Bosch Classixx 6 - F21 Fault
Hi Folks.
OK - As the title suggests, I'm getting an F21 fault on my Bosch Classixx 6 washing machine. I've replaced the brushes (which were completely worn), and cleaned the rotor and stator (which were both covered in carbon dust) - however, I'm still getting the fault. Now I don't know if it's the old fault that still needs to be reset(?), whether there's a secondary fault, or whether it was not the brushes in the first place. The manual states F21 as 'Motor fault - contact the manufacturer'. There doesn't appear to be a 'reset' as such (there are a few instructions given in the manual about turning the selector and holding on the spin button - but this doesn't work either) - no matter what you select on the dial, the fault F21 returns. You get the same fault code without the motor plugged in at all. All connections have been cleaned, so it's not that.
Any further pointers would be gratefully received. Ideally repair pointers, as opposed to 'buy a new one' pointers...! ;)
Many thanks in advance, john.
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.
Bosch Classixx 6 showing F21 after brush replacement
- The problem
- Bosch Classixx 6 washing machine displayed F21. The carbon brushes were found completely worn and were replaced, and carbon dust was cleaned from the rotor and stator, but the F21 fault still returned on all programmes. The poster also noted the same code appeared even with the motor unplugged.
- Likely cause
- The accepted reply says F21 should clear automatically once the underlying fault is corrected, so the continuing code suggests a motor-related fault remains. Possibilities specifically mentioned were incorrectly fitted or unreleased new brushes, a poor or displaced motor plug pin/connector, loss of continuity in the field coil or armature, or a blown TOC in the motor windings. It was also noted that worn brushes alone may not have been the original cause unless one or both showed charring at the commutator end.
- What fixed it
- The recommended action was to recheck that the new brushes were fitted correctly and released from any captive transit position, inspect the motor plug and matching motor pins for loose or displaced connectors, and carry out continuity checks on the motor circuits including the field coil, armature and brush path. The thread does not contain a final confirmation of which fault was found or repaired.
- Checks to try
- Brushes were replaced after being found completely worn
- Rotor and stator were cleaned of carbon dust
- Connections were cleaned
- Observed that F21 still appeared on all dial positions
- Observed that F21 also appeared with the motor unplugged
- Advice to inspect motor plug pins and corresponding motor pins/connectors
- Advice to continuity-test the field coil, armature and brush circuit
- Parts or tools mentioned
- Carbon brushes
- Continuity test meter
Safety: Further diagnosis should be carried out by a suitably qualified appliance engineer.
1 Answer
Hello there. When you say the brushes were completely worn that doesn't necessarily mean they were at fault. If they were at fault then at least one of them would have been charged and blackened at the point where it connects to the commutator as described and shown in this article Carbon brush diagnostics. If they were both shiny but worn they obviously needed replacing but may not have been the fault causing the F 21 error code. If one or both were charred then presumably that was the fault.
As far as I'm aware fault codes should automatically reset once the problem has been sorted. So if the fault code remains, and the manual states that F 21 is a motor fault then something is probably still wrong with the motor. Check the pins in the motor plug and the corresponding pins on the motor. The pins and connectors can become loose or out of line and when the motor plug is connected one of the male or female connectors can be pushed out of the way.
Other than doublechecking that the brushes have been fitted properly, and released from their captive transit position you need to put a continuity test meter across the appropriate pins on the motor to check continuity of the field coil, armature, and through the carbon brushes. There is also a TOC built into the windings which can potentially blow if there is excessive sparking prior to failure.
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