Er:20
What code Er:20 means on a Bosch washing machines, what causes it, and which part to check first.
● SEVERITY: MEDIUM
Bosch Er:20 means: Spin cycle terminated. The documented cause is: Either the spin cycle ended because of a severely unbalanced load or communication was lost between the motor control module and the main control module.
What Er:20 means
Spin cycle terminated
The display shows Er:20 and the machine stops until the fault is cleared.
What the technical documentation says
Causes documented in the technical source published by applianceaid.com
| DOCUMENTED CAUSE OR CHECK |
|---|
| Either the spin cycle ended because of a severely unbalanced load or communication was lost between the motor control module and the main control module |
| If the load was unbalanced, manually balance the load and remove some items to reduce the size of the load |
| If the washer still won't spin, unplug the washer and reconnect any loose wires on the control module and the motor control module |
| Replace the wire harness if damaged |
| If the wire harness connections are okay, replace the motor control module |
| If the problem persists, replace the control module |
Replacement parts
Tools you'll need
Before you open anything
Unplug the machine and close the water tap before removing any panel. Water and mains electricity sit centimetres apart inside a washing machine. If the drum still holds water, drain it from the filter first — it can be scalding.
What to check, in order
From the quickest check to the one that needs a technician.
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Frequently asked questions
What does Er:20 mean on a Bosch?
Spin cycle terminated The documented cause is: Either the spin cycle ended because of a severely unbalanced load or communication was lost between the motor control module and the main control module. If the load was unbalanced, manually balance the load and remove some items to reduce the size of the load. If the washer still won't spin, unplug the washer and reconnect any loose wires on the control module and the motor control module. Replace the wire harness if damaged. If the wire harness connections are okay, replace the motor control module. If the problem persists, replace the control module
Can I fix Er:20 myself?
It depends on the part involved: Either the spin cycle ended because of a severely unbalanced load or communication was lost between the motor control module and the main control module. If the load was unbalanced, manually balance the load and remove some items to reduce the size of the load. If the washer still won't spin, unplug the washer and reconnect any loose wires on the control module and the motor control module. Replace the wire harness if damaged. If the wire harness connections are okay, replace the motor control module. If the problem persists, replace the control module Clearing a filter or straightening a hose is within reach of anyone; anything behind a panel means mains electricity and water together — that is a job for a technician.
Does Bosch use other codes on this appliance?
Yes: we document 20 other codes for Bosch on this washing machines. They are listed at the bottom of this page, each with its own meaning.
Does the same code mean the same thing on other brands?
Often not. The same two characters can point to completely different faults depending on the manufacturer — always check the page for your own brand.