Door Not Closed

What it means

This code appears on older Bosch front-load washing machines that use F codes and means the machine did not detect the door closed and locked before starting, so the wash does not begin. In most cases closing the door firmly or removing trapped clothing is enough; sometimes the door lock is the cause. The meaning should be confirmed for your model, and the same number can mean something else on other brands.

Models covered: Bosch front-load washing machines; newer models show E codes, older ones (e.g. Maxx, Logixx) F codes.

Related codes: F21F17F18E17

Symptoms4

• F16 shows when pressing start and the program does not begin.
• No usual click from the door lock.
• The door or start indicator flashes on some models.
• The program sometimes starts after pushing the door hard.

Possible causes5

• The door is not fully closed.
• Clothing caught between the door and the door seal prevents full closing.
• A loose door hook or hinge, so the hook does not enter the lock properly.
• A faulty electric door lock or its connection.
• A fault in the lock circuit on the control board (less common).

How to diagnose5

1. Open the door, make sure no clothing is caught at the seal, and close it firmly until it clicks.
2. Check the plastic door hook for cracks and the hinge for looseness.
3. Unplug the machine for a minute, plug it back in and try starting again.
4. If the code stays, a technician unplugs the machine before opening the front and checks the door lock and its wiring.
5. The technician checks the lock circuit on the board if the lock and wiring are fine.

How to fix5

1. Close the door firmly after removing any trapped clothing.
2. Have the technician adjust the hinge or replace a broken door hook.
3. Replace the door lock if it does not work with a proper close.
4. Repair the lock wiring or the board circuit if confirmed as the cause.
5. Run a program and confirm the lock clicks and the wash starts without the code.

Repair cost

In Saudi riyals; the highlighted part is the expected range for this fault.

Often free when the door was simply not closed; the most common cost is a new door lock, and rarely more if the board is at fault.

Prices are rough estimates including the part and the technician’s fee, and vary with brand, model and part source.
Prices last updated: September 2026

Frequently asked questions