Are you getting a Bosch washer error code E13? E13 is warning you that the water isn’t draining quickly enough in the cycle. Read on to figure out how to fix it.
A Bosch washer code E13 means the water isn’t draining out quickly enough. A Bosch washer has an allotted time for water to drain. If it drains slowly or not at all, it will display the E13 code. It is likely a clog in the drain line, and hopefully not a pump issue.
The lack of draining could also be a faulty pressure switch, a transmission belt failure, or a malfunctioning drain pump. It could also be a control unit issue, but that is far down the list of possibilities.
Doing a Clog Check
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There are three places to check for clogs.
- The drain filter
- The drain hose
- The sewage system pipe
Checking the Drain Filter
This is an easy device to check. You don’t need any special skills or technical knowledge. The drain filter is found in the back of the washer near the bottom. You will see a panel cover. Open the cover and remove the filter. It is visible.
Clean the filter to free it of debris under running water and then put it back.
Checking the Drain Hose
The first thing is to check the hose in the back of the washer to see if it’s bent or moved in such a way that water can’t flow through it. Sometimes, an incorrectly installed hose can cause a “siphoning” of water. That means that water is forced back into the washer by air and water pressure.
It is a good idea to go ahead and wash the hose nozzle. Be sure to have a bucket and towels handy anytime you work with the drain hose.
Clearing the Drain Hose
This is where you will need a bucket and some towels. Turn off the water to the washer. Now, remove the drain hose from the drain and blow into it at the open end to clear the clog. You may also want to put some white vinegar in that end to help clear debris from the hose.
You will see some yuck and mess come back through the filter when you do this. You may also start the water from the washer flowing so you will need to put the drain hose in the bucket so water from the washer basin can be drained out.
Clearing the Sewage Pipes
The pipe going into your house may also be clogged. While the drain hose is disconnected, you can take a long coiled line called “a snake” and use it to clear the drain pipe. A clog that is way deep in the pipe may require you to call a plumber who has a longer cable to clear it.
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Once all this is done, you should reset your washing machine. The code should be cleared.
What If The Code Doesn’t Clear?
An E13 code that remains on your washer display could be one of the other problems. The first thing to look at is the pressure switch.
Checking the Pressure Switch
The pressure sensor is an element that senses when you have the right amount of water for the program cycle you are using. While some people assume they are around the drum, it is actually near the control module.
- Find the pressure sensor. It is in the floor panel of your washing machine. It is a small tube with an attachment.
- Take a flat screwdriver and pry the white sensor housing case to pull out the pressure switch.
- Take it out and blow through it. Also, look at all the hoses that lead to the pressure switch to make sure they aren’t blocked.
Look at the Transmission Belt
An E13 fault code and a washer drum that won’t spin indicates the transmission belt isn’t working. This can happen if the belt stretches over time and use. The washing may be normal but there isn’t enough speed in the spinning so the E13 error pops up.
Here is how you check it:
- Unplug the washer from the electrical outlet.
- Remove the back cover. You should be able to see the belt. Look to see if it is worn or jumped from the pully.
- You can install a new belt by removing the old one and then threading the new one through the pully and onto the drum pulley.
- Move the pully some to evenly distribute the transmission belt to make it tighter.
Look at the Drain Pump
The hardest part about fixing a drain pump in a Bosch washer is getting to it. Those who prefer to pay someone else to do it perhaps should call their service technician.
However, those who want to do this themselves can get it done without a lot of problems.
- Drain the water and remove the top and rear washer panels.
- The pump is under the drum near the bottom of the washer. You may have to move the drum or take it out to get to the pump.
- Disconnect the pump wires and move the hose clamp off of the pump. Turn the pump counterclockwise and it should easily come out.
- To install the replacement, you just do everything in reverse. You turn it clockwise to go seat it into place, attach the hose clamp, attach the wires, and put the washer back together.
You will need to run an empty rinse cycle to make sure everything works properly.
The Control Unit
A bad part of a control unit will cause the entire washer to quit functioning. If none of these other remedies work, you can check to see if any of the control units are burned out. It may need to be replaced and that is something you should call a service technician to do.
How do you reset a Bosch washer?
- Flip the program knob off and then on.
- Simultaneously press the spin cycle button and now turn the knob to “7.” Keep it pressed for five seconds. You will see the water light come on.
- Turn the program know off, then on. It should be cleared.
How do I run a diagnostic mode on a Bosch washer?
- Turn off the selector knob.
- Press the menu and select buttons at the same time. Turn the program knob to the “Permanent Press Cold.” Hold the menu and select buttons until P1:Errors displays.
- Now you can run through the various tests or look at the error codes listed in the machine.
- P1 will show you a list of errors. Just press the flashing start button and error codes will display with the date they happened. You will need to understand what the codes mean or write them down for your service technician to review.
- Any code that is an Er:1-24 display relates to the module. Any code that is a dr:1-18 is associated with the motor.
- To end the end, just press the spin button. Turn the program knob to the “off” position to exit.
How to force Bosch washer to drain?
All you have to do is get a shallow pan and put it under the black drain pipe located in the front of the machine. Open up the pipe and let drain.
More Bosch washer error code guides
Bosch Washing Machine Error Codes E02
Bosch Washer Code E04
Bosch Washer Error Code E12
Bosch Washer Code E15
Bosch Washer Error Code E17
Bosch Washer Error Code E18
Bosch Washer Error Code E27
