Bosch Washer F16 Error Code — What It Means
The F16 (or E16) code on a Bosch washer means the control has not detected a secure door-lock condition, so the machine treats the door as open and will not run or continue the cycle. Bosch’s official error-code guidance lists F16/E16 as “Door is open.” The machine is looking for an electrical signal from the door lock assembly confirming that the latch has engaged. When that signal is missing or intermittent, the washer refuses to start, stops mid-cycle, or flashes F16 on the display.
The code points to a mechanical or electrical problem with the door closing system rather than any internal wash fault. In most cases the door is not fully latched, something is blocking the latch, the door lock assembly has failed, or a wire to the lock has come loose. Once the door closes securely and the lock signals the control board, the code will clear and the washer will operate normally.
Common Causes
- Door not fully closed The latch did not audibly click into the strike, or the door was pushed closed but did not engage the interlock mechanism.
- Obstruction at the gasket or latch Clothing, lint, detergent residue, or other debris prevents the door from seating squarely into the latch.
- Failed door lock or interlock assembly The electromechanical lock inside the door frame no longer latches mechanically or does not send the closed signal to the control.
- Loose or damaged wiring to the door lock The connector at the lock assembly has worked loose, or wires in the harness are broken or corroded.
- Misaligned door or worn hinge The door hangs crooked and the latch no longer lines up with the strike, so the interlock cannot engage.
- Control board retaining a fault state After a genuine lock failure is repaired, the board may still display F16 until a reset sequence is performed.
Step-by-Step Fix
- Open and firmly re-close the door until you hear an audible click, confirming the latch has engaged the strike.
- Inspect the door gasket and latch area for clothing, lint, detergent buildup, or any foreign object, and remove anything that would prevent a square closure.
- Wipe the gasket and latch strike clean with a damp cloth, then test the door closure again.
- Check that the door hangs square when closed and that the latch aligns with the strike. If the door sags or sits crooked, inspect the hinges for looseness or wear.
- Unplug the washer and inspect the door lock assembly connector on the inside of the door frame for loose pins, corrosion, or damaged wires, and reseat or repair as needed.
- Test or replace the door lock assembly if the mechanical latch does not engage smoothly or if the connector and wiring are intact but the code persists.
- Perform the control reset procedure for your Bosch model after any lock replacement to clear any stored fault, then run a short test cycle to verify the repair.
Parts Often Needed
| Part | Notes |
|---|---|
| Door lock / door interlock assembly | Amazon | Primary replacement when the latch will not engage or the electrical signal is missing. |
| Door lock wiring harness or connector | Amazon | Replace if pins are corroded, wires are broken, or the plug does not seat firmly. |
| Door hinge | Amazon | Replace if the door sags or no longer closes square, preventing latch alignment. |
When to Call a Pro
Call a technician if you have cleaned the latch area, confirmed the door closes squarely, reseated the lock connector, and the F16 code still appears. Replacing the door lock assembly requires access behind the front panel and safe handling of live wiring. A pro can also perform manufacturer-specific electrical tests on the lock circuit and control board, and execute the correct reset procedure for your Bosch model to clear any stored fault after the repair is complete.