Bosch front-load washer E38 error code
Heater temperature sensor (NTC) short circuit. E38 on a Bosch front-load washer such as the WGA12400UC is listed in Bosch service data as a short circuit in the heater temperature sensor, the NTC that sits on the wash heater. On a two-digit display, E38 is the short form of the four-digit code E2010. Bosch files it as a minor fault, so the washer usually finishes the programme without heating instead of stopping. The remedy Bosch gives is one line: check the temperature sensor and its wire harness. A separate family of four-digit codes that starts with E38 (E3821 to E3826) belongs to the circulation pump; those show on the display as E382x, not as E38.
WHAT THE CODE MEANS
Heater temperature sensor (NTC) short circuit
E38 on a Bosch front-load washer such as the WGA12400UC is listed in Bosch service data as a short circuit in the heater temperature sensor, the NTC that sits on the wash heater. On a two-digit display, E38 is the short form of the four-digit code E2010. Bosch files it as a minor fault, so the washer usually finishes the programme without heating instead of stopping. The remedy Bosch gives is one line: check the temperature sensor and its wire harness. A separate family of four-digit codes that starts with E38 (E3821 to E3826) belongs to the circulation pump; those show on the display as E382x, not as E38.
SAFE CHECKS — IN ORDER
How to diagnose Bosch E38 yourself
Walk these checks in order before scheduling service. They isolate the most common causes safely without requiring tools or part replacements.
- 1Read the display carefully and write down exactly what it shows. A plain E38 is the heater sensor fault; a four-digit code such as E3821 or E3825 is the circulation-pump family, and the checks differ.
- 2Power-cycle the washer: unplug it, wait 60 seconds, plug it back in and start a warm programme. Note whether E38 comes back and at what point in the cycle it appears.
- 3Check whether the water is actually heating. Bosch files E38 as a minor fault, so the cycle often runs to the end cold; laundry that comes out cold on a 40 °C or warm programme matches this code.
- 4Do not open the cabinet to reach the sensor yourself. The NTC sits on the heater element low in the tub, next to mains wiring, and the Bosch check is a resistance measurement on the sensor and its harness.
- 5If the display shows a four-digit E382x code instead, clean the pump filter behind the small door at the bottom front of the machine and clear anything wrapped around the impeller: Bosch lists a blocked pump filter (E3826) and a blocked impeller (E3825) among the causes in that family.
- 6Copy the full model number from the plate inside the door (for example WGA12400UC/01) before you call, because the two-digit and four-digit code tables differ by model.
REPAIR COST
How much does Bosch front-load washer E38 repair cost?
The diagnostic visit costs $95, and that fee goes toward your repair. Most Bosch front-load washer repairs in South Florida run between $150 and $400 with parts included. You get a written flat-rate quote before any work starts, so the price cannot change mid-job.
| Service | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic visit (applied toward the repair) | $95 |
| Front-Load Washer repair — parts + labor | $150 and $400 |
| Return visit under the 90-day warranty | $0 |
A code alone does not establish whether a repair or replacement part is needed. Compare the model-specific diagnosis and written quote before deciding. Full pricing lives on our washer repair page.
SPEED
How fast can a technician fix the E38 code?
Same-day in most of Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach. Call (888) 822-7754 and mention the E38 code and exact model so the technician can prepare for diagnosis. We answer 24/7, including weekends and holidays.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What does the E38 error code mean on a Bosch front-load washer?
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E38 on a Bosch front-load washer such as the WGA12400UC is listed in Bosch service data as a short circuit in the heater temperature sensor, the NTC that sits on the wash heater. On a two-digit display, E38 is the short form of the four-digit code E2010. Bosch files it as a minor fault, so the washer usually finishes the programme without heating instead of stopping. The remedy Bosch gives is one line: check the temperature sensor and its wire harness. A separate family of four-digit codes that starts with E38 (E3821 to E3826) belongs to the circulation pump; those show on the display as E382x, not as E38.
Can I clear the E38 code myself?
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In many cases yes — start with the safe checks listed above before resetting the appliance. Call for service if E38 comes back after a power cycle, if the washer no longer heats on warm programmes, or if a four-digit E382x code stays after the pump filter is clean. The heater-sensor check is a resistance test with the cabinet open, and the E382x codes end in replacing the circulation-pump motor or the motor unit, so both are service visits.
How much does it cost to fix a Bosch front-load washer showing E38?
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Most Bosch front-load washer repairs in South Florida run between $150 and $400 including parts. The exact cost depends on which component is faulty. Express Xpert provides a written flat-rate quote before any work starts.
Can I get same-day Bosch front-load washer repair for the E38 code?
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Yes. Express Xpert runs same-day Bosch front-load washer repair across Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties, 24/7. Call (888) 822-7754 and tell us the E38 code — the technician arrives with the parts that code usually needs. Every repair is backed by a 90-day warranty.
DEEP DIVE
Want a longer breakdown of this code?
We have a longer article on this exact code with a full repair walkthrough, common parts, and South Florida cost estimates.
Read the full guideSAME-DAY REPAIR
Still seeing E38 after the safe checks?
If the manufacturer's safe checks do not resolve the message, consult the model manual or arrange a diagnosis before replacing parts. Express Xpert services Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach with same-day front-load washer repair.