## How to Fix Bosch Washing Machine Error E28 (Flow Sensor)
Bosch washing machines are designed to be reliable, but when a component fails or malfunctions, they use error codes to guide you toward the solution. Error code **E28** specifically relates to the water intake system, signaling a problem with the device that measures the amount of water entering the drum.
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### 1. Explanation: What Error E28 Means
Error code **E28** indicates an issue with the **Flow Sensor** (also commonly referred to as the Flow Meter) within your appliance.
* **In Plain English:** The washing machine’s main control board (PCB) is not receiving the correct data signal—or any signal at all—from the device responsible for measuring how much water has entered the machine during the filling cycle.
* **The Likely Culprit:** The **Flow Meter** itself has failed and needs replacement. Less common causes include wiring harness damage or a fault on the main control board.
If the machine cannot accurately measure water volume, it will stop the cycle and display E28 to prevent overfilling or running the cycle with insufficient water.
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### 2. Step-by-Step Fix: How to Diagnose and Replace the Flow Meter
Before attempting any repair, **always unplug the washing machine from the wall outlet and turn off the water supply.**
#### Step 1: Check for External Causes (Simple Troubleshooting)
While E28 almost always points to an internal sensor failure, quickly rule out these common external issues:
1. **Water Supply:** Ensure both hot and cold water taps behind the machine are fully open.
2. **Hose Kinks:** Check that the intake hoses running from the wall to the back of the washer are not kinked, crushed, or blocked.
3. **Water Pressure:** Verify that your household water pressure is adequate. If water is entering the machine too slowly, the flow meter may report an error.
#### Step 2: Locate the Flow Meter
The Flow Meter is usually situated near the water inlet valves, where the supply hoses connect to the appliance.
1. **Access:** You will typically need to remove the top panel of the washing machine.
* Unscrew the two or three screws located at the rear of the top panel.
* Slide the panel backward and lift it off.
2. **Identification:** The Flow Meter is a small, plastic device integrated into the pipework between the inlet valve and the drum’s water dispenser hose. It will have a small wiring harness connected to it.
#### Step 3: Inspect Wiring and Connectors
1. **Visual Check:** Inspect the wiring harness that connects to the Flow Meter. Look for visible signs of damage, burning, or corrosion.
2. **Reseat Connector:** Unplug the connector from the sensor and plug it back in firmly. Sometimes, a loose connection is the cause.
3. **Check Continuity (Advanced):** If you have a multimeter, you can check the continuity of the wires running back to the main control board, though this is rarely the source of the E28 error.
#### Step 4: Replace the Flow Meter (Recommended Fix)
If the wiring appears fine, the sensor is the most likely failure point and must be replaced.
1. **Preparation:** Place towels underneath the sensor location, as residual water will spill when you disconnect the pipes.
2. **Disconnect:** Carefully remove the wiring harness from the Flow Meter.
3. **Remove Hoses:** Disconnect the hoses connected to the sensor. This often involves loosening jubilee clips or squeezing quick-release clamps.
4. **Remove Sensor:** Unclip or unscrew the old Flow Meter from its mounting bracket.
5. **Install New Part:** Install the new Flow Meter in the exact orientation as the old one. Reconnect the hoses securely using the original clamps.
6. **Reconnect Wiring:** Plug the wiring harness firmly back into the new sensor.
#### Step 5: Test the Machine
1. **Reassemble:** Securely replace the top panel.
2. **Power Up:** Plug the washing machine back in and turn on the water supply.
3. **Run Test Cycle:** Run a short cycle (e.g., Rinse or Quick Wash) to confirm that the machine fills correctly and the E28 error no longer appears.
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### 3. Parts Acquisition
**Check the price for a replacement Flow Meter here: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Bosch+Flow Meter&tag=trivian-20**