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Bosch Front Loading Washer Nexxt 500 Series (WFMC3301UC)

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Posted: Fri Nov 30th, 2007 10:18 pm

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BigChiefNocaHoma
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My friend's Bosch front loading washing machine suddenly stops halfway through the wash cycle, starts humming and then buzzing, won't drain completely (won't spin either), and gives her the "E04" error message (the washer's manual, which is painfully short on information in my opinion, says that "E04" means the "suds or pump is blocked"). Also, she can't get the door opened because it has obviously locked itself because the drum isn't completely drained. I took the drain pipe off the back of the washer to make sure it wasn't clogged, but I can't find an exploded view diagram of the washer, and I can't figure out how to get inside the darn thing to check if the pump is clogged (the bolts on the stupid thing are star shaped, and I didn't have the proper tool, so I couldn't open it up) :poison:

. I'm just an ordinary housewife (with butt-kicking fix-it skills), but I've fixed and ordered parts for my ancient Maytag washer and dryer many, many times with no problems (thanks to this forum). Problem is, this newfangled front-loading thing is freaking me out, and I don't know squat about Bosch products. Also, the washer is less than a year old, so it's probably under warranty (and I don't want to somehow void the warranty by opening up the washer). My friend called a repairman, but he can't come out until middle of next week (which qualifies as a four-alarm emergency when a gal with three young kids can't wash clothes for the next five days!!!!) - I'm just trying to help her diagnose the problem before then, so any help would be appreciated!

Thanks so much

Posted: Fri Nov 30th, 2007 11:30 pm

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appl.tech.29501
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you most likely need a T-15 torx screwdrive, you may be able to find a cheap 1 at an auto parts store, shouldn't be more than a dollar or 2. There is probably something stuck in the pump. If you are careful and remember to put everything back the way it was and dont damage anything (and you cant fix it) you shouldn't void the warranty unless the service tech is a real jerk. On the other hand if you do break something and you have to call the tech. then of course your gonna have to pay, your call....good luck

ps... dont forget about the water thats gonna come out when you take the pump hoses off

Last edited on Fri Nov 30th, 2007 11:32 pm by appl.tech.29501

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Posted: Sat Dec 1st, 2007 12:11 am

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BigChiefNocaHoma
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WOW - super fast reply, and from South Carolina, even - my neighboring state... I'll bet one of her kids left something in their pocket and it got stuck in the pump... There is a round access door at the bottom of the front of the washer, but I couldn't get it off (Mama always told me not to force something, so I didn't try too hard). Is that where the pump would be, or do you think I need to take the whole darn front panel off? Also, where might I find a picture of the innards of this washer so I can see where the pump is? Thanks again, neighbor...

Posted: Sat Dec 1st, 2007 12:35 am

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appl.tech.29501
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can't find a breakdown, but the round cover you refered too on the front of the machine should be the access to the pump cleanout port. Just give it a turn I think to the left and it should pop off. You will then see the cap, just turn and get ready for a flood...lol. Dig out the goodies and give it a try.

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Posted: Sat Dec 1st, 2007 12:40 am

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BigChiefNocaHoma
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I thought that's what that cute little ol' round door was for... I'm so pumped (no pun intended) to go to my friend's house tomorrow and see what the hay is blocking her drain (I'll bring along a bucket to catch the water) - I'll let you know what I find!!! But for now, I'll keep on putting lights on my Christmas tree - time for another Bud Light.

Posted: Sat Dec 1st, 2007 12:44 am

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appl.tech.29501
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a bucket wont help, ya need about 3 bath towels

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Posted: Sat Dec 1st, 2007 12:57 am

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BigChiefNocaHoma
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true - a bucket would be too tall for that wee little round door...I'll make sure we've got some nice fluffy towels ready!

Posted: Sun Dec 2nd, 2007 01:58 am

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BigChiefNocaHoma
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Well...does this forum kick total butt, or what??? I went to my friend's house today, finally got the little round door off (stubborn little sucker!), and unleashed the hounds by taking off the cap of the drain pump. I needed towels alright, only I needed about a dozen instead of three because so much water poured out!!!! (Bosch should really give you some kind of specially designed bucket or something to catch all that water, because the drain is so close to the floor, there is no humanly way possible to catch it with anything but a towel, and believe me, plenty went all over the floor. But, we had a great idea, after the fact of course - cut the top out of a plastic gallon milk container at an angle - it would be curved, and I think it might fit right under the drain pump and can catch the water as it comes flooding out!) Once it finally finished draining (seemed like an hour!), I opened the cap completely, and what to my wondering eyes should appear but a miniature sock and eight tiny buckshot... (Well, not eight, but there were two pellets from where her son had left them in his pocket after he went squirrel hunting; there was also a nickel in there.) The main culprit was my friend's daughter's little white sock stuck completely in the drain mechanism. I removed all the stuff, and voila!!! The door unlocked, we started the load again, everything washed, rinsed and drained beautifully, and the rest is history. My friend is beside herself with happiness, and has already done three loads tonight (she says she'll now put all her daughter's socks in a bag so they won't get sucked into the pump again). She says she can't wait to call the repairman on Monday to tell him she no longer needs his services because her housewife friend fixed it already - who says chicks can't fix things???? And, I have elevated myself to icon status in her husband's eyes because I saved him all that dough for the service call. This forum is the best five bucks I ever spent - a big shout out and a heartfelt thank you for your help! Another success story - I'm thrilled!

Posted: Sun Dec 2nd, 2007 02:20 am

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Samurai Appliance Repair Man
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Nice 'shootin', both of you! :bothbarrels:

I know it's a little late for Big Chief's problem, but for others who may come along and read this topic, here's a page from the service manual that shows how to clear the pump (see attachment).

Attachment: bosch-fl-washer-clearing-pump.pdf (Downloaded 144 times)

Last edited on Sun Dec 2nd, 2007 02:53 am by Samurai Appliance Repair Man

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Posted: Sun Dec 2nd, 2007 02:43 am

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BigChiefNocaHoma
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I am so flattered you would reply to my post - I am not worthy, and I'm serious! I got as much pleasure out of fixing my friend's washer as I did watching my first child take his first step... Thanks for the great photo of how to clear the drain pump - funny how they don't mention that GALLONS of water will pour onto your floor, with no good way to catch it! Also, funny that they say the drain pump is only meant to be cleared by "servicers" - does that mean I qualify as a "servicer" now???

Posted: Sun Dec 2nd, 2007 11:39 am

11^th Post

appl.tech.29501
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BigChiefNocaHoma wrote: Well...does this forum kick total butt, or what??? I went to my friend's house today, finally got the little round door off (stubborn little sucker!), and unleashed the hounds by taking off the cap of the drain pump. I needed towels alright, only I needed about a dozen instead of three because so much water poured out!!!! (Bosch should really give you some kind of specially designed bucket or something to catch all that water, because the drain is so close to the floor, there is no humanly way possible to catch it with anything but a towel, and believe me, plenty went all over the floor. But, we had a great idea, after the fact of course - cut the top out of a plastic gallon milk container at an angle - it would be curved, and I think it might fit right under the drain pump and can catch the water as it comes flooding out!) Once it finally finished draining (seemed like an hour!), I opened the cap completely, and what to my wondering eyes should appear but a miniature sock and eight tiny buckshot... (Well, not eight, but there were two pellets from where her son had left them in his pocket after he went squirrel hunting; there was also a nickel in there.) The main culprit was my friend's daughter's little white sock stuck completely in the drain mechanism. I removed all the stuff, and voila!!! The door unlocked, we started the load again, everything washed, rinsed and drained beautifully, and the rest is history. My friend is beside herself with happiness, and has already done three loads tonight (she says she'll now put all her daughter's socks in a bag so they won't get sucked into the pump again). She says she can't wait to call the repairman on Monday to tell him she no longer needs his services because her housewife friend fixed it already - who says chicks can't fix things???? And, I have elevated myself to icon status in her husband's eyes because I saved him all that dough for the service call. This forum is the best five bucks I ever spent - a big shout out and a heartfelt thank you for your help! Another success story - I'm thrilled!

way to go, I never doubted your ability for a sec.

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