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Error code reference

Bosch Washer Error Code d:13

Motor control high temperature switch off

Bosch codesBosch washer codes

Motor control high temperature switch off — motor overloaded or binding.

First step from the service manual

Run test P4; check for motor overload or binding condition.

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

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What d:13 means on a Bosch washer

Error code d:13 on a Bosch washer indicates a high-temperature shutdown triggered by the motor control board. When the motor or its control circuitry exceeds a safe operating temperature threshold, the control system automatically cuts power to the motor to prevent permanent damage. This is a protective function built into the drive system, not a sensor failure. The condition must be resolved before the washer will resume normal operation.

The two primary causes defined for this code are motor overload and motor binding. An overloaded motor draws excessive current, which generates heat in both the windings and the control board's power components. A binding condition, where the motor shaft or drum assembly resists rotation, forces the motor to work harder than designed, producing the same thermal result. Either condition can push the motor control board beyond its thermal limits and trigger d:13.

Diagnosing this code begins with test program P4, which exercises the motor and allows you to observe its behavior under controlled conditions. During P4, listen for unusual mechanical resistance, check whether the drum rotates freely by hand with the machine unpowered, and inspect the drum bearings, drive belt, pump, and any foreign objects that may be lodged between the drum and tub. If the motor itself is the source of the overload rather than a mechanical restriction, resistance testing of the motor windings and inspection of the motor control board for burned components will be necessary.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of d:13

  1. 01

    Foreign object jamming the drum

    Wiring / connection

    Items such as coins, bra underwires, or small garments can become lodged between the drum and the tub, creating mechanical resistance that overloads the motor. Rotate the drum by hand with the machine unpowered to check for stiffness or hard stops.

  2. 02

    Worn or seized drum bearings

    Part replacement

    Degraded rear drum bearings increase rotational resistance significantly, causing the motor to draw excess current and overheat. A rumbling noise during spin cycles before the error appeared is a common indicator.

  3. 03

    Drive belt tension or wear

    Part replacement

    A worn, stretched, or misaligned drive belt can slip or bind depending on its condition, placing irregular mechanical loads on the motor. Inspect the belt for fraying, cracking, or improper seating on the pulleys.

  4. 04

    Drain pump obstruction

    Wiring / connection

    A clogged or seized drain pump can create enough resistance in the motor circuit to cause thermal overload, particularly in models where the pump shares the motor load path. Check and clean the pump filter and inspect the pump impeller for blockage.

  5. 05

    Failing motor or motor control board

    Part replacement

    If no mechanical binding is found, the motor windings may have degraded insulation causing excessive current draw, or the motor control board may have damaged power components that generate excessive heat internally. Testing motor winding resistance and inspecting the board for burned or discolored components is required.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about d:13

What does d:13 mean on a Bosch washer?
Error code d:13 means the motor control system detected a high-temperature condition and shut the motor down to prevent damage. It is triggered when the motor or its control circuitry overheats due to either an overloaded motor or a mechanical binding condition in the drum or drive system. The washer will not continue operating until the root cause is identified and resolved.
Can I fix d:13 on my Bosch washer myself?
Some causes of d:13 are DIY-accessible, particularly foreign object removal, pump filter cleaning, and drive belt inspection. Start by checking that the drum rotates freely by hand with the machine unpowered. If the drum spins smoothly and no obstructions are found, the fault likely involves bearings, the motor, or the control board, which typically require a qualified technician to diagnose and repair safely.
Is it safe to keep using my washer when d:13 appears?
No, you should not continue running the washer when d:13 is active. The code indicates the motor has already reached a thermal shutdown threshold, and forcing operation without resolving the underlying cause risks permanent motor damage or motor control board failure. Allow the machine to cool completely before attempting any diagnostics.
Will resetting the washer clear the d:13 error?
Resetting the washer may temporarily clear the code, but the error will return if the underlying mechanical or electrical problem is not corrected. A reset does not fix a binding drum, a worn bearing, a clogged pump, or a failing motor. Diagnose and resolve the cause first, and then confirm the fix by running test program P4.
How much does it cost to repair a Bosch washer showing d:13?
Repair costs vary widely depending on the cause. Clearing a foreign object or cleaning the pump filter involves little to no parts cost, with only labor if a technician is called. Drive belt replacement typically falls in the range of $100 to $200 including labor. Drum bearing replacement is more involved and can range from $200 to $400 or more. Motor or motor control board replacement represents the higher end of repair costs and may approach or exceed $300 to $500 depending on parts pricing and labor rates in your area.

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