Bosch Washer Error Code E39 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

The E39 error is a pressure sensor plausibility fault. This means the readings coming from the water level sensor do not match what the control board expects to see during the cycle. For example, the sensor might report that the drum still has water when the drain cycle has already completed — or vice versa. The machine detects that something does not add up and stops to prevent damage.

Affected Models

Bosch 300 Series
Bosch 500 Series
Bosch 800 Series
Bosch WAT28400UC
Bosch WFMC2201UC
Most Bosch front-load washing machines

Common Causes

The pressure chamber tube has a partial blockage causing inconsistent pressure readings
The pressure sensor has an intermittent fault — working sometimes but not reliably
Air is leaking from the pressure chamber tube at a connection point, affecting readings
Foam from detergent has entered the pressure tube and is causing erratic pressure signals
A failing control board is misinterpreting valid sensor signals as implausible

How to Fix It

Unplug the washer for 60 seconds, then restore power. Try running a short cycle — E39 may have been triggered by a temporary sensor fluctuation.

Intermittent pressure tube blockages can cause E39 to appear and then disappear. A reset may clear it.
Check the pressure chamber tube. Unplug the machine, then locate and inspect the tube running from the drum to the pressure sensor.

Look for kinks, cracks, or any point where the tube has come loose from its connection. A small air leak in the tube causes exactly the erratic readings that trigger E39.
Detach the tube and blow through it gently. Listen and feel for air coming from any point along the tube's length other than the ends.

A split tube can be sealed temporarily with heat-resistant tape, but replacement is the proper fix.
Check your detergent usage. Excessive suds can force foam into the pressure tube over time, causing inconsistent readings.

Use only HE detergent in the minimum recommended quantity. Run a machine cleaning cycle to clear residue.
If the tube is intact and clear and E39 persists, the pressure sensor needs replacement. Schedule service with a Bosch-authorized technician.

E39 and E38 often involve the same component — the technician will test both the tube and the sensor in one visit.

When to Call a Professional

E39 often follows or accompanies E38. If clearing the pressure tube does not resolve E39, the pressure sensor needs to be replaced. Pressure sensor replacement costs $120 to $220 with labor at a Bosch service center. Contact Bosch customer service at 1-800-944-2904.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'plausibility fault' mean in plain English?

It means the machine received a reading that does not make sense given the current situation. Imagine you drain all the water from the drum — the sensor should then report zero water. If it still reports a full drum after draining, that reading is 'implausible' — it cannot be true. The machine detects this contradiction and stops, because continuing with bad data could cause it to overfill or drain at the wrong time.

Is E39 the same as E38 on a Bosch washer?

They are closely related but slightly different. E38 means the pressure sensor itself is giving a signal that falls outside the acceptable range — it is simply out of bounds. E39 means the sensor is giving a reading that is within the range but does not match what the machine expects at that point in the cycle. Both codes involve the pressure sensor and tube, and the fix steps are the same.

Can a kinked pressure tube cause both E38 and E39?

Yes — a kinked or partially blocked tube is one of the most common causes of both codes. A kink restricts airflow through the tube, which changes the pressure readings at the sensor. At certain points in the cycle this gives an out-of-range reading (E38) and at other points it gives an inconsistent reading compared to what the machine expects (E39). Inspecting and clearing the pressure tube should be the first diagnostic step for either code.