BOSCH · SIEMENS · NEFFWASHER

Bosch, Siemens & Neff · Washing machine

Bosch E20 error code

Unexpected heating

A safety check found the water heating up when the washer hadn't asked for heat.

Also shown as F20

Same code, same meaning on Siemens and Neff.

Worth repairing?

Deal with it now

If it returns, stop using it and book a repair. Uncontrolled heating isn't something to live with.

Can you do it yourself?

Engineer only

1 minute to reset

Before you start

  • Unplug it before you touch anything inside.
  • Let it cool completely first.

What to check, in order

  1. Switch off and on

    That resets it.

  2. Watch the next wash

    If the code comes back, stop using the machine.

When to call an engineer

If it comes back. A heater switching on when it shouldn't is a safety issue.

A repair visit will usually check the heating element, its temperature sensor and the wiring back to the control board.

Before you book
  • Note the model and serial number. They're on a label inside the door, around the door frame or on the back.
  • Write down the exact code, and what the appliance was doing when it appeared.
  • Check whether it's still under warranty. If it is, the repair may cost you nothing.

Checked against

Last reviewed September 2026. Manufacturers update their pages, and your manual is the final word.

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