Error E15 in a Bosch washing machine

In the factory instructions, you cannot find a decoding of error E15 on a Bosch machine. The fact is that this combination is not included in the database of the self-diagnosis system of the washing machine - only the Bosch dishwasher has a similar code. However, don’t worry, most likely the board displayed “F15” incorrectly. As a rule of thumb, “E15” on a washing machine should be read as “F15”. It remains to figure out what the fifteenth code means and how to eliminate the damage hidden behind it.

Let's decipher the code

If the self-diagnosis system displays error code “F15”, it means that the Bosch machine does not heat the water to the set temperature or, on the contrary, has overdone it and exceeded the norm. In any case, the problem indicates that the temperature sensor is not working correctly. It is strongly not recommended to operate the machine if there are heating problems - prompt diagnostics of the equipment is indicated.

You can suspect a malfunction of the temperature sensor based on two “telling” signs:

• at high temperature mode, the water does not heat up to the required 60-90 degrees (20 minutes after starting the wash, the door remains cold);
• in any mode and at any temperature, the machine overheats the water, bringing it to a boil (the body of the equipment is hot, steam comes out of the hatch door).

If in the first case, malfunctions in the operation of the temperature sensor will affect the quality of the wash, then if overheated, serious consequences are possible, including failure of the heating element. Replacing a burnt-out heater is more expensive and more difficult, so it is better not to aggravate the situation, find out the reasons for what happened and repair the thermostat.

Error code “F15” indicates problems with the temperature sensor.

Repairing a temperature sensor means replacing it.You will have to disassemble the washing machine, remove the old sensor and install a new one. We'll tell you how to do this below.

Let's check the element and replace it

Before you can repair the thermistor, you need to get to it. The temperature sensor is located inside the heating element, so you will have to partially disassemble the machine. Most Bosch washing machines have the heater located at the front, so we proceed as follows:

• disconnect the machine from the power supply;
• use a screwdriver to remove the top cover;
• remove the detergent tray by pulling it towards you;
• unscrew the screws located around the perimeter of the dashboard and remove it;
• unhook the decorative panel;
• loosen the outer clamp on the hatch cuff and insert the rubber into the drum (it is not recommended to completely remove the seal, as it is difficult to return it to its place);
• disconnect the wiring from the UBL;
• remove the front panel;
• free the heating element from the connected wiring;
• “pull out” the sensor from the heater.

After removing the temperature sensor, you need to “ring” it with a multimeter. The instructions are as follows:

• switch the tester to the “Resistance” mode;
• We bring the multimeter probes to the thermistor contacts;
• remember that when heated to 200 degrees, the resistance reaches 6000 Ohms;
• we lower the sensor into hot water and evaluate the indicator (on a working device, the resistance drops - at a temperature of 500 degrees the value will not exceed 1350 Ohms).

If the sensor is damaged, then there will be no alternative what to do. The thermostat cannot be repaired; a new device must be installed. The replacement part is selected only from original spare parts, taking into account the serial number of the model.

After replacement, the machine is put back together.First, we connect the wires to the heating element, then we return the end, UBL, cuff, instrument panel, dispenser and cover. All that remains is to start the cycle and check the functionality of the sensor.

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