Error F61 in a Bosch washing machine

Error F61 in a Bosch washing machine Washing machines from the manufacturer Bosch are not inferior to other modern models, also offering their owners a self-diagnosis system. With its help, the machine displays a specific code on the display, which can be used to immediately localize the problem that has occurred and quickly fix the problem. Error F61 is often displayed in a Bosch washing machine, and before you begin to act, you need to decipher the “message”. What is hidden behind the code and how to repair the unit?

Cipher meaning and verification

When F61 is displayed on the washer’s screen, it means that problems with the hatch were detected during the self-diagnosis process. In simple words, the control module cannot close the door or ensure that it is locked, which is why the washing program does not start. Perhaps the matter is due to the user’s simple inattention, when the door is not closed tightly or something from the drum got between it and the body. You need to lock the machine again.

But before checking the door, it is worth ruling out a possible “glitch” of the system. To do this, we reboot the machine: “unplug” it from the power supply, wait 15-30 minutes, plug it back into the socket and press the “Start” button. If the error disappears and does not return, then there is no real problem.

Error F61 indicates problems with the hatch door.

UBL may be faulty Otherwise, you will have to look for a problem. The search will require partial disassembly of the washing machine and sequential checking of the following door elements:

UBL (hatch blocking device, which, if damaged, needs to be replaced);
wiring connected to the UBL (the contacts are probably loose and the blocking signal is not transmitted to the control board);
control board (often the resistor or triac “responsible” for the UBL burns out, which is why the module needs to be repaired or replaced).

An ordinary washing machine user armed with a screwdriver and pliers can also cope with UBL. But you will have to act extremely carefully and only according to the instructions below. If the cause of error F61 lies in the control module, then it is strongly recommended to call professional repairmen - flashing and replacing the board will require special knowledge and equipment.

Diagnostics and methods for eliminating errors

You can determine the scale of the trouble with your own hands. It is enough to consistently check all the “sore points” of the Bosch washing machine.

The hatch does not close. More precisely, the door does not lock in the closed position. This happens if the plastic guide responsible for fixing the lock breaks. To correct the situation, you will have to disassemble the locking mechanism, remove the tongue and check the condition of the “plastic”. If it is damaged, then we replace it with a new one, and in the future we close the machine more carefully.

Error F61 is caused by careless handling of the hatch door: hanging heavy clothes on it, slamming it forcefully, mechanical shocks, or using it as a children's “swing”.

Door sagging. It is also impossible to completely close the hatch if the locking tongue in the lock cannot fit into the groove for subsequent locking. This is caused by both dropped hinges and a rod that has fallen out of its seat. To return the rod to its place and tighten the hinges, you will have to partially disassemble the door.
UBL not working. Often the door closes, but the machine does not start washing and displays error F61.This means that only a mechanical closing of the hatch occurred, and something is interfering with the electronic locking. Here the situation is more complicated, so you will have to check the connected wiring and control board.
Broken handle. Due to prolonged use or careless handling, the handle fails. It is useless to try to repair it, fix it with electrical tape or glue - only a full replacement.

In any case, you will have to disassemble the door and look for the damaged part. To do this, unscrew the hinges with a screwdriver, lower the hatch to the floor and unscrew all the fasteners on the body. Then we pry up the plastic shell, remove the top “cover” and take out the glass. Further actions depend on the cause of the problem. So, to replace the handle, you need to pull out the metal rod and replace it with a new latch.

Removing the pop-up code

When repairing Bosch machines, you must not only fix the fault, but also reset error F61. If you do not restart the machine according to certain rules, the system will remember what happened and will not respond to further user commands. Therefore, we act like this:

On Bosch washing machines, after repairs have been carried out, it is necessary to reset the error.

turn on the machine and wait until the self-diagnosis system displays an error on the display;
turn the gear selector to “Off”;
select the “Spin” program;
hold down the “Drum revolutions” key and do not release;
not forgetting about the pressed button, switch to “Drain”;
we time three seconds, after which we turn on the “Super fast 15” mode;
wait 2 seconds and turn the selector counterclockwise to the “Off” position.

After all the steps, wait a couple of minutes and turn on any washing program.If the system starts a cycle without F61 on the display, then the failure has been successfully corrected and the error is reset. Otherwise, you will have to repeat the procedure again.