Error F38 in the Bosch washing machine – how to fix

In this article, we will talk about what the F38 code means and what to do if you find it on the display. As a rule, this means that a short circuit has occurred in the system.

The Bosch washing machine is designed in such a way as to notify users of any problem that has arisen in each of the systems. To do this, modern SMA provides a self-diagnosis system. It informs the user of a problem by displaying fault codes.

Decoding, causes and symptoms of error F38

The Bosch washing machine generates an F38 error when a short circuit occurs in the NTC sensor. In simple terms, we are talking about the temperature sensor of the Bosch washing machine.

A sign of the appearance of such an error is not only the code, but also the fact that the washing machine does not execute the washing program or freezes.

Attention! Short circuit is a dangerous process. It is better not to operate the machine if you find a failure. Disconnect the CM from the mains and find a solution to the problem in order to avoid fire and more serious damage.

There can be several reasons for the breakdown:

1. The first and most probable is the failure of the thermal sensor (thermistor, NTC sensor).
2. Power surges in the network. This can be the root cause of the breakdown and cause the temperature sensor to malfunction.
3. Damage to the control board of the Bosch washing machine.

Self-repair: what to do

If F38 is on the display, before starting an independent repair, try to remove the error by rebooting the machine:

• Disconnect the Bosch washing machine from the mains by unplugging the plug from the outlet.
• Leave it on for 10-20 minutes.
• Turn on the washer.

If the error reset was successful, there may not have been any breakdown, just the control unit failed. But if error codes, in particular F38, reappear, then a thorough repair is required.

In the best case, you will have to carry out an easy repair by replacing the temperature sensor. At worst, you will need to replace the electronic module. Let’s start with a simple one – replacing the temperature sensor.

Thermal sensor – check and replacement

Bosch washing machine shows error F38 on the display. How to fix the situation?

Start by checking the temperature sensor – for this you will have to slightly disassemble the case and carry out some operations.

Understand the machine according to this scheme (for example, Bosch Maxx 5 models):

1. Unlock SMA from sets.
2. Armed with a suitable screwdriver, unscrew the 2 screws that are on the back of the machine to remove the top cover. Slide the cover back and remove it.
3. Remove the powder intake. The cuvette can be easily removed by pressing the button located at the back, in the center.
4. Next, you need to remove the front panel. Where the cuvette was, you will find holes into which the fasteners are screwed – they need to be unscrewed. You will find another screw on the other side of the front panel. Remove the panel by pulling it towards you.
5. At the bottom, remove the technical hatch door, remove the drain filter and drain the water. There you will also find several fasteners that need to be unscrewed. There are also bolts at the bottom of the front wall that need to be twisted.
6. To remove the front panel, remove the sunroof cuff. It is held with a special thin wire clamp. It is better to remove the clamp with a thin slotted (minus) screwdriver. Bring a screwdriver under the clamp and drive in a circle – it can be easily removed. Push the rubber cuff inside the drum. Now you can remove the panel.
7. Below the drum you will see a heating element. Or rather, not the whole thing, but its shank – you need it, it has a built-in temperature sensor.
8. Remove the wires going to the sensor by pressing the special tab, as in the photo.
9. Try to get the sensor without removing the heating element. Pry it with a screwdriver and it should give way.

If it was not possible to get the sensor on the built-in heater, remove the heater

Now you need to check the sensor

1. Take the tester and set it to resistance measurement mode.
2. Attach the probes to the sensor contacts.
3. Measure resistance.
4. Heat the sensor in freshly boiled water (95 degrees).
5. Measure resistance.
6. While you were taking measurements, the water cooled down a bit. Now dip the sensor into warm water.
7. Measure the resistance.
8. If the readings are significantly different, then the sensor is working. If the multimeter is 0-1, then the sensor needs to be replaced.

Then you just have to buy a new sensor, install it in the heating element, fix the heater in its place, connect the wires and assemble the machine to its original state.

Now you know what error F 38 means, how to fix it and what to do when such a value is displayed on the display.

Sometimes, in order to reset errors, you need to repair or replace the electronic module, but in this case, it is better to contact specialists.