Bosch Washer Error Code E44 — How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Bosch washer E44 means the drum position sensor (Hall sensor or encoder) has failed or lost its signal to the control board. Check the sensor wiring at the back of the motor first — a loose connector after the machine has vibrated is a common cause of E44. If the wiring is intact and E44 persists, the drum position sensor needs replacing.

Affected Models

Bosch Series 4 Washer
Bosch Series 6 Washer
Bosch Series 8 Washer
Bosch i-DOS Washer
Bosch WAU Series
Bosch WGB Series

Common Causes

Hall sensor attached to the motor has failed — it monitors drum rotation speed and position
Sensor wiring harness come loose from the motor connector due to vibration during spin cycles
Sensor magnet on the drum cracked or detached, removing the reference point the sensor reads
Control board input for the drum position signal has developed a fault
Motor module failed and reporting incorrect position data on brushless motor models

How to Fix It

Power cycle the machine

Switch off at the wall for 5 minutes, then switch back on. An E44 caused by a temporary signal dropout clears on reset. If E44 returns with the next wash attempt, proceed with diagnosis.
Check the motor wiring connector

Remove the rear panel of the washing machine. Locate the motor at the back of the drum. The Hall sensor wiring is a small multi-pin connector attached to the motor body. Disconnect and reconnect it firmly to clear any corrosion or loose contact.
Inspect the sensor magnet

The drum position sensor reads a magnet attached to the drum or motor pulley. With the rear panel removed, inspect the magnet for cracks or detachment. A missing or broken magnet must be replaced before E44 can clear.
Test the Hall sensor

With the machine powered on and the rear panel removed, slowly rotate the drum by hand and use a multimeter to check the sensor output voltage — it should switch between approximately 0 V and 5 V as you rotate. No switching indicates sensor failure.
Replace the Hall sensor

The Hall sensor is a small component attached to the motor housing. On most Bosch models it can be replaced separately from the motor. Disconnect the wiring, unscrew the sensor, and fit the new one. Cost is typically $15–40.

When to Call a Professional

Replacing the Hall sensor requires accessing the motor at the back of the drum. On some models the drum must be partially disassembled. Contact Bosch service if you are not confident.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bosch washer E44 — the drum does not spin at all. Is E44 the cause?

E44 can stop the spin cycle because the control board has lost drum position information. Without position feedback, the board cannot safely accelerate the drum to spin speed. Fixing E44 will restore spinning.

How is the Hall sensor different from a tachometer on a Bosch washer?

Both measure drum rotation, but Hall sensors use a magnetic field while tachometers use a coil and magnet. Bosch washers with brushless motors use Hall sensors. Older models with brush motors use tachometers. E44 typically applies to Hall sensor models.

Bosch washer E44 appeared after a loud bang during spin — what happened?

A loud bang followed by E44 suggests the sensor magnet broke off during an unbalanced spin. Inspect the magnet immediately — a loose magnet can cause further damage. Replace the magnet and retest.