Tumble Dryer
F16
The F16 error code on a Bosch tumble dryer indicates a door latch or door lock fault — the machine has detected that the door is not properly closed or secured, and has stopped the cycle as a safety measure. It’s a common fault and often straightforward to resolve without calling an engineer.
What does this error mean?
F16 tells you the dryer’s control board is not receiving a confirmed signal from the door lock mechanism, meaning it either cannot detect the door is shut or cannot engage the lock. Bosch tumble dryers will refuse to start or will stop mid-cycle when this signal is absent, because running with an unsecured door is a safety risk. The fault can sit with the door itself, the latch, the interlock switch, or the wiring connecting them.
Est. repair cost
£10–£35 DIY (latch or interlock switch part); £80–£140 for a professional repair including parts and call-out
🔍 Likely causes
🛠️ Step-by-step fix
Power off and reset: Switch the dryer off at the wall, wait 60 seconds, then power back on and try a new cycle. A temporary software glitch can trigger F16 and a hard reset clears it.
Inspect the door latch: Open the door and examine the plastic latch hook on the door and the corresponding strike plate on the cabinet. Look for cracks, chips, or deformation. Wiggle the latch — it should spring back firmly. A broken latch is a £10–£20 DIY spare part available from Bosch or reputable UK parts suppliers (e.g. eSpares, 4ourhouse).
Check for door obstructions: Run your hand around the door seal and drum rim to feel for any clothing, debris, or a damaged seal that might be preventing a flush close. Remove any obstruction and press the door firmly shut.
Examine the door hinge alignment: Look at the door from the side when closed — it should sit level and flush with the cabinet. If it droops or sits at an angle, the hinge screws may need tightening (use a Torx T20 screwdriver). Hinge kits are £15–£30 if replacement is needed.
Replace the door interlock switch (confident DIYers only): Disconnect the power at the wall — not just standby. Remove the door inner panel using a Torx screwdriver, unplug the wiring connector to the interlock, and swap in a replacement switch (£15–£35 for a Bosch-compatible part). Reconnect, reassemble, and test. If you are not comfortable working inside the appliance door panel, stop here and call a technician.
If F16 persists after all above steps: Do not attempt to access the main control board yourself. This is the point to call a qualified appliance engineer.
📞 When to call a professional
If replacing the door latch and interlock switch does not clear F16, the fault likely lies with the wiring loom or the main control board — both require a qualified appliance engineer to diagnose safely. When you call, tell them: ‘My Bosch tumble dryer is showing error code F16, I’ve checked the door latch and interlock switch, and the fault persists.’ This saves diagnostic time and money.
⚖️ Repair or replace?
A professional repair for an F16 fault — typically a door lock assembly replacement — costs around £80–£140 including parts and labour in the UK. If your Bosch dryer is under 5 years old, repair is almost always the right call. For machines over 8–10 years old, weigh the repair cost against a new condenser or heat pump dryer (£300–£600); if the repair quote exceeds 50% of a replacement’s cost, replacing is the smarter financial decision.