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Error code reference

Bosch Washer Error Code dr:17

Motor high temperature warning

Bosch codesBosch washer codes

Motor high temperature warning — 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 dr:17 means on a Bosch washer

The dr:17 error code on a Bosch washer is a motor high temperature warning. It indicates that the drive motor has exceeded its safe operating temperature threshold, triggering an internal thermal protection response. The control board monitors motor temperature continuously, and when the motor runs too hot for too long, it logs this fault to prevent permanent damage to the motor windings and associated drive components.

The two primary conditions that produce this error are motor overloading and mechanical binding. An overloaded motor occurs when the drum is carrying too much laundry or an unbalanced load forces the motor to work harder than its rated capacity, generating excess heat. Mechanical binding refers to any physical restriction in the drum rotation, such as a worn bearing, a seized drum support, or a foreign object caught between the drum and the tub wall. Either condition causes the motor to draw higher current, which converts to heat and raises the motor temperature above acceptable limits.

Diagnosis begins with running test P4, the designated motor diagnostic routine for this platform. This test exercises the motor under controlled conditions and allows a technician to observe whether the motor struggles to spin freely, draws excessive current, or stalls under minimal load. Before running P4, it is also worth inspecting the drum manually for binding by turning it by hand through a full rotation to detect any roughness, dragging, or tight spots that point to a bearing or obstruction issue.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of dr:17

  1. 01

    Overloaded drum

    Wiring / connection

    Loading the washer beyond its rated capacity forces the motor to draw more current and generate more heat. Removing some laundry and rerunning the cycle often clears the fault if overloading is the cause.

  2. 02

    Worn or failed drum bearing

    Part replacement

    A worn drum bearing creates mechanical resistance that the motor must overcome on every rotation, increasing load and heat. Roughness or a grinding sensation when spinning the drum by hand points to this cause.

  3. 03

    Foreign object causing binding

    Wiring / connection

    Coins, buttons, or other objects lodged between the drum and the outer tub can create intermittent drag or a hard stop that overloads the motor. A visual inspection of the drum gap and a manual spin check can help identify this.

  4. 04

    Unbalanced or tangled load

    Wiring / connection

    A heavily tangled or clumped load can shift to one side of the drum and create repeated imbalance, forcing the motor to compensate continuously and build up heat over the cycle.

  5. 05

    Failing drive motor

    Part replacement

    If the motor's internal windings or thermal protection components are degrading, the motor may overheat even under normal load conditions. Test P4 will help determine whether the motor itself is the fault rather than an external mechanical cause.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about dr:17

What does dr:17 mean on a Bosch washer?
The dr:17 code is a motor high temperature warning. It means the drive motor has reached a temperature above its safe operating limit, which the control board detected and flagged to prevent motor damage. The most common causes are an overloaded drum or a mechanical binding condition preventing the drum from spinning freely.
How do I fix the dr:17 error on my Bosch washer?
Start by letting the washer cool down for 30 to 60 minutes, then check that the drum is not overloaded and spin it by hand to feel for any roughness or binding. If the drum spins freely and the load size is appropriate, a technician should run the P4 motor diagnostic test to identify whether the motor, bearings, or another mechanical component is at fault. Replacing worn bearings or clearing a foreign object obstruction are the most common repairs.
Is it safe to keep using my washer when the dr:17 code is showing?
You should not continue running the washer while dr:17 is active. The code indicates the motor is overheating, and continued operation under those conditions can permanently damage the motor windings. Allow the unit to cool and resolve the underlying cause before resuming normal use.
Will resetting the washer clear the dr:17 error code?
A power reset may temporarily clear the fault display, but the code will return if the root cause has not been addressed. If the motor is still binding, the load is too heavy, or a bearing is worn, the motor will overheat again and re-trigger the dr:17 warning. Resetting without diagnosis is not a permanent fix.
How much does it cost to repair a Bosch washer with the dr:17 error?
Repair costs vary depending on the cause. Clearing a foreign object obstruction involves little or no parts cost, though a service call will carry a labor fee typically in the range of $75 to $150. Replacing a drum bearing is more involved and parts plus labor costs generally range from $150 to $350. A full motor replacement is the most expensive scenario, with total costs often falling between $200 and $450 depending on the specific model and technician rates in your area.

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