Bosch Washer F43 Error — Drum Not Turning Fix

What it means

Bosch washer F43 error means the drum is not turning — Bosch's specific 'drum not turning' fault code.
The motor is being driven but the drum isn't rotating.
Most common cause on aging Bosch washers is worn-out motor carbon brushes; less commonly, a foreign object jamming the drum, a snapped drive belt, or motor failure.

Affected Models

Bosch Serie 2 / Serie 4 / Serie 6 / Serie 8 washing machines
Bosch Logixx, Maxx, Classixx ranges (older naming)
Bosch WAW, WAT, WAY, WAQ model series
Bosch Varioperfect washers
Same codes appear on Siemens and Neff washers (shared platform)

Common Causes

Motor carbon brushes worn down (typical 6-10 year life)
Drum jammed by a foreign object lodged between drum and tub
Drive belt snapped or slipped (some Bosch models)
Motor failed (electrical or mechanical)
Drum bearing seized solid

How to Fix It

Power-cycle the washer.

Unplug for 60 seconds, plug back in.
One-off motor stalls sometimes clear; if F43 returns on next cycle, the issue is mechanical.
Try to spin the drum by hand.

With the washer empty and unplugged, try to turn the drum by hand.
It should spin freely with some resistance.
Seized solid means the bearing has failed (expensive); spins freely with the motor not engaging means brushes or motor.
Check for foreign objects.

Reach into the drum and feel between the drum and outer tub for any small objects (coins, screws, hairpins) lodged there.
Even small items can wedge between the drum edge and the tub, jamming rotation.
Replace carbon brushes.

On older Bosch washers, the back of the motor has two small access caps with carbon brushes underneath.
Pull the brushes out — if worn down to under 10 mm, replace.
Cheap part, quick swap once accessed.

When to Call a Professional

Carbon brush replacement is a moderate DIY job for a confident owner; otherwise technician.
Belt or motor replacement is technician work.
Costs vary from £30 (brushes) to £200+ (motor or bearing).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Bosch E21 and F43 errors?

Same basic fault — drum motor not turning — but at different fault-code 'levels'.
E21 (or F21) is shown when the issue is intermittent or recoverable.
F43 is shown when the fault is more persistent — the washer has tried multiple times and failed.
Diagnostic path is identical: brushes, foreign objects, belt, motor, in roughly that order of likelihood.