If you are like most people, doing laundry is probably not your idea of a fun time. Now, when your Bosch washer decides to act up, it can quickly turn a mundane task into a frustrating headache. One common issue that many Bosch washing machine owners face is the washer not finishing its cycle.
Maybe it gets stuck on the rinse cycle or it just won’t drain the water properly.
In this article, we will be exploring some of the reasons that might result in this and what you can do to fix the problem.
Bosch washing machine not finishing cycle
The good news is that there are several possible solutions that can help you fix this problem.
That being so, below are the causes (and solutions) for a Bosch washing machine not finishing a cycle.
The load is not well balanced
To start with, you are more likely to experience this problem if your model is a top load washer.
You see, as your top load washer tumbles your laundry, it is likely to unbalance it.
And, when this occurs, your machine will not finish the cycle.
Recommended solution
With that in mind, press the pause button and open your washing machine.
Next, try and redistribute the load. Once done, press the start button to resume the wash cycle.
Pro tip: If you are trying to wash a small load, throw in a few more clothes (or towels) to balance the washer.
Are you using the right detergent?
Here’s the thing; using the wrong detergent will result in your Bosch washing machine being overly sudsy.
And when this occurs, the suds will impede the proper functioning of the washer’s sensors.
In turn, this will result in the sensors not being able to properly detect whether the washing machine is full or empty hence your washer might not proceed with the wash cycle.
Pro tip: Also, this is likely to happen if you are using too much of the right detergent.
Recommended solutions
Start by confirming that you are using the right type of washing detergent for your model.
You see, the detergent type might vary from model to model – traditional washers vs high-efficiency washers.
So, refer to the owner’s manual that came with the washer just to be sure that you are using the right amount of the right detergent.
Alternatively, you can search online for a copy of the manual using the washer’s model number.
The lid switch is faulty
The lid switch acts as a safety mechanism that will stop the washer if it detects the lid/door to be open.
Having said that, this is mostly a problem you might experience if you own a front load Bosch washing machine.
You see, if the switch is faulty, it will result in your Bosch washing machine not completing its wash cycle as the clothes will push open the door.
Pro tip: In Bosch washing machines, the error codes E16 or F16 (door is open) will flash indicating that the lid switch might be faulty.
Recommended repair
Start by confirming that your washer’s door is latching fully.
If not, the latch might be to blame and will need to be replaced – see Bosch washer door latch prices.
Now, if the latch is not to blame, it is likely that the switch is to blame.
But, to be sure, perform a continuity test on the switch (here, the tech sheet will come might be handy).
Now, if the switch fails the continuity test, you just found the culprit for your Bosch washing machine acting up.
As a result, you might consider replacing the switch – you can order an OEM Bosch washer lid switch here.
Check the drain pump for clogs
You see, your Bosch washing machine might not be finishing a wash cycle because something might be stuck inside the drain pump.
This will prevent the washer from draining hence it won’t proceed to the next cycle.
For the most part, when this is the cause of your Bosch washing machine acting up, it is normally accompanied by either an E18 or F18 error code.
What to do
Start by accessing the drain pump and checking it for any clogs that might be trapped in there such as socks or accrued lint.
And of course, if there are clogs, be sure to remove them.
Something else: The drain pump might not have clogs, but it might be acting up due to an electrical malfunction.
To see if this is the cause of your Bosch washer not completing a cycle, follow the instructions in the video below to test the drain pump:
The heating assembly might be faulty
Your washer will not finish a cycle if the heating element or the element’s temperature sensor is faulty.
This is because the washer will be stuck in a loop as it waits for the water to heat to the desired temperature.
What you can do
Start by accessing the heating element and disconnecting the wire harness from the terminals.
Next, set your multimeter to the lowest resistance reading and test the resistance between the two terminals.
Now, if the element is healthy, you should get a reading of between 20 and 50 ohms.
So, if you are getting a different reading, it means that your heating element is gone and it is time to get a replacement element.
On the other hand, if the element is fine, proceed to take out and test the temperature sensor (it is next to the heating element).
Proceed to insert the probes into the sensor’s terminals – if the sensor is healthy, it will have a resistance of between 20,000 and 50,000 ohms.
Now, with the probes still in the sensor, place your hand over the sensor and if it is healthy, the reading will go down slightly.
Again, if the sensor does not pass this test, then it is to blame and you should replace it.
The motor is faulty
With prolonged use, the motor might start to act up.
In some cases, it might overheat and this will result in your Bosch washing machine not finishing a cycle.
However, after the motor has had some time to cool, the washer will be able to proceed with the cycle.
Something else: If the motor is gone, it will result in your washer not finishing a cycle and not starting again.
Recommended repair
Generally, if the washer stops during a wash cycle but starts after some minutes, it means that your motor is overheating.
That being so, start by confirming that you are not overloading the washer as this will overwork it.
Alternatively, you can test the motor to see if it is gone.
If it is indeed gone, you will need to get a replacement motor that fits your washer model.
The control board might be to blame
Perform this as the last troubleshooting step – the part cannot be tested using a multimeter and it’s expensive to replace.
Start by unplugging the washing machine from the power outlet for around five minutes – this will let all static charges that might be causing the acting up to flow out of the control board.
If this does not fix the washer, remove the control board and carefully inspect it for any signs of damage or burning.
Now, if you can spot any, it means that your washer’s control board is gone – getting an OEM replacement control board might be your only way out.
Bosch washing machine not finishing cycle – final thoughts
When testing or replacing an electrical component on your Bosch washer, you can get an instructional video to guide you along – there are dozens of such videos on YouTube.
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