What Does Error Code E44 Mean on a Bosch Washing Machine?
Firmly push the door shut until you hear a distinct click, then press Start/Pause to resume the cycle — if the door latch has simply not engaged fully, this will clear the error immediately (takes about 2 minutes).
Fault description
Error code E44 appears when your Bosch washing machine's control board receives a signal that the door is no longer securely closed while a cycle is running. As a safety measure, the machine halts all drum movement and water activity immediately to prevent flooding or injury.
The fault does not always mean the door has physically opened. In many cases the door interlock — the component that both locks the door and reports its status to the control board — has failed electrically, sending a false 'door open' signal even when the door is physically shut.
You may notice the cycle stops mid-wash, the drum becomes stationary, and the E44 code appears on the display. Water may remain inside the drum depending on how far through the cycle the fault occurred.
Causes
- Door not fully latched — The most common trigger is simply that the door was not pushed firmly enough to engage the latch mechanism. A partial latch can fool the interlock sensor into registering an open door.
- Faulty door interlock (door lock assembly) — The door interlock contains a bi-metal or electronic switch that confirms the door is locked. If this component wears out or fails, it can send an intermittent or permanent 'door open' signal to the PCB even when the door is physically closed.
- Damaged or misaligned door latch striker — The plastic striker on the door itself hooks into the interlock body. If it is cracked, bent, or has shifted out of alignment, it may not depress the interlock switch fully, causing the machine to register an open door.
- Wiring fault between door interlock and control board — The wiring harness connecting the door interlock to the main PCB can develop loose connections, chafing, or breaks over time. A poor connection here produces exactly the same error as a failed interlock.
- Main control board (PCB) fault — In less common cases, the PCB itself misreads the signal from a perfectly functional interlock. This is usually a diagnosis of exclusion after the interlock and wiring have been checked and found to be in good condition.
Step-by-Step Fix
- 1
Power cycle the machine
Turn the machine off at the dial, unplug it from the wall socket, and wait 60 seconds before plugging back in and restarting. This clears any temporary software glitch that may have triggered a false E44 reading. If the error does not return, no further action is needed.
- 2
Check and firmly re-close the door
Open the door fully, check that no clothing is caught in the door seal or obstructing the latch area, then push the door closed with a firm, deliberate push until you hear a clear click. Try restarting the cycle. Even a small obstruction in the seal can prevent full engagement.
- 3
Inspect the door latch striker
Look at the plastic hook or peg on the door that inserts into the interlock. Check for cracks, chips, or any visible deformation. Wiggle it gently — it should be completely rigid. A damaged striker is inexpensive to replace and is a straightforward DIY job requiring only a screwdriver.
- 4
Test the door interlock
With the machine unplugged, locate the interlock behind the front panel near the door opening — you can usually access it by peeling back the door seal and removing two or three screws. Disconnect the wiring plug and use a multimeter set to continuity mode to test the switch terminals according to your model's wiring diagram. No continuity when the latch is engaged indicates a failed interlock.
- 5
Check the wiring harness connections
While you have access to the interlock, trace the wiring harness back toward the control board. Look for any wires that appear pinched, chafed against the drum casing, or have connectors that feel loose when gently tugged. Re-seat any loose connectors firmly. Repair or replace any visibly damaged sections of wire.
- 6
Replace the door interlock assembly
If the interlock fails the continuity test and the wiring is sound, replace the interlock with a part matched to your specific Bosch model number (found on the label inside the door frame). Fit the new interlock, reconnect the wiring, refit the door seal, and run a short test cycle to confirm the error has cleared.
- 7
Run a diagnostic test cycle
Many Bosch washing machines have a built-in service mode that can be accessed by holding specific button combinations — consult your model's service manual or the Bosch support site for the exact sequence. A diagnostic cycle will confirm whether the door circuit is reading correctly before you commit to further investigation of the PCB.
Affected models
Select your model to see its full troubleshooting page.
When to call a service technician
If you have replaced the door interlock and checked the wiring harness thoroughly but the E44 error persists, 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 area or at the back of the machine, as these indicate an electrical fault that goes beyond a simple component swap and must be assessed professionally before the machine is used again.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still drain the water from the drum when E44 is showing?
Yes. Select the Drain or Spin programme on the dial and press Start — most Bosch machines will run a drain cycle even when a door fault is active, provided the door is physically closed. If the machine refuses to respond at all, you can drain manually via the small emergency drain hose located behind the filter cover at the bottom front of the machine.
Is E44 dangerous — can I open the door while it is showing?
The E44 code means the machine has already stopped as a safety precaution, so the drum is not moving. However, if the cycle was interrupted mid-wash, the drum may still contain hot water. Wait a few minutes for the water to cool before attempting to open the door. Never force the door open if you can hear water sloshing inside.
How long does a door interlock last on a Bosch washing machine?
A door interlock typically lasts between five and ten years under normal use, though this varies with how frequently the machine is used and how firmly the door is closed each time. Machines used multiple times daily will wear the interlock faster than those used a few times a week.
Will E44 clear itself, or do I need to manually reset it?
E44 will not clear on its own while the underlying fault remains. Once you have addressed the cause — whether that is re-latching the door, replacing the striker, or fitting a new interlock — you need to power cycle the machine to reset the error code. Simply turning the programme dial to Off and back on, or unplugging for 60 seconds, is usually sufficient.
My Bosch washing machine shows E44 only occasionally — what does that mean?
An intermittent E44 fault almost always points to a door interlock that is beginning to fail rather than one that has failed completely, or to a loose connection in the wiring harness. Intermittent faults tend to worsen over time, so it is worth inspecting the interlock and wiring sooner rather than waiting for the fault to become permanent.