What Does Error Code E27 Mean on a Bosch Washing Machine?
Firmly push the door shut until you hear a distinct click, then press Start — if the door latch was not fully engaged, the machine should clear the error and resume within 1 minute (takes about 1 minute).
Fault description
Error code E27 is Bosch's way of telling you that the washing machine cannot confirm the door is properly locked. The door interlock is a safety device — the machine will not fill with water or begin a cycle unless it receives a confirmed signal that the door is closed and latched. When that signal is missing or inconsistent, E27 is triggered.
When this error appears, the machine will typically pause mid-cycle or refuse to start at all. You may notice the drum light stays on, the door feels loose, or the display flashes E27 repeatedly. In some cases the door appears closed but the latch or sensor is not making proper contact.
The fault can originate from the physical latch, the door lock assembly (also called the door interlock), the wiring connecting it to the control board, or in rarer cases the control board itself. Most of the time, the fix is straightforward and does not require specialist tools.
Causes
- Door not fully closed or obstructed — The most common reason for E27 is simply that the door has not been pushed firmly enough to engage the latch. A small item of clothing caught in the door seal can also prevent full closure.
- Worn or broken door latch — Over time the plastic latch hook on the door itself can wear down or snap, meaning it no longer engages the lock mechanism properly. This is especially common on machines that are several years old.
- Faulty door lock assembly (interlock) — The door lock assembly contains an electromechanical solenoid and a micro-switch that confirms the locked position. If either component fails, the machine receives no confirmation signal and throws E27.
- Damaged or loose wiring to the door lock — The wiring harness connecting the door lock to the main control board can become loose at the connector, chafed, or broken — particularly near the hinge area where the door flexes repeatedly. A poor connection produces an intermittent or absent signal.
- Damaged door hinge causing misalignment — A bent or worn door hinge can cause the door to sit slightly out of alignment, so the latch hook misses the strike plate inside the lock assembly. The door may look closed but the latch is not engaging.
- Control board fault — In a small number of cases the main PCB fails to read the signal from an otherwise functional door lock. This is the least likely cause and should only be considered after all other components have been checked.
Step-by-Step Fix
- 1
Check for obstructions and close the door firmly
Open the door and inspect the rubber door seal for any clothing, socks, or debris caught in the gap. Push the door closed with firm, even pressure until you hear a clear click. Try starting the machine again to see if the error clears.
- 2
Power cycle the machine
Switch the machine off at the mains socket and leave it unpowered for at least 2 minutes. This allows the control board to reset. Restore power, select a short cycle, and observe whether E27 reappears.
- 3
Inspect the door latch hook
Look closely at the plastic latch hook on the door itself — it should be intact, straight, and free of cracks. If it looks worn, chipped, or broken, it will need to be replaced. Latch hooks are inexpensive and usually clip or screw into the door panel.
- 4
Check the door hinges for alignment
Open the door and look at both hinges. The door should hang level and swing smoothly without drooping. If the door sags noticeably, the lower hinge may be worn. Tighten any visible hinge screws and retest. A badly bent hinge will need replacing.
- 5
Inspect the wiring connector at the door lock
Unplug the machine from the mains before doing this. Remove the top panel (usually two screws at the rear) to access the door lock wiring. Locate the connector on the back of the door lock assembly and press it firmly to reseat it. Check the wires for any visible damage, burning, or chafing near the hinge area.
- 6
Test and replace the door lock assembly
With the machine unplugged, remove the door seal retaining band and peel back the seal to access the door lock. Unscrew the lock from the front panel and disconnect the wiring. Use a multimeter set to continuity mode to test the lock's micro-switch — no continuity when activated indicates a failed unit. Replace with a compatible Bosch door lock assembly for your model number.
- 7
Run a test cycle
After any repair or replacement, plug the machine back in and run a short cotton cycle at 30°C to confirm the error has cleared and the door locks correctly at the start of the cycle. Monitor the first few minutes to ensure no error codes return.
Affected models
Select your model to see its full troubleshooting page.
When to call a service technician
If you have replaced the door lock assembly and confirmed the wiring is intact but E27 continues to appear, the fault is likely within the main control board. PCB diagnosis and replacement requires specialist equipment and carries a risk of further damage if handled incorrectly — this is the point to contact a qualified service technician.
You should also call a service technician if you notice any burn marks, melted plastic, or a burning smell near the door lock or wiring harness. These signs suggest an electrical fault that goes beyond a simple component swap and needs professional assessment before the machine is used again.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still use my Bosch washing machine with error E27 showing?
No — the machine will not start or complete a cycle while E27 is active because the door lock is a safety interlock. Running a machine with a faulty door lock is not safe, as the door could open during a cycle. Resolve the fault before using the appliance again.
How do I know if it's the door latch or the door lock assembly that needs replacing?
Inspect the plastic latch hook on the door first — if it is visibly cracked, worn, or broken, that is your culprit and it is the cheaper fix. If the latch hook looks fine but the machine still cannot detect a closed door, the door lock assembly (the electromechanical unit inside the machine frame) is the more likely cause.
How long does it take to replace a Bosch door lock assembly?
For most Bosch washing machine models, replacing the door lock assembly takes between 20 and 40 minutes with basic tools — a Torx or Phillips screwdriver and a flat-blade tool to release the door seal retaining band. Having the correct replacement part for your specific model number before you start will save time.
Why does E27 appear only sometimes and not every cycle?
An intermittent E27 usually points to a loose wiring connector or a door lock assembly that is beginning to fail but has not completely stopped working. Vibration during the spin cycle can temporarily break a poor connection. Reseating the wiring connector is a good first step; if the fault keeps returning, replace the lock assembly.
Will a power cut or software glitch cause E27 on a Bosch washer?
Occasionally a power interruption mid-cycle can leave the control board in a state where it reports E27 even though the door lock is physically fine. A full power cycle — switching off at the mains for two minutes — will clear a software-triggered error. If the code returns after the reset, the fault is mechanical or electrical rather than a glitch.