Bosch Dryer Error E22 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

E22 means the drum drive motor in the Bosch dryer has faulted or stopped. The drive motor rotates the drum — without it, laundry cannot tumble and the dryer cannot operate safely. E22 can be caused by a broken drive belt, a seized motor, or a motor control fault.

Affected Models

Bosch WTW87565GB
Bosch WTH84000GB
Bosch WTV74100GB
Bosch WTB86200GB
Bosch Serie 4, 6 and 8 Dryers

Common Causes

Drive belt broken — the belt connecting the motor to the drum has snapped
Drive motor winding failed — motor burnt out due to age or overloading
Motor capacitor failed — motor cannot start its rotation cycle
Drum jammed by a foreign object preventing the motor from turning
Motor thermal protection triggered — motor overheated and its internal cutout activated
Motor control circuitry on the PCB failed

How to Fix It

Listen carefully when the dryer starts — does the drum attempt to turn or is it completely silent?

If you hear the motor humming but the drum does not move, the drive belt is almost certainly broken. If completely silent, the motor or its control circuit has failed.
Open the door and try turning the drum by hand (with the dryer unplugged).

A drum that turns freely with no resistance suggests a broken belt — the motor is disconnected from the drum. A drum that will not turn at all suggests a jam or seized bearing.
Check inside the drum for foreign objects — coins, underwire, or buttons can jam the drum.

Shine a torch around the drum seal area. Small items can wedge between the drum and the casing and prevent rotation.
Call Bosch service — belt or motor replacement requires dryer disassembly.

A drive belt is a relatively inexpensive part ($15–40) but reaching it involves removing the front or rear panel of the dryer.

When to Call a Professional

E22 almost always requires a technician. Accessing the drum motor and drive belt requires significant disassembly of the dryer. A technician will identify whether the belt, motor, or control board is the cause.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a Bosch dryer drive belt last?

A Bosch dryer drive belt typically lasts 8–12 years with normal use. Heavy use (multiple loads per day) or overloading the drum shortens belt life. A broken belt is one of the most common and straightforward dryer repairs.