mypros+
Error code reference

Bosch Dryer Error Code 5

Time error

Bosch codesBosch dryer codes

Time error – the 'End' LED flashes (displayed only in test program), indicating washing not drying properly, drying time too long, or dry in 180/240 minutes.

First step from the service manual

Check if washing is too wet (initial moisture too high); advise customer. Check if load exceeds 5 kg dry weight. Clean fluff filter.

The complete diagnostic procedure includes additional test steps, resistance specifications, wiring diagram references, and component test points.

MyPros+ Max

Get the full diagnostic procedure for 5.

  • Step-by-step tests with expected resistance, voltage, and continuity values
  • Wiring diagram references and connector pinouts from the OEM service manual
  • Verified part numbers when replacement is required
Get the full procedure

$29/month · Cancel anytime · Or $9.95 3-day pass

What 5 means on a Bosch dryer

Error code 5 on a Bosch dryer is a time error that indicates the appliance failed to complete the drying cycle within the maximum allotted time, either 180 or 240 minutes depending on the selected program. This code is only visible during the test program, where the 'End' LED flashes to signal that the load did not reach the target dryness level within the permitted window. The root cause is almost always related to drying efficiency, meaning the dryer is running but not removing moisture fast enough to finish within the time limit.

The most common contributing factors are excessive initial moisture in the load, overloading the drum, or restricted airflow caused by a clogged fluff filter. When laundry enters the dryer too wet, such as after a low-speed spin cycle, the dryer must work significantly harder and longer to evaporate the excess water. Similarly, loads exceeding the 5 kg dry weight limit reduce airflow through the drum and extend drying time beyond what the control system considers acceptable.

Airflow restriction is a critical factor in this error. A blocked fluff filter dramatically reduces the volume of air circulating through the drum, causing heat to build up inefficiently and moisture to linger in the load. Technicians should check the fluff filter as a primary step, then assess load weight and initial moisture content before investigating any component-level faults. If all these factors are within spec and the error persists, the drying sensor or heating element may warrant further inspection.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of 5

  1. 01

    Laundry too wet at cycle start

    Wiring / connection

    If the washing machine used a low spin speed or the spin cycle was incomplete, the load enters the dryer with excess moisture. This dramatically extends drying time and can push the cycle past the 180 or 240 minute limit.

  2. 02

    Blocked or dirty fluff filter

    Wiring / connection

    A clogged fluff filter restricts airflow through the drum, reducing the dryer's ability to remove moisture efficiently. The filter should be cleaned before every cycle and inspected for damage.

  3. 03

    Load exceeds 5 kg dry weight

    Wiring / connection

    Overloading the drum reduces air circulation around individual garments and extends drying time well beyond normal parameters. Weigh the dry load before loading to confirm it is within the rated capacity.

  4. 04

    Incorrect program selection for load type

    Wiring / connection

    Using a program with a shorter maximum time for a heavy or densely packed load can trigger this error even if the load size and moisture level are otherwise acceptable. Selecting the appropriate program for the fabric type and load weight is essential.

  5. 05

    Faulty moisture or dryness sensor

    Part replacement

    If the drum's moisture sensing strips are coated with fabric softener residue or are physically damaged, the dryer may misread the load's dryness level and run inefficiently. Cleaning the sensor strips with a damp cloth may resolve residue-related issues, but a defective sensor will require replacement.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about 5

What does 5 mean on a Bosch dryer?
Error code 5 on a Bosch dryer is a time error indicating the drying cycle exceeded the maximum permitted time, either 180 or 240 minutes, without the load reaching the target dryness level. The 'End' LED flashes to signal this condition, and it is only displayed during the test program. The fault is typically related to excessive load moisture, overloading, or a blocked fluff filter rather than a component failure.
How do I fix error code 5 on my Bosch dryer?
Start by cleaning the fluff filter thoroughly, then check that the load does not exceed 5 kg dry weight. Make sure the washing machine completed a proper high-speed spin cycle before transferring laundry to the dryer. If these steps do not resolve the issue, inspect the drum's moisture sensor strips for fabric softener buildup and wipe them clean with a damp cloth.
Is error code 5 on a Bosch dryer dangerous?
No, error code 5 is not a safety fault. It simply indicates that the dryer could not complete the cycle within the maximum allowed time. The machine will stop running rather than continue indefinitely, which is a normal protective behavior. There is no risk of fire or component damage from this error alone.
Will resetting my Bosch dryer clear error code 5?
Resetting the dryer may clear the displayed error, but it will not resolve the underlying cause. If the load is too wet, too heavy, or the fluff filter is blocked, the error will return on the next cycle. Address the root cause first, then run a test cycle to confirm the dryer completes within the normal time window.
How much does it cost to repair a Bosch dryer showing error code 5?
If the cause is a dirty filter, overloaded drum, or excessively wet laundry, there is no repair cost involved. If a faulty moisture sensor is identified as the cause, replacement parts and labor could range from around 80 to 200 dollars depending on the specific model and local labor rates. A technician visit for diagnosis typically costs between 60 and 120 dollars before any parts are factored in.

Related Bosch dryer codes

All Bosch dryer codes
View all 94 Bosch dryer codes

78,000+ service manuals · 160,000+ error codes · 55+ brands

Get Started

$29/month · Cancel anytime · Or $9.95 3-day pass