bosch codes work. Not sure it’s safe? Read our safety information.
Sources
- Bosch Home UK: Washing machine E16 error Manufacturer UK · checked 11 October 2026
- Bosch (BSH): Instruction manual and installation instructions – washing machine WAE24366UK Official manual · checked 11 October 2026
- Bosch Home UK: Washing machine door is not opening or closing Manufacturer UK · checked 11 October 2026
- AEG UK: Washing machine error E40/E41 Manufacturer UK · checked 11 October 2026
- LG (US): Front Load Washer – What are dE, dE1, and dE2 error codes? Manufacturer, non-UK site · checked 11 October 2026
- AEG UK: AEG washing machine error codes Manufacturer UK · checked 11 October 2026
- Samsung UK: What do the codes on my washing machine mean? Manufacturer UK · checked 11 October 2026
- Hotpoint UK: Washing machine error codes troubleshooting guide Manufacturer UK · checked 11 October 2026
Last checked against these sources: .
We write every page in our own words from manufacturer guidance and check it against the sources above. If your manual says something different, follow your manual. How we check.