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Error code reference

Bosch Washer Error Code Er:13

Drain pump time exceeded

Bosch codesBosch washer codes

Drain pump time exceeded — faulty drain pump, wire harness, or hose.

First step from the service manual

Run test P15; check drain pump, wire harness, and drain hose.

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

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What Er:13 means on a Bosch washer

Er:13 on a Bosch washer indicates that the drain pump exceeded its allowed operating time without successfully draining the drum. The control board monitors how long the drain pump runs during each cycle phase. If the pump runs beyond the threshold without the water level dropping to the expected point, the board registers this fault and halts the cycle. The involved components are the drain pump motor, the wiring harness connecting the pump to the control board, and the drain hose routing.

The most common trigger is a blocked or kinked drain hose that restricts water flow, forcing the pump to work longer than permitted. A faulty drain pump with a worn or seized impeller can also fail to move water efficiently, even when the motor receives proper voltage. Wiring harness issues, including corroded terminals or broken conductors between the control board and the pump, can cause intermittent or insufficient pump operation that mimics a drainage failure.

Diagnosis begins with test P15, which exercises the drain pump directly and allows a technician to observe whether the pump activates, runs at proper speed, and clears water within the expected timeframe. During this test, the drain hose should be inspected for kinks, obstructions, or incorrect standpipe height. If the pump runs but drains slowly, the impeller or pump body may be clogged with debris such as coins, lint, or small garments. If the pump does not activate at all during P15, resistance and continuity checks on the wiring harness are the next step.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of Er:13

  1. 01

    Blocked or kinked drain hose

    Wiring / connection

    A clogged or improperly routed drain hose restricts water flow, causing the pump to run past its time limit. Inspect the full length of the hose for kinks, blockages, or a standpipe that is seated too deep.

  2. 02

    Debris-clogged drain pump

    Wiring / connection

    Coins, lint, small clothing items, or foreign objects can lodge in the pump impeller and prevent it from moving water efficiently. Access the pump filter and impeller area to clear any obstructions before testing pump operation.

  3. 03

    Faulty drain pump motor

    Part replacement

    A worn or seized pump motor may run but fail to generate enough pressure to drain within the allowed time. If the pump hums without moving water, or does not spin freely when checked manually, the pump assembly likely needs replacement.

  4. 04

    Damaged or corroded wire harness

    Part replacement

    Corroded terminals, broken conductors, or loose connectors in the harness between the control board and the drain pump can result in reduced voltage delivery or intermittent pump operation. Inspect connectors for corrosion and verify continuity through the harness.

  5. 05

    Faulty pressure sensor or water level sensor

    Part replacement

    If the water level sensor incorrectly reports that the drum is still full after drainage completes, the pump will keep running and trigger Er:13. Check sensor hose connections and sensor function if the pump appears to operate normally during test P15.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about Er:13

What does Er:13 mean on a Bosch washer?
Er:13 means the drain pump ran longer than the allowed time limit without successfully draining the water from the drum. The washer stops the cycle and displays this code to prevent the pump from running indefinitely. Common causes include a blocked drain hose, a clogged pump impeller, a failing pump motor, or a wiring harness fault. Diagnostic test P15 is used to evaluate the pump directly.
Can I fix Er:13 on my Bosch washer myself?
In many cases, yes. Start by checking the drain hose for kinks or blockages and cleaning out the pump filter, which is accessible on most Bosch front-load washers without special tools. If the hose and filter are clear but the error returns, further diagnosis with test P15 and harness continuity checks is needed, which may require a technician. Replacing the pump or harness is a moderately advanced repair but is achievable for experienced DIYers.
Is it safe to use my Bosch washer when Er:13 is displayed?
You should not continue running cycles while Er:13 is active. The washer has halted because it cannot drain properly, and running additional cycles risks leaving standing water in the drum, potential motor overheating, and water damage if a hose or pump seal is also compromised. Resolve the drainage issue before resuming normal use.
Will resetting the washer clear the Er:13 code?
A reset may temporarily clear the display, but the code will return if the underlying drain problem is not fixed. To reset, power the machine off, wait a minute, and restart. If the root cause, such as a blocked hose or faulty pump, is still present, Er:13 will reappear as soon as the washer attempts to drain again.
How much does it cost to repair a Bosch washer with Er:13?
Repair costs depend on the cause. Clearing a blocked hose or pump filter costs nothing beyond your time. A replacement drain pump typically runs between $40 and $120 for the part alone, with professional labor adding $80 to $200 depending on your area. Wiring harness repairs fall in a similar labor range, with parts costs varying by harness configuration.

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