Troubleshooting error code E20 on a Bosch front load washer

Steven E / Wednesday March 12, 2025

Is your Bosch front load washer displaying error code E20? Don’t worry, this is a problem that you can fix yourself without the need for a costly service call and we’re here to help you do it!

If you find out that you need any replacement parts for your appliance while you’re troubleshooting, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.

Important: The error code information provided in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. The disassembly information is based on models starting with WFMC and WFXD. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.

Contents hide

I Troubleshooting error code E20 on a Bosch front load washer

I.I What the error code means

I.II Safety precautions

I.III Troubleshooting steps

I.III.I Check for an uneven load

I.III.II Inspect the drum rotation

I.III.III Test the drum drive motor

I.III.IV Check the motor control

I.III.V Verify motor operation

I.III.VI Replace the outer tub

I.IV Additional information

I.IV.I Share this entry

What the error code means

The E20 error code on a Bosch front load washer signifies that the spin cycle has been terminated due to an unbalanced load in the drum. This error code is triggered when the washer detects an uneven distribution of the laundry load, which can cause the drum to become unstable and unable to spin correctly.

The E20 error code is there to protect your washer. It comes up when it detects an unbalanced load during the spin cycle, stopping it to avoid damaging important parts like the motor and bearings. This helps keep your machine from needing more repairs than necessary.

Safety precautions

When working on any appliance, remember to keep safety first. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before attempting any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of injury from electric shock.
Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts, pinching hazards and debris.
Take your time and don’t rush while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries.
Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access the interior parts.
Clear your workspace of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
Never work on internal parts with bare wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
Check your user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions for your part or appliance.
Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause injury.
Wear safety glasses when working with chemicals, dust or cleaning large debris to prevent injury.
If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time for any heating parts to cool down before working on it.
Take pictures or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting to prevent any problems with reassembly.
When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.
Turn off the water supply at the outlet before beginning repairs to any appliance parts that hold water. Have towels ready for any residual water in the system when removing parts.

Troubleshooting steps

Check for an uneven load

Redistribute the laundry items evenly throughout the drum, making sure there are no large concentrations of heavy items on one side.
Look for any large, heavy items that may be causing the load to be unbalanced, such as thick towels, bedding, or bulky clothing.
Make sure that the laundry is not packed too tightly in the drum.
Check that the load is not excessively unbalanced due to a single, very heavy item, such as a wet comforter or a large, saturated bath mat.
If the problem persists, try reducing the overall load size and running the wash cycle again with a more evenly distributed, lighter load.

Inspect the drum rotation

Open the washer door and try to manually rotate the drum by hand.
If the drum is difficult to rotate or it wobbles and doesn’t move smoothly, it likely indicates a failed drum rear bearing. The rear bearing supports the back of the drum and allows it to rotate freely. A failed bearing will cause the drum to become unstable and unable to spin properly.

Test the drum drive motor

With the washer powered off, use a multimeter to measure the resistance of the drum drive motor.
Test any two of the three connectors 6, 7 and 8.
They should read 1.8 to 2.1 ohms

Check the motor control

LIVE VOLTAGE WARNING: For this test, the appliance needs to be plugged in and powered on. Please be very careful to protect yourself from electric shock, which has the potential to cause serious injuries. Don’t ever test live voltage if you’re uncomfortable using a multimeter.

With the washer powered on, use a multimeter to measure the voltage at the motor connectors.
It should read about 120v ac.
If the voltage is low or there is no voltage at all, it suggests the motor control module has failed.

Verify motor operation

With the washer powered on, measure the voltage at the motor connectors while the motor is energized and the drum is attempting to spin.
If the voltage is around 120V, but the motor is still not spinning properly, the issue is likely with the motor control module.
Even though the motor is receiving the expected voltage, the motor control may not be providing the correct control signals to make the motor spin as it should.

Replace the outer tub

If the drum wobbles or won’t rotate at all, the issue is likely due to a failed drum rear bearing.
In this case, the entire outer tub assembly, which contains the drum and the rear bearing, will need to be replaced.
The outer tub is a larger, more complex component that cannot be repaired on its own; the entire assembly must be replaced as a unit.

Additional information

Thank you for reading! We hope this guide helped you get your Bosch washer working again.

If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, don’t hesitate to explore our other troubleshooting guides and videos.

If you need replacement parts or some extra help with ordering them, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com, where you can chat with a pro, read our DIY blog and more.
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Steven E

With nearly a decade of experience in providing top-notch customer service regarding appliance parts and repair, Steven enjoys sharing practical advice, troubleshooting tips, and interesting information to help readers stay informed.