What Does Error Code E16 Mean on a Bosch Washing Machine?

Bosch Updated 8 April 2026
Quick Fix

Firmly push the door until you hear a distinct click, then press Start — if the latch was not fully engaged, the machine should clear the error and begin the cycle within 30 seconds (takes about 1 minute).

Fault description

Error code E16 is Bosch's way of telling you that the control board cannot confirm the door is securely closed. The door interlock — a small electromechanical component built into the door frame — sends a signal to the machine's electronics once the door is properly latched. If that signal never arrives, or arrives as a fault, the machine refuses to run and displays E16 to protect you from water escaping during a cycle.

When this error appears, the drum will not rotate and the machine will not fill with water. You may notice the door feels loose, or conversely that it feels stuck but the error persists. In some cases the door closes perfectly well physically, yet the lock's internal switch has failed and cannot confirm closure electronically. Understanding which situation you are dealing with will guide you to the right fix.

Causes

  • Door not fully pushed shut — The most common reason for E16 is simply that the door was not closed with enough force for the latch to engage the striker plate. Laundry caught in the door seal can also prevent a complete close.
  • Faulty door interlock (door lock assembly) — The door interlock contains electrical contacts that confirm closure to the control board. Over time these contacts wear or burn out, causing the machine to report E16 even when the door is physically shut.
  • Damaged or misaligned door latch or striker — The plastic latch on the door and the metal striker on the cabinet can crack, bend, or shift out of alignment after years of use. If they no longer connect cleanly, the interlock cannot engage.
  • Wiring fault between door lock and control board — The wiring harness that runs from the door interlock to the main PCB can develop a loose connector or a broken wire, interrupting the signal even when the lock itself is working correctly.
  • Worn or torn door seal obstructing closure — A door gasket that has swollen, torn, or partially detached can bulge into the door opening and physically prevent the door from closing far enough to trigger the latch.
  • Main control board fault — In rare cases the PCB itself fails to read the door lock signal correctly, generating a false E16 even though the lock and wiring are both in good condition.

Step-by-Step Fix

  1. 1

    Check for laundry trapped in the door

    Open the door and inspect the rubber door seal all the way around. Pull out any clothing or fabric that is caught between the seal and the glass. Even a thin sock can prevent the door from latching fully. Close the door firmly and see if the error clears.

  2. 2

    Close the door with firm, deliberate pressure

    Stand directly in front of the machine and push the door closed with the heel of your hand until you hear and feel a solid click. Avoid pushing only on the glass — apply pressure near the latch side. Once closed, press Start to see if E16 disappears.

  3. 3

    Inspect the door seal for damage or swelling

    Run your fingers around the entire circumference of the rubber gasket. Look for tears, areas that have pulled away from the drum rim, or sections that appear swollen or hardened. A damaged seal that protrudes into the door opening will need to be replaced before the door can close properly.

  4. 4

    Examine the door latch and striker plate

    Look at the plastic hook on the door and the corresponding metal slot on the machine body. Check for visible cracks, chips, or any sign that the latch is sitting at an angle. Gently try to wiggle the striker plate — if it moves, the mounting screws may have loosened and can be tightened with a Torx or Phillips screwdriver.

  5. 5

    Power cycle the machine

    Switch the machine off at the mains socket and leave it unpowered for two minutes. This allows the control board to reset any temporary electronic glitch. Restore power, select a programme, close the door firmly, and press Start. If E16 returns immediately, the fault is not a transient software issue.

  6. 6

    Test the door interlock for continuity

    If you are comfortable using a multimeter, disconnect the machine from the mains, remove the top panel or door seal to access the interlock, and test the lock's terminals for continuity when the door is closed. A reading of open circuit (OL) when the door is shut confirms the interlock has failed and needs replacing. If you are not confident working with internal components, move to calling a service technician.

  7. 7

    Check the wiring harness connector at the door lock

    With the machine unplugged, locate the wiring connector that plugs into the back of the door interlock. Press the connector firmly to reseat it, and inspect the wires for any that appear pinched, corroded, or broken near the connector. A loose connector is a quick fix; a broken wire will need to be repaired or the harness replaced.

Affected models

When to call a service technician

If you have worked through all the steps above and E16 continues to appear, or if you found that the door interlock has no continuity and you are not comfortable replacing it yourself, it is time to book a service technician. Replacing a door interlock involves removing the door seal and working inside the cabinet, and an incorrect installation can create a safety hazard.

You should also call a technician straight away if the door feels physically jammed and will not open at all, if you can see burn marks or smell burning near the door area, or if the machine is still under warranty and you do not want to risk voiding it by opening the cabinet yourself.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still use my Bosch washing machine while it shows E16?

No. The machine will not start a cycle while E16 is active because it cannot confirm the door is safely locked. Running a machine with an unconfirmed door lock would risk the door opening mid-cycle and causing a flood. Resolve the fault before using the appliance.

How do I manually unlock the door if E16 has left it stuck shut?

Most Bosch washing machines have an emergency door release — a small plastic tab or cord located behind the kick panel at the bottom front of the machine. Remove the kick panel, locate the tab (usually orange or red), and pull it downward firmly. This mechanically releases the door lock. Make sure the machine is unplugged before you do this.

How much does a Bosch door interlock replacement cost?

A genuine Bosch door interlock part typically costs between £15 and £40 depending on the model. If you fit it yourself the part cost is your only expense. A service technician call-out will add a labour charge on top, so it is worth confirming the part is definitely faulty before booking.

Will a power cut or software glitch cause E16 on a Bosch machine?

Occasionally, yes. A sudden power interruption mid-cycle can leave the control board in a confused state where it reports E16 even though the door lock is fine. A two-minute power cycle at the mains socket is always worth trying first, as it costs nothing and takes very little time.

Is E16 the same fault as E17 on Bosch washing machines?

They are related but distinct. E16 specifically means the door is not detected as closed, while E17 on some Bosch models relates to the door not opening at the end of a cycle. If your display shows E17, the troubleshooting steps differ slightly, so check your model's manual or a dedicated E17 guide.