Why Does the Door Lock Light on My Bosch Washing Machine Keep Flashing? – Troubleshooting Guide

Bosch washing machines are built with numerous sensors that can prevent issues from cropping up and to help you troubleshoot them when they happen. Error codes are displayed on the screen to narrow down the cause of most problems, but what exactly do they mean? For instance, a door lock error code could signify several potential reasons.

A flashing door lock light on your Bosch washing machine could simply mean that the child lock has been activated. However, it may also indicate a problem that requires more attention. Potential issues could be a faulty door switch, a blocked sensor, or the washing machine overheating.

This article will uncover why the door lock light on your washing machine keeps flashing. Read on to understand the different door lock error codes and what you can do to fix them.

1. The Child Lock Is Activated

According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, over 3000 children below the age of 5 have been treated in emergency rooms since 2014. Children sometimes find it tempting to push the buttons of a washing machine and crawl inside the drum, which could lead to serious injury.

Fortunately, Bosch washing machines have a child lock feature to prevent children from operating the appliance. When the child lock is activated, none of the buttons on the washing machine will work, and they will remain inoperable even after turning the appliance on and off.

Aside from being unable to press any buttons, you’ll know the child lock is active if you see a flashing key symbol or the letters CL on your washing machine’s screen.

How To Fix?

If your child lock is on, you can stop the flashing key symbol by deactivating the child lock. Deactivating it simply involves pressing a few buttons, but the procedure varies between different models.

You can deactivate the child lock by following one of the steps below:

1. Press and hold the START button for 3 to 5 seconds.
2. Press and hold the FINISHED IN and RPM buttons simultaneously for 3 seconds.
3. For models with an advanced touchscreen display, press and hold the Key symbol (with 3 sec written underneath) for 3 seconds.

You should hear a beep, and the flashing light should disappear once the child lock has been deactivated.

Read: Bosch Washing Machine Beeping And Not Spinning – How To Troubleshoot?

2. The Door Switch Is Faulty

The door lock light can also keep flashing to alert you that the door is still open. If the light keeps flashing even after you have closed the door, there may be a problem with the door switch.

Your Bosch washing machine has a built-in door switch that detects if the door is open or closed. The switch keeps the drum from spinning while the door is open. 

If the door switch breaks or becomes clogged with debris, it may give false readings, triggering the door lock light or other error codes.

Below are other error codes you may see as a result of an open door or faulty door lock:

• E01 – Bosch WVT 52458
• E:01 – Bosch WFMC32 / WFXD52 / WFMC64 / WFXD84
• Er:01 – Bosch WFR260
• Er:02 – Bosch WFR260
• Er:03 – Bosch WFR260
• Wash – Bosch WFL246Y
• Open – Bosch WVTi 2840
• Door Open – Bosch Vertical Load Washer
• Lavar – Bosch WIA20000EE
• YES – Bosch WA Series
• Open Door Symbol – Bosch WAS32461GB

How To Fix?

Before you start troubleshooting, make sure the door is closed correctly. There might not be anything wrong with the door switch, and sometimes laundry can get trapped in the door, preventing it from locking.  

If you’re sure the door is completely closed and you still see the flashing light, you may have a dirty or broken door switch. Before buying a replacement part, see if cleaning the door switch does the trick. Debris can get caught inside the switch, causing it to trigger the error code even when the door is closed.

The door switch is the door latch, and you can clean it with a damp cotton swab or a thin brush. For stubborn dirt, use a penetrating oil like WD-40 to help agitate it.

If the flashing light remains on after cleaning the switch, you may have to replace the door switch. To find the part number for your door switch, check your owner’s manual, the Bosch website, or contact Bosch Customer Service.

If you feel comfortable replacing the door switch yourself, you can follow the instructions below:

1. Unplug your washing machine before tinkering with it to ensure safety.
2. Use a flat screwdriver to remove the plastic or wire band that holds the door seal.
3. Move the door seal to access the door switch behind the door frame.
4. Press the clips of the door switch and then slide the door switch out.
5. Unplug the door switch and replace it with the new part.
6. Put everything back in place again. 

For a visual demonstration of how to replace the door switch, watch the video below:

Read: Bosch Washer Not Draining -Troubleshooting Guide

3. The Machine Isn’t Draining

Another issue you can experience with your Bosch washing machine is when the door refuses to unlock. Your washing machine’s door is designed to stay locked while there’s water in the drum to prevent making a mess if someone was to open the door inadvertently.

If the washing machine fails to drain water or detects moisture even when there is no water in the spin basket, you need to check the following:

• Pressure switch
• Drain pump and hose

The pressure switch detects how much water there is in the washing machine’s drum for the control module to apply the appropriate cycle. If the pressure switch is faulty, it will give a false reading, keeping the door locked even if there’s no more water in it.

There are also instances when the door remains locked after the wash cycle is done because the washing machine has not drained the water. The drain pump takes care of directing water to the drain hose so it can escape, and water can get trapped in the spin basket if the drain pump or hose becomes clogged.

How To Fix?

You’ll need to open the door manually to access the pressure switch and drain the water before unclogging the drain pump or drain hose.

Since your door won’t unlock automatically, you must open it manually. You can easily do that by accessing the release cord behind the service flap on the bottom right of your washing machine. Open the cover and pull the release cord down to open the door.

Once the door is open, check if there’s water in the drum. The issue is with your pressure switch if there’s no water there. However, the problem is with your drain pump or drain hose if the water hasn’t drained.

To fix the pressure switch, follow these steps:

1. Unplug the washing machine from the power outlet.
2. Let a few minutes pass for any air or water in the hose of the pressure switch to set.
3. Unscrew the top of the washing machine.
4. Look for the pressure switch (a round plastic part with a hose attached to it) near the sidewall.
5. Remove the hose attached to the pressure switch by loosening the clamp.
6. Remove any clogs in the hose and the pressure chamber at the bottom by blowing it off with air.
7. After cleaning the hose, reattach it to the pressure switch and reinstall the top of the washing machine.

If the hose is damaged, you’ll need to replace it.

Before unclogging the drain pump or drain hose, drain the water by following these steps:

1. Unplug the washing machine from the power outlet.
2. Make sure the water supply is turned off.
3. Remove the service flap (on the bottom right of the washer).
4. Place a container near the machine to collect water.
5. Unfasten the drain hose and remove the plug.
6. Let the water drain into the container.
7. Return the plug and hose after draining.

Read: Bosch Washer Code E04 – Troubleshooting Guide

To unclog the drain pump, follow these steps:

1. Unplug the washing machine from the power outlet.
2. Make sure the water supply is turned off.
3. Remove the service flap (on the bottom right of the washer).
4. Place a towel or a chamois near the washer to absorb water when opening the drain pump cover.
5. Remove the drain pump cover by twisting it counter-clockwise.
6. Remove any dirt and debris from the drain pump compartment with a rag or paper towel until the pump propellers can rotate freely.
7. Return the drain pump cover and service flap before restoring the water supply.

To unclog the water hose, follow these steps:

1. Unplug the washing machine from the power outlet.
2. Make sure the water supply is turned off.
3. Move the washing machine away from the wall to access the hose at the back.
4. Loosen the clamp that connects the hose to the sink or standpipe.
5. Remove the drain hose.
6. Remove any dirt and debris from the hose.
7. Reconnect the hose making sure there aren’t any kinks or bends.
8. Tighten the clamp.
9. Return the washing machine to its place and restore the power and water supply.

Read: Bosch Washer Code E13 – Troubleshooting Guide

Summary

Several things can trigger a flashing door lock light on your Bosch dryer. So, before tackling any potential issues requiring more time and effort, check if the door is shut correctly and the child lock is activated.

After confirming the child lock is off and the door is shut, proceed to check the door lock switch or any issues that may keep the water from draining. If you still see the flashing door lock light, contact Bosch Customer Service.

Read: Bosch Washer Code E17 – Troubleshooting Guide