How to Fix Bosch Washer Error KEY SYMBOL

Bosch Washer Error KEY SYMBOL overlay image

⚠️ Safety Warning: Appliance repair involves electricity, gas, and moving parts. Always disconnect power before working on any appliance.

Error Code: KEY SYMBOL Difficulty: Easy

Problem: The child lock is activated.

⚖️ Repair Decision
⚠️ CHECK WARRANTY / AGE

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How to Fix KEY SYMBOL Error (Step-by-Step)

  1. Identify that the key symbol means the child lock is active, which disables most of the machine’s buttons.
  2. To deactivate the child lock, press and hold the ‘Start’ button for three to five seconds.
  3. You should hear a beep, and the key symbol on the display will disappear.
  4. On some models, you may need to press and hold the ‘RPM’ and ‘Finished in’ buttons together for about three seconds.
  5. For models with a touchscreen, press and hold the illuminated square button with a key symbol for three seconds.
  6. Once the key symbol is gone, the washing machine buttons will be re-enabled and you can operate it normally.
  7. Turn the appliance off, wait about 2 minutes, then turn it back on.

What to Check Next on This Bosch Washer

Bosch Washer Error KEY SYMBOL: Use the code or symbol as the starting clue, then confirm the actual symptom and cycle stage before ordering parts.

  1. 1. Unplug the washer before opening panels, touching wiring, or reaching near the drain pump, door lock, inlet valve, motor, or control area.
  2. 2. Verify the simple cause first: check the door latch, load balance, detergent level, inlet water flow, drain filter, hose position, and anything blocking the cycle stage shown by the code or symbol.
  3. 3. Clean accessible filters and hose screens, remove debris from the pump area when the model design allows it, then reconnect anything that was loose before running another test cycle.
  4. 4. Test the washer during the same fill, wash, drain, spin, lock, or control step where the warning appeared; measure voltage or resistance only if you are equipped to do that safely.
  5. 5. Inspect the matching part path instead of guessing: door-lock issues point toward the latch circuit, drain symptoms toward pump or hose restrictions, fill symptoms toward inlet supply, and control-response symptoms toward wiring or board checks.
  6. 6. Replace a part only after the symptom repeats and the model-specific checks point to that part category. Match any replacement to the complete Bosch model number on the appliance tag.

If the issue returns after these checks, match replacement parts to the complete Bosch washer model number from the appliance tag. The same code can point to different components depending on the exact model and when the failure appears.

Recommended Parts to Check

No exact official OEM part number is listed here because the correct Bosch washer part can vary by complete model number. These are targeted part-category searches, not universal fit claims.

  • Bosch washer electronic control board
    Common replacement category: Main control board
    Fit note: Exact OEM part number varies by full Bosch washer model number. Confirm compatibility before buying.
    Confidence: Medium
    This category can be relevant for control and communication faults after wiring and connector checks.

    Search Amazon for Bosch washer electronic control board

  • Bosch washer user interface control panel
    Common replacement category: User interface / display board
    Fit note: Exact OEM part number varies by full Bosch washer model number. Confirm compatibility before buying.
    Confidence: Medium
    This category can be relevant for display, button, selector, or cycle-control faults.

    Search Amazon for Bosch washer user interface control panel

  • Bosch washer drain pump assembly
    Common replacement category: Drain pump
    Fit note: Exact OEM part number varies by full Bosch washer model number. Confirm compatibility before buying.
    Confidence: Medium
    This category can be relevant for drain, no-spin, and water-removal symptoms after filter and hose checks.

    Search Amazon for Bosch washer drain pump assembly

Before ordering: match the part to the complete Bosch washer model number on the appliance tag.

Still Not Working?
If the replacement part didn’t fix the issue, you may have a wiring problem or main board failure.

💬 Chat with a Certified Technician Now

Most DIY parts are $50–$250. If you have a quote, use the total.
More options (for a better recommendation)

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When It’s Better to Replace Than Repair

Sometimes replacing an appliance makes more financial sense than putting more money into repairs.
Here are a few signs it may be time to shop for a new one:

For repair parts, verify exact fit with the full washer model number before buying; these links are general replacement-appliance shopping options.

  • Appliance over 8-10 years old
  • Repair cost over 50% of replacement
  • Multiple recent breakdowns
  • Major component failure

Recommended Replacement Options

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Mid-Range Option

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  • Best-Sellers with Thousands of 5-Star Reviews
  • Expert Installation & Hookup Services available
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Premium Option

Top Rated Washers Over $1,000

  • Top-of-the-Line Performance & Technology
  • White-Glove Delivery and Haul-away eligible
  • Comprehensive Warranty & Support Options


View Top Rated Models & Delivery Options

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Expert: Mike Sullivan

EPA Section 608 Certified Technician with 18+ years experience.

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Browse all Bosch error codes: Bosch Error Codes

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