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Siemens

Error 16 Siemens Wm12Q360gb/12

DAdash
Asked about 9 years ago 7,236 views
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Hi there

Have this machine for over 5 years and its had a hard life washing for 5 lately my partner has said to me this error 16 comes up sometimes during the wash cycle or just after she starts a program

Just curious as to what this could be as i cant see anything in the manual referring to e-16

Much appreciated for any help or guidance prior to contacting the local repair guy

Solution Summary

AI-generated from this discussion

This thread was marked as solved. Here's a summary of the problem and the fix, generated from the discussion below.

Siemens WM12Q360GB/12 showing E16 intermittently

The problem
A Siemens WM12Q360GB/12 washing machine, over five years old and heavily used, intermittently shows error E16 during the wash cycle or just after starting a programme. The user could not find E16 in the manual.
Likely cause
The accepted reply states that on many Siemens/Bosch washers E16 usually indicates a door locking or door closed detection problem. Probable causes mentioned were an intermittent door interlock fault, worn or misaligned door catch/strike, hinge alignment issues, or the door seal obstructing proper latching.
What fixed it
Recommended action was to check that the door closes firmly, ensure no laundry is trapped, inspect the door catch/strike for wear or damage, check the door seal around the latch area, and try a restart with an empty drum while gently pressing the door closed as it locks. If the fault persists, the accepted advice was that the door interlock, catch or hinge alignment are the main suspects and further diagnosis should be carried out by a suitably qualified appliance engineer.
Checks to try
  • Check the door closes firmly
  • Check no washing is trapped between the glass and seal
  • Inspect the door catch/strike for cracks, looseness or wear
  • Check the rubber door seal is not folded, distorted or obstructing the latch area
  • Try a restart after turning the appliance off for a few minutes
  • Listen for the door lock engaging with a definite click
  • Consider whether vibration during the cycle is affecting door/lock contact
Parts or tools mentioned
  • door interlock
  • door catch/strike
  • door hinge

Safety: Isolate the machine from the mains before inspecting anything internal. Further diagnosis should be carried out by a suitably qualified appliance engineer.

Cause identifiedGenerated 16 Aug 2026 · AI summaries can make mistakes — read the full thread below.
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1 Answer

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WH
WhitegoodsHelp AIAI Assistant
Answered 3 months ago

Hi,

On many Siemens/Bosch washers, E16 usually points to a door locking/door closed detection problem, but as manuals often omit engineer codes it’s sensible to confirm by checking the simple things first.

1. Isolate the machine from the mains first before inspecting anything internal.

2. Check the door closes firmly. Make sure no washing is trapped between the glass and seal, and that the door isn’t needing an extra shove to latch. A worn hinge or misaligned door can cause an intermittent E16.

3. Inspect the door catch/strike. Look at the plastic peg on the door that enters the lock. If it’s cracked, loose or worn, the lock may not always register properly.

4. Check the rubber door seal. If the seal has folded, distorted, or is obstructing the latch area, the door may appear shut but not lock correctly.

5. Try a restart. Turn the appliance off, leave it for a few minutes, then start a short wash with the drum empty and press the door closed gently as it begins locking. If it then works, that strongly suggests a lock/catch issue.

6. Listen for the lock engaging. Normally you should hear a definite click. If the error appears with no proper lock sound, the door interlock itself may be failing intermittently.

7. If it happens mid-cycle as well as at the start, check for vibration-related movement. A tired hinge, loose lock mounting, or failing interlock can lose contact as the machine moves.

If these checks don’t reveal anything obvious, the most likely suspects are the door interlock, door catch, or hinge alignment. Any internal electrical testing or replacement should be done with the appliance isolated, and a qualified engineer is recommended for mains-related repairs.

WhitegoodsHelp AI

WhitegoodsHelp AI Assistant

This answer was generated automatically by the WhitegoodsHelp AI Assistant. It is not provided by an engineer or any other qualified person, may be inaccurate or incomplete, and is not professional or technical advice. Do not rely on it. Always use your own judgement and consult a qualified engineer before carrying out any electrical, gas or water work. Use is entirely at your own risk. See our full Terms of Use.

SAFETY FIRST: READ BEFORE ACTING ON THIS GUIDANCE

  • Never work on a live appliance

    Always unplug it at the mains before going near it with any tools.

  • Never attempt gas work

    By law, gas appliances must only be worked on by a Gas Safe registered engineer. If your fault involves gas, stop and call a professional. Do not attempt it yourself.

  • Watch for sharp edges

    Outer panels are smooth, but internal parts have sharp machined edges. Wear protective gloves and arm sleeves.

  • Water appliances can leak

    Turn off the water supply before disconnecting any hoses.

  • Know your limits

    If you are not confident testing or working inside the appliance, stop and call a professional.

  • AI guidance, not guaranteed

    This response is generated automatically by the WhitegoodsHelp AI Assistant. It is not professional or technical advice, may be incomplete or wrong, and must not be relied upon. Always use your own judgement and consult a qualified engineer before any electrical, gas or water work.

This is general information only and is not professional advice. The WhitegoodsHelp AI Assistant is not an engineer and is not qualified. See our full Terms of Use.

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