We purchased our WFK2401 in late summer 2000. Within a year, the main motor began acting up intermittently. The service man could not determine the cause, and when the motor finally died just beyond the warranty period, Bosch would not replace it. Obviously we were not too impressed with Bosch as we had a documented service call to prove the part began to fail (with the same symptoms) while it was under warranty. This will certainly influence our appliance brand selection in the future.
Over the past few years (and again beginning under warranty), the failure of the washer to drain, coupled with the flashing Error Code, has plagued us with increased frequency. A few weeks ago, this transitioned from frequent re-starts of the spin cycle to total failures twice during every load (the post-wash spin plus the post-rinse spin). After temporarily moving the washer out onto the back deck for problem debugging, I found that removing the drain cover when the cycle timer reaches about 23, replacing it at about 19, and pulling it again at 13 will allow the entire cycle to complete. Obviously, this solution will not work inside the house due to the large amounts of water that would spill onto the floor.
At this point, I suspect either the water pump or a water level sensor is to blame. Not sure which (or both) to replace, so a knowledgeable tip here would help us greatly. I have no reason to suspect the circuit board electronics (reported by others) to be the root cause.
The resolution for the dreaded "error code 03" with a Bosch WFK 2401 is to replace the drain pump. It's around $50 at repairclinic.com (item #144489 - the only part you should need) and they had it in stock at Tribbles in Upper Marlboro, MD (awesome parts company!).
I'm a home owner who saw similar syptoms as everyone else; the issue was interrmitant, I could observe the impeller spinning when dry draining, but when trying to drain wet, a little might come out if any. I even removed the back panel, disconnected the hoses and cleaned everything out (which I suggest doing when replacing the pump), but the problem persisted.
*disclaimer - I am by no means professional repair man. Proceed at your own risk!*
I finally swapped out the pump and it works fine. Remember to unplug the unit, disconnect all hoses, remove the detergent tray, remove the four screws from the front panel around the drain trap. Gently lay the unit on its front being sure not to put pressure on the dials and to have a towel under it. A little bit of water will come out.
Pinch to disconnect the electrical relay to the pump. Disconnect the hoses at their spring clamps, remove the pump and replace it with the new one (I kept the hose from the discharge port to the drain output connected to make things a little easier. Reconnect the new pump the same way - you really can't get it wrong it you do it this way (thanks go to Bosch for their modular engineering techniques - I can't imagine it would be this simple with any other manufacturer).
Gently stand the unit back up and connect the pump to the front panel again using the four mounting screws. You can position the pump my positiioning your finger inside the pump and up the discharge port.
Be sure everything is tight, reconnect all hoses, plug the unit back in and observe for any water leaks (the back panel should still be off to facilitate this; be sure to keep clear of the belts back there.
When finished, replace the back panel and viola - I was done in an hour.
Note: when inspecting the old pump, I can see exposed O-ring near the discharge port - where the was a lot of wear. I think when water got in there and perhaps leaked into the motor area, the unit shut down the pump to prevent electric shock - thus it worked when dry but not when wet.
Check your exit hose spigot, it may be clogged. This is if your filter is all clean (ref manual, it may not be there, they want to send over a tech at their convenience to make more $$). Locate your filter, it is below the main tub, you need clip grip pliers. There should be air for passage in the standpipe behind. Your hose should not fit airtight into the standpipe and neither too deep into it (4 to 6 inches maximum) Of course some direct the hose into sink, fine. Snaking out your standpipe would be good too.
If this does not solve your prob you have to check your pump for anything clogging the impeller. It comes after the filter.
Sites for spares:
RepairClinic.com (which is good)
espares.co.uk
AppliancePartsPros.com
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I have the same problem developing. I got my unit used, replaced the brushes in the motor myself, it has worked fine for a year...but past couple weeks been acting up, getting worse...
on the permanent press and delicate cycle which we use, the washer stops when it enters the rinse spin cycle with the number 3 flashing. According to the manual, this means the pump needs to be cleaned, which is not true, since I have done that several times. If put in the drain cycle, the pump takes all the water out in about 90 seconds, so obviously, there is nothing wrong with the pump. We can then run the rinse drain cycle and complete the wash. Any thoughts? Jim S
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