Tumble Dryer
F06
The F06 error code on a Bosch tumble dryer signals a fault with the door lock mechanism — the appliance cannot confirm the door is properly closed and locked, so it refuses to run as a safety precaution. In many cases this is a straightforward fix, but a failed door lock switch will need replacing.
What does this error mean?
F06 tells you that the dryer’s control board is not receiving a signal from the door lock interlock, meaning it cannot verify the door is shut and secure. This is a deliberate safety cut-out to prevent the drum spinning with an open or unsecured door. The fault may be triggered by a faulty door latch, a worn or broken door lock switch, or a wiring issue between the lock and the control board.
Est. repair cost
£15–£40 DIY (latch or lock part); £80–£150 professional repair (lock assembly or PCB fault)
🔍 Likely causes
🛠️ Step-by-step fix
Reset the dryer: switch it off at the wall, wait 60 seconds, then power it back on and try a fresh cycle — an intermittent wiring glitch can cause a one-off F06 that clears itself.
Inspect the door latch and catch: open and close the door slowly, listening and feeling for a firm click. If the latch feels loose, wobbly, or visibly cracked, it needs replacing — latch kits cost £8–£20 and clip in without tools on most Bosch models.
Check for obstructions around the door: clean any fluff, debris, or detergent residue from the door rim and the rubber seal so the door closes flush.
Check the door hinge for sagging: with the door open, look down the gap — if the door droops noticeably, the hinge may need tightening or replacing to realign the latch.
Inspect the door interlock visually: with the dryer unplugged, remove the two screws on the inner door panel to access the lock assembly. Check the wiring connector is firmly seated. If the plastic body of the lock is cracked or the switch feels loose, replace the lock assembly (£15–£35 for the part).
If the latch, lock, hinge, and wiring all look intact and the error persists, stop DIY at this point — the likely cause is a PCB fault requiring a professional diagnosis.
📞 When to call a professional
Call an appliance engineer if you have replaced the door latch and lock assembly and the F06 code persists, as the fault likely lies in the main control board or a deeper wiring harness issue. Tell the engineer you have an F06 door lock error on your Bosch tumble dryer and that you have already checked and/or replaced the door lock assembly — this saves diagnostic time. A Which?-trusted or Bosch-approved engineer is recommended.
⚖️ Repair or replace?
A professional repair for an F06 fault typically costs £80–£150 depending on whether it is a lock assembly or PCB replacement; a door latch or lock is a cheap DIY fix at £15–£40. If your Bosch dryer is under 5 years old, repair is almost always worthwhile. If it is 8 years or older and the PCB has failed, replacement with a new heat pump dryer (from around £400) may be more cost-effective given improved energy efficiency savings over time.