Bosch dryer error codes: what each one means
This table covers the Bosch dryer error codes and display messages I could confirm for models sold in the US. Start with the safe homeowner check, then contact a technician if the code returns or if the table says a technician is needed.
A person answers Mon-Fri 9am-5pm local time. Outside those hours, leave a message and a company near you calls back.
Answered by an independent appliance repair company that serves your area. Not a call center.
Most Bosch dryers show E codes, DR, or short words on the display; some older models also flash the lint filter, container, or status lights. After any safe check, restore power and restart the cycle; if the code remains, turn the dryer off, unplug it or switch the breaker off for about 5 minutes, then retry once. The key symbol or child lock, Hot or Cool Down, and CArE or CrE are status or care messages rather than part failures.
The company will ask for it first. It's on a sticker or metal plate, usually in one of these spots:
- Inside the door opening, on the frame
- Some models: on the back panel
Bosch dryer error codes
This list covers US compact condenser and heat pump dryers, including WTG, WTW, and WQB families, plus older Nexxt models where E: style codes are documented.
18 codes
E01 / E02The dryer detected a blocked lint or fluff filter. Residue on the filter mesh can trigger this even when the filter looks clean.Unplug the dryer, remove lint, rinse the filter under warm water if residue is visible, let it dry fully, and check only owner accessible lint areas.Often a home checkE03The control detected that condensate water is not draining because the drain hose is blocked, kinked, or not routed correctly.Unplug the dryer, then check that the condensation drain hose is not kinked and rinse only the removable hose if your model manual allows it.Often a home checkE12 / E:11 / E:12The dryer overheated or detected restricted airflow, often from a clogged lint screen, blocked air path, or exhaust restriction on vented models.Unplug the dryer, clean the lint screen, and check the visible air path or exhaust duct if your model has one.Often a home checkE06The control detected a heating circuit error.Needs a technician because heating circuit diagnosis requires internal access and electrical testing.Usually a technicianE09 / E08 / E28The dryer detected an electronics error in the control system.Needs a technician because the electronic controls are internal and require diagnosis with the dryer unplugged and disassembled.Usually a technicianE90 / E36The dryer detected an electronics fault/error.Needs a technician because this is an internal electronics error, though one 5 minute power reset can be tried first.Usually a technicianE24 / E25The dryer detected an internal electronics or control fault.Needs a technician because the control electronics are internal and should not be tested by a homeowner.Usually a technicianDRDepending on model, DR can mean the door is not being detected as closed or the dryer is showing a drain check indicator.Unplug the dryer, make sure the door closes firmly with no laundry caught, and check the visible drain hose if your model manual uses DR as a drain indicator.Often a home checkE04The dryer detected an overload condition or a load that cannot tumble correctly.Remove some laundry, leave room for the load to tumble, and restart the cycle.Often a home checkE16The dryer detected that the door opened during a drying cycle.Close the door firmly, remove any trapped fabric at the seal, and press Start again.Often a home checkE56The control is not reading the moisture sensor correctly, often because residue is on the sensor bars.Unplug the dryer, open the door, and wipe the moisture sensor bars inside the drum with a soft damp cloth.Often a home checkE63The dryer detected a heating element failure or no heat from the heating system.Needs a technician because heating element checks require disassembly and electrical testing.Usually a technicianCArE / CrEThis is a maintenance reminder to run the basic appliance care program, not a part failure.Run the appliance care program exactly as described in the owner manual for your model.Often a home checkKey symbolThe control lock is active, so settings cannot be changed until it is turned off.Press and hold the child lock or control lock button combination shown on the control panel or in the owner manual.Often a home checkE:03 / E:13On older Nexxt style dryers, the control detected that maximum drying time was exceeded.Unplug the dryer, clean the lint screen, check the visible exhaust hose for kinks, reduce the load, and restart.Often a home checkE:17The dryer detected a lint screen temperature sensor error on older diagnostic systems.Needs a technician because the lint screen temperature sensor and wiring are inside the dryer.Usually a technicianE:18The dryer detected a heater temperature sensor error on older diagnostic systems.Needs a technician because the heater temperature sensor and wiring are internal parts.Usually a technicianE:20 to E:26On older diagnostic systems, these codes point to a defective control module.Needs a technician because the control module is internal, though one 5 minute power reset can be tried first.Usually a technicianDon't see your symptom?
Describe it on the phone. The company on the other end works on these every day and will know what to ask.
Common questions about appliance repair
How do I reset a Bosch dryer error code?
After you do the safe check, turn the dryer off and unplug it or switch the breaker off for about 5 minutes. Restart once; if the same code returns, use a technician.
Why does E01 or E02 come back after I cleaned the lint filter?
Residue can clog the mesh even when it looks clean. Wash and dry the filter, clean only the owner accessible lint areas shown in your manual, and stop if the code returns.
Are older E: codes the same as newer E codes?
Not always. Older Nexxt dryers can show E:03 for maximum drying time, while current compact models can use E03 for a condensate drain hose problem.
Is CArE or CrE a failure code?
No. It is a maintenance reminder to run the appliance care program, and the key symbol means child lock or control lock is on.
Still showing the problem after the checks?
Call and describe what you tried. You'll be connected with an independent repair company near you.