Did you know that Bosch dryers boast reliability and customer satisfaction? But what happens when yours gives up its efficiency and shows a persistent error code?
Bosch dryer DR code is one of the most common errors reported by users across the country.
If your Bosch dryer shows this code, it indicates a drainage problem . This may force you to seek an air-drying alternative. But this shouldn’t go on forever.
Keep reading this guide for an in-depth understanding of this DR code, and its causes. Also, you’ll figure out the best possible fixes for this issue.
Before grabbing your infestation gear, remember that this guide applies to different Bosch dryer models, including:
Ventless Dryers
- Bosch 800 WITP8HVC
- Bosch 800 WITP8HVW
- Bosch 500 WTH5000HV
- Bosch 500 WTH5200HV
- Bosch Compact Dryer WTC74LHUS
- Bosch Compact Dryer WET74E0US
- Bosch Condenser Dryer WTV78LH0US
Vented Dryers
- Bosch 300 WGD36HWHC
- Bosch 300 WGD38HMBC
- Bosch Nexxt NXZ32C60US
- Bosch Nexxt NXZ4820UC
What Does DR Code Mean On Bosch Dryer?
The DR error code on your Bosch Dryer’s displays makes your laundry drying experience incomplete. But the good news is you can address this issue if you thoroughly understand its meaning, significance, and impact.
- Meaning: A DR fault indicates the dryer’s inability to drain efficiently. So, after a drying cycle, the appliance cannot completely remove condensed water from its drum.
- Safety Feature: When this DR code blinks, the dryer automatically halts its cycle. The code prevents your Bosch dryer from operating with excess water. This protects your home and dryer from various complications.
- Impact on Use: With the Bosch dryer DR code, you won’t be able to use the appliance. If you have already loaded your dryer, your cycle will be incomplete and the laundry will remain damp. Moreover, your laundry may develop an unpleasant odor.
- Warning Signs: Before seeing the flashing DR code on your Bosch dryer, you might notice extended drying times. Strange gurgling noise and excess water in the drum count as warning signs before the big breakdown.
- Importance of Addressing: If you don’t act fast to resolve this DR error, you will risk mold growth inside the dryer. Also, there is a possibility of property and component damage due to sudden leaks.
Why Does Your Bosch Dryer Show DR Error?
Drainage failure in your Bosch dryer can stem from various components. But proper understanding of these causes allows you to find suitable fixes. From lint buildup to vent blockages, the causes can be a real surprise.
1. Blocked Lint Filter
Both vented and ventless dryers have a lint filter. This lint screen/filter traps shed fibers, small objects, and debris. It prevents these objects from reaching the dryer’s internals and causing problems.
Moreover, a clean filter allows air to enter the dryer and dry the laundry. A blocked filter hinders the air’s smooth flow inside the machine. This leads to inefficient drying, incomplete drainage, and potential overheating.
2. Faulty Drain Pump
Your Bosch dryer relies on its drainage system to remove excess condensed water. The dryer pump lies in the heart of this system. A functional pump draws and evicts the collected condensed water from the bottom of the dryer. This performance prevents unwanted soggy messes inside the drum.
Electrical issues, a defective motor, or impeller blockages affect the pump’s functionality. Eventually, a faulty pump triggers the Bosch dryer DR code and your vented or ventless dryer keeps flashing the error response.
3. Problematic Moisture Sensors ( Vented Models)
Some vented Bosch dryers come with a moisture sensor. These smart components ensure the desired drying without overdrying. Depending on the model of your Bosch dryer, you can find this sensor either within the exhaust duct or near the drum.
As the name suggests, this sensor detects the drum’s moisture level. Then, it sends its readings to the dryer’s main control unit/ control board. This is how the dryer’s brain decides whether the laundry is successfully dried. A defective sensor affects the flow of this process and may lead to a premature stop of the drying cycle. Sometimes, this issue is reflected in extended drying times when the dry program exceeds its maximum drying time.
While a malfunctioning sensor won’t directly trigger the Bosch dryer DR code, inaccurate readings confuse the dryer’s control board. False readings can result from trapped moisture due to a blocked filter or vent.
4. Vent Blockages (Vented Dryers only)
This is an exclusive issue for vented dryers. So, don’t investigate a blocked vent if you have a ventless dryer- DR error code. Vents act as a clear path for the condensed water to leave your dryer and your home altogether.
A blocked vent hose or outdoor vent traps moisture and leads to excessive water condensation. All this ends with a blinking Bosch dryer DR code on the display.
How To Reset Bosch Dryer DR Error
Resetting your Bosch dryer DR error can be useful if the problem stems from a minor glitch. Without any underlying issues, a simple reset can get things back on track.
Here’s how to perform this reset process:
- Turn off the dryer, unplug its power cord from the outlet, and turn off its designated circuit breaker switch.
- Give the dryer some time to sit for at least 3-5 minutes to ensure any residual power drains from the system.
- Turn the dryer back on by reversing the first “power off” step.
- Select a new drying cycle and evaluate the success of the process.
If the DR code remains on the display, proceed to more complex troubleshooting steps.
How To Fix Bosch Dryer DR Error
Depending on the cause behind your Bosch dryer DR code, you can find the right fix. Some of the causes are easy to DIY troubleshoot, while others require advanced knowledge. In both cases, identifying the solutions and knowing your options helps you make an informed decision.
1. How To Fix Blocked Lint Filter
The lint filter in your Bosch dryer has the same location as the Bosch washer’s drain filter. So, if you suspect a blocked lint filter, look for it on the bottom part of the front panel. It has a small access panel that you can pull by hand to have access to the filter.
Now that you can see the filter, here’s how to troubleshoot it:
- Pull out the removable filter and empty its contents in the trash.
- Use a brush to remove any stuck debris and rinse the filter under lukewarm tap water.
- Wait for the filter to dry completely before reinstalling it in place.
2. How To Fix Faulty Drain Pump
In general, electrical and technical issues within the drain pump require professional intervention. However, you can grab your toolkit and easily troubleshoot it in case of blockages and obstructions.
To access and DIY fix a blocked drain pump, you can bring these tools along:
- A Phillips head screwdriver
- A flashlight
- A small towel to catch any spills
- Tweezers
To examine and troubleshoot this pump, here’s what you can do:
- Remove the dryer’s power cord from its outlet to avoid electrical shocks.
- Remove the screws of the dryer’s rear panel using your screwdriver.
- look for a cylindrical component with a hose attached on one side and electrical wires on the other. This is the drain pump.
- Disconnect the drain hose from the pump. Use your flashlight to check for clogs inside the hose. Remove the clogs using a snake or pouring warm water through the hose.
- Check the pump area for blockages. Use your tweezers to remove stuck coins, buttons, or other foreign objects.
3. How To Fix Problematic Moisture Sensors (Vented Models)
These components are not found in all Bosch dryers, even vented models. So, refer to your user manual to ensure whether your model has one. Then, follow the access instructions and these troubleshooting steps:
- Unplug your dryer from the power outlet for protection from electrical hazards.
- Depending on its location, you can remove the designated panels to have unobstructed access to the sensor.
- Look for a small probe or sensor strip. It is made of metal or plastic and has electrical wires attached.
- Clean the sensor gently with a cotton swab if it appears blocked with buildup. Also, check its area for debris and clean it.
- If the sensor has loose wiring connections, tighten them. You can carefully uninstall and reinstall these connections. If they appear damaged, consult a repair technician for suitable replacements.
4. How To Fix Blocked Vents (Vented Dryers only)
You can address vent issues on your own. However, some stubborn or out-of-reach blockages call for professional intervention. You can start working on your vent issues by inspecting the vent hose. This hose extends from the back of the dryer to the outdoor vent.
To successfully inspect it, you can do the following:
- Unplug the dryer and pull it away from the wall.
- Locate the hose and its secure clamps and detach them to remove the hose from the dryer’s end.
- Inspect the hose for blockages. If you find any, use a long-handled lint brush.
- Do the same for the exterior vent. However, you need to ensure it’s safe to access it through your roof. Otherwise, you should hire a professional vent cleaning service.
Conclusion
A blinking Bosch dryer DR signals a drainage problem. This problem leaves your laundry damp and makes you seek less comfy alternatives. However, identifying the underlying issues behind this code is easy. In some cases, troubleshooting these issues is not complex too.
The causes of the DR error include blocked lint filters, faulty drain pumps, problematic moisture sensors (in vented models), and vent blockages (in vented dryers).
Common DIY solutions include inspecting and unblocking clogged components. If this doesn’t work out, call a certified repair technician.
DIYer or not restoring your dryer’s functionality is only a few steps away. So, make the right call today and enjoy dry and fresh laundry!
Stuck with a Bosch dryer not spinning? Check out this troubleshooting guide for proper fixes!
Adrian is an ISCET licensed professional that has completed the National Appliance Service Technician Certification Exam and has the expertise to diagnose and repair any appliance. He is well-versed in the latest technologies and techniques and is always up-to-date on the latest industry standards.
