The key on the Bosch washing machine is on
Indicators on the machine's dashboard help control the washing process. Many light bulbs are placed separately and only light up in certain situations. So, if the key on a Bosch washing machine is on, it means the hatch door is locked. Let's take a closer look at why this happens and when it is acceptable.
Purpose of the key
The indicator with the image of a lock or key on Bosch washing machines is “responsible” for the electronic locking of the hatch door. This light comes in three states: off, blinking or constantly on. This time we will pay attention to the last situation, when the LED lights up and remains so for a long time.
The “key” indicator lights up when the hatch locking device (abbreviated as UBL) is activated.
Without ceasing, the “key” lights up in three cases.
- If the washing machine is in the process of washing. Thus, the system informs the user that the unit is in operation, the door is locked and it is impossible to open it until the end of the program. In this situation there is no problem - at the end of the cycle the blocking will be removed automatically.
- When the wash is finished and the door is open. The washing machine does not respond to user commands and is in a “frozen” state. This is not normal, you need to check the UBL, door lock and hinges, as well as the control module for functionality.
- If the washing program has completed but the door does not unlock. This is not normal, but a failure in the control board or UBL.
Some modern machines from Bosch provide a light-up “lock” when the “Child Lock” function is activated. In this case, the entire dashboard is blocked and the door is locked.Before looking for the reason for the light bulb not going out, it is recommended to make sure that this option is disabled.
Hardware disable lock
If the machine has already finished washing, but still does not remove the lock, then you will have to turn off the key on the display yourself. This is not difficult to do: just hold down the “Start/Start” button for 5-6 seconds. Holding down the power key should restart the system and reset all settings. After this, the UBL turns off and the light stops lighting.
There is a more drastic way:
- disconnect the washing machine from the power supply by unplugging the cord from the outlet;
- wait 10-20 minutes;
- restart the machine.
This is an emergency reboot of the system, during which all previously specified settings are reset. Such a restart is necessary when the washing machine does not respond to button presses.
If the reboot does not work, and when the system starts, the key lights up again, then a breakdown has occurred. It is necessary to check the door mechanism and test the UBL with the control board.
Checking and replacing hatch parts
There is no need to immediately go to the electronics: first it is recommended to check the serviceability of the door mechanism. Often, problems with the key indicator are caused by broken doors: a displaced tongue on the lock or bent hinges. Most likely, the hatch was closed inaccurately and was used as a hanger or a children's “swing.” In any case, you will have to sequentially check the entire structure.
It is recommended to proceed in the following order:
- disconnect the washing machine from the network, water supply and sewerage;
- find a clamp on the hatch cuff, pry it off with a flat screwdriver, loosen it and tuck the rubber band inside the drum;
- disconnect the wiring from the UBL;
- open the technical hatch door and unscrew the bolt holding the filter housing;
- unscrew the screws holding the top cover from the rear panel of the case and remove the “top”;
- remove the powder receptacle by holding the central button and pulling it towards you;
- in the vacant seat, find and loosen the two screws securing the dashboard;
- Unscrew the screws located around the perimeter of the dashboard;
- pick up the dashboard and push from left to right, removing it from the plastic latches;
- loosen the fastenings around the perimeter of the front panel, unhook the “end” and move it to the side;
- unscrew the plastic casing covering the door hinges;
- disconnect the hinges from the body;
- install new hinges instead of old ones;
- Reassemble the machine in reverse order.
It is very difficult to repair the hatch locking device at home. It’s easier and faster to purchase a new UBL and install it in place of the old one. It is enough to dismantle the faulty blocker by removing its fastenings, and place a working analogue according to the model.
The task of replacing the UBL becomes more complicated if the door does not open and remains locked. In this case, you will first have to remove the top cover, tilt the washing machine forward, then stick your hand inside along the body, feel for the lock and slide the latch. Next, we follow the instructions described earlier.
The control module has failed
If the UBL, hinges and door lock are in order, then the problem is in the control board. Probably, water got on the microcircuits or a sharp surge in voltage in the electrical network led to the system freezing. In this case, the module cannot transmit information about the end of the cycle to the locking device, the hatch remains closed, and the washer does not respond to user commands.
It is almost impossible for an ordinary person to diagnose the control board. To check all contacts and microcircuits, certain knowledge, experience and special equipment are required. Without them, there is a high risk of making a mistake and aggravating the situation, even leading to death.
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4 reader comments
Thank you! Helped!!!
Thanks a lot. Great article, it helped.
Not all methods are indicated. You need to press the key and the start button at the same time while the program was previously turned on. We washed and washed and stopped. The key came on and nothing worked, but this method helped.
Thank you, kind person! Seriously! I almost started disassembling the machine :)