If you see the E16 alphanumeric combination of the screen of your Bosch appliance, this means that it can’t stop the water supply process and the water keeps getting into the tank. In simple words, the pouring of the water into the machine is out of control and the risk of leakage appears.
What can cause the E16 Error?
Most often, this error happens when garbage with tap water enters the inlet valve and prevents it from closing; accordingly, water keeps seeping through it, even when the appliance is turned off. So the cause number one is the malfunction of the inlet valve. The communication between the valve and the main unit can also be a reason for the E16 Error. Some of the wires can be burnt-out, oxidized, or simply disconnected.
Another explanation can be in the failure of the water-level detector, which can send wrong signals to the “brain” of your device.
The excessive foaming can also cause the E16 Error, in this case, you just need to change your detergent or put a smaller amount of it during the next cycle.
How to fix the E16 Error?
To begin with, reboot your appliance. Turn it off and unplug from the socket for 10-15 minutes. If the code is still indicated on the control panel after you switch the device back on, you will have to proceed with the following steps:
- Scan the water supply system of your house/apartment.
- Make sure that there is not too much foam inside the tank (if the error occurred in the middle of the washing cycle). The extra foam can be caused by the use of the wrong detergent or the excess of its amount.
- Inspect the filling-valve and clean it. The clog of the valve is the most common reason for the E16 Error, and it is pretty easy to fix.
- Check the water-level sensor. If the system indicates the code, but there is no water in the tray, then the problem is in the sensor.
Thoroughly inspect the connection wires between the valve and the main module. Use the multimeter to detect the damaged area and clean, fix or replace the damaged wires. If everything is ok with the connections, proceed with the examination of the intake valve itself. The indication of the multimeter has to be 500-1500 Ohms, and if it’s not close, the coil of your valve is faulty.
As for the clogs and visible signs of damage, of course, you can clean the valve, but if you see that it doesn’t look very good, it is better to replace it with the new one, as cleaning will only help it last one or two cycles more and then the error will occur again.
Another thing to check is the pressostat of your device. This element is responsible for controlling the appropriate level of the water in the machine and if it is out of order, the level can be higher than needed. You can find the pressure switch by removing the back panel of your device and disconnecting the hose. Check the element with the multimeter and replace it with the new one if needed.