What Does Error Code F17 Mean on a Bosch Washing Machine?
Check that the cold water tap behind the machine is fully open, then restart the cycle — if the tap was closed or partially shut, the machine should fill normally and the error will clear (takes about 5 minutes).
Fault description
Error code F17 means your Bosch washing machine started a cycle but could not detect sufficient water entering the drum within the time it expects. The machine monitors water intake through a pressure sensor, and when the water level fails to rise as it should, the cycle is halted and F17 is displayed on the control panel.
When this error occurs, the machine will typically pause mid-fill or at the very start of a cycle. You may hear the inlet valve clicking or buzzing as it attempts to draw water, or you may notice the drum is completely dry when you open the door. The machine is protecting itself from running without water, which could damage the pump and heating element.
In the majority of cases, F17 is caused by something simple — a closed tap, a kinked hose, or a blocked inlet filter — and can be resolved without any tools or specialist knowledge.
Causes
- Water supply tap turned off or partially closed — The most common reason for F17 is that the cold water tap supplying the machine has been turned off, perhaps after maintenance or by accident. Even a partially closed tap can restrict flow enough to trigger the error.
- Blocked or clogged inlet filter — A fine mesh filter sits inside the inlet hose connection at the back of the machine. Over time, limescale and debris from the water supply build up in this filter, reducing water flow to a trickle. This is a very common cause in hard water areas.
- Kinked or crushed supply hose — If the machine has been pushed back against the wall, the inlet hose can become kinked or flattened, blocking water flow. Even a partial kink is enough to prevent the drum from filling at the correct rate.
- Faulty or seized water inlet solenoid valve — The inlet solenoid valve opens electrically to allow water in. If the valve coil has failed or the valve body is stuck with limescale, it will not open fully or at all, starving the machine of water.
- Faulty water pressure sensor (pressure box) — The pressure sensor monitors the water level inside the drum by detecting air pressure in a small chamber. If the sensor itself is faulty, or the small rubber hose connecting it to the drum is split or blocked, the machine may incorrectly report that no water has entered.
- Low mains water pressure — If there is a temporary drop in mains water pressure — due to local supply works or a problem with your home's stopcock — the machine may not fill quickly enough and will time out with F17.
Step-by-Step Fix
- 1
Check the water supply tap
Locate the cold water tap on the wall or pipe behind the washing machine. Make sure it is turned fully anticlockwise (open). If it was closed or only partially open, open it fully, then press Start to retry the cycle. This single check resolves the majority of F17 errors.
- 2
Inspect the inlet hose for kinks
Pull the machine gently away from the wall and visually inspect the full length of the blue or grey inlet hose. Straighten out any kinks or bends. Make sure the hose is not being pinched by the machine's feet or trapped under the appliance. Push the machine back carefully, keeping the hose clear.
- 3
Clean the inlet filter
Turn off the water supply tap, then unscrew the inlet hose from the back of the machine by hand. Inside the threaded connection on the machine you will see a small mesh filter. Pull it out carefully with pliers or your fingers, rinse it under the tap, and use an old toothbrush to remove any limescale or grit. Refit the filter, reconnect the hose, and turn the tap back on. Check for leaks before restarting.
- 4
Check the hose connection at the tap end
There is also a filter washer at the tap end of the inlet hose. Unscrew this end too and inspect the washer and any mesh present. Rinse and refit. While the hose is disconnected, hold it over a bucket and briefly open the tap to confirm water is flowing freely from the supply side.
- 5
Test the water pressure
Run a cold tap elsewhere in your home — a kitchen sink or bathroom basin. If the flow seems unusually weak, you may have a temporary low-pressure issue from your water supplier, or your home's main stopcock may be partially closed. Check the stopcock (usually under the kitchen sink or where the supply enters the house) and open it fully.
- 6
Inspect the pressure sensor hose
With the machine unplugged, remove the top panel (usually two screws at the rear). Locate the small rubber or plastic tube running from the side of the drum up to the pressure sensor — a small round component on the side wall of the cabinet. Check the tube for cracks, splits, or blockages. A blocked tube can be cleared by blowing gently through it. Replace it if it is cracked.
- 7
Test the inlet solenoid valve
If all the above steps check out and F17 persists, the inlet solenoid valve is the likely culprit. With the machine unplugged, the valve is accessible from the back panel. You can test the coil resistance with a multimeter — a reading outside the 200–500 ohm range typically indicates a failed coil. Replacement valves are widely available and are a straightforward swap for a confident DIYer.
Affected models
Select your model to see its full troubleshooting page.
When to call a service technician
If you have worked through all the steps above — confirmed the tap is open, cleaned the inlet filter, checked the hose, and inspected the pressure sensor tube — and the machine still displays F17, the fault is likely inside the appliance. A failed inlet solenoid valve that does not respond to electrical testing, a faulty pressure sensor, or a wiring fault between the control board and the valve will all require component-level diagnosis.
You should also call a service technician if you are uncomfortable removing the back panel, if the machine is still under warranty (DIY repairs may void it), or if you notice any signs of water leakage from the inlet valve area, which could indicate a cracked valve body that needs immediate attention.
Spare parts and service
Visit our partners for spare parts and service
Spare parts
Book a repair
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still use my Bosch washing machine while it is showing F17?
No. When F17 is active, the machine has halted the cycle because it cannot confirm water is present in the drum. Running the motor or heater without water can cause serious damage. Resolve the water supply issue before attempting to restart.
How do I reset the F17 error code on a Bosch washing machine?
Once you have fixed the underlying cause — for example, opening the tap or cleaning the filter — the error should clear automatically when you restart the cycle. If the code reappears immediately, the root cause has not been resolved and you should continue working through the diagnostic steps.
Where is the inlet filter on a Bosch washing machine?
The inlet filter is a small mesh screen located inside the threaded inlet port on the back of the machine, where the water supply hose connects. Turn off the tap, unscrew the hose by hand, and you will see the filter sitting just inside the connection. It can be pulled out with your fingers or a pair of pliers.
Could F17 be caused by a problem with the washing machine's control board?
It is possible but uncommon. The control board sends the signal to open the inlet valve and receives feedback from the pressure sensor. If the board is faulty, it may fail to open the valve or misread the sensor signal. However, control board faults are rare compared to blocked filters or closed taps, so always rule out the simpler causes first before suspecting the board.
My Bosch washing machine shows F17 only on certain programmes — why?
Some programmes require a faster or larger initial fill than others. If your water pressure is borderline low, or the inlet filter is partially blocked, the machine may manage to fill slowly enough for shorter programmes but time out on programmes that demand a quicker fill. Cleaning the inlet filter and checking the tap position should resolve this intermittent behaviour.