Bosch Washer Error Code F42: How to Fix It

Hard 2-3 hours Critical Severity Verified June 2026
Error Code
F42
Brand
Bosch
Product Type
washer
Severity
Critical
DIY Difficulty
Hard
Estimated Fix Time
2-3 hours
Bosch washer error code F42 indicates the motor is spinning too fast, which means either the control board isn't regulating motor speed properly or the tachometer (speed sensor) has failed. This is a critical error that requires immediate attention to prevent motor damage.
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Tools You'll Need

How to Fix Error Code F42

  1. Power Reset the Washer

    Always unplug the washer before performing any troubleshooting steps to avoid electrical shock.
  2. Check for Unbalanced Load

  3. Access the Motor and Tachometer

    Ensure the washer is unplugged and water supply is turned off before removing panels.
  4. Inspect Tachometer Connections

  5. Test Tachometer with Multimeter

  6. Check Motor Carbon Brushes

    Handle the motor carefully and note wire positions before disconnecting.
  7. Test Control Board

    Control board testing requires advanced electronics knowledge and should be done by a qualified technician.

Parts You May Need

Tachometer sensor
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Motor control board
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Motor carbon brushes
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Drive motor assembly
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Tachometer sensor
Check Price on Amazon
Motor control board
Check Price on Amazon
Motor carbon brushes
Check Price on Amazon
Drive motor assembly
Check Price on Amazon
Tachometer sensor
Check Price on Amazon
Motor control board
Check Price on Amazon
Motor carbon brushes
Check Price on Amazon
Drive motor assembly
Check Price on Amazon
Tachometer sensor
Check Price on Amazon
Motor control board
Check Price on Amazon
Motor carbon brushes
Check Price on Amazon
Drive motor assembly
Check Price on Amazon
Tachometer sensor
Check Price on Amazon
Motor control board
Check Price on Amazon
Motor carbon brushes
Check Price on Amazon
Drive motor assembly
Check Price on Amazon
Tachometer sensor
Check Price on Amazon
Motor control board
Check Price on Amazon
Motor carbon brushes
Check Price on Amazon
Drive motor assembly
Check Price on Amazon
Tachometer sensor
Check Price on Amazon
Motor control board
Check Price on Amazon
Motor carbon brushes
Check Price on Amazon
Drive motor assembly
Check Price on Amazon
Tachometer sensor
Check Price on Amazon
Motor control board
Check Price on Amazon
Motor carbon brushes
Check Price on Amazon
Drive motor assembly
Check Price on Amazon
Tachometer sensor
Check Price on Amazon
Motor control board
Check Price on Amazon
Motor carbon brushes
Check Price on Amazon
Drive motor assembly
Check Price on Amazon
Tachometer sensor
Check Price on Amazon
Motor control board
Check Price on Amazon
Motor carbon brushes
Check Price on Amazon
Drive motor assembly
Check Price on Amazon
Tachometer sensor
Check Price on Amazon
Motor control board
Check Price on Amazon
Motor carbon brushes
Check Price on Amazon
Drive motor assembly
Check Price on Amazon
Tachometer sensor
Check Price on Amazon
Motor control board
Check Price on Amazon
Motor carbon brushes
Check Price on Amazon
Drive motor assembly
Check Price on Amazon
Tachometer sensor
Check Price on Amazon
Motor control board
Check Price on Amazon
Motor carbon brushes
Check Price on Amazon
Drive motor assembly
Check Price on Amazon
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When to Call a Professional

Call a professional if the tachometer tests good but the error persists, if you're uncomfortable working with electrical components, or if the control board needs replacement. Motor control board diagnosis requires specialized knowledge and equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes Bosch washer error code F42?
F42 occurs when the motor spins too fast, usually due to a faulty tachometer (speed sensor), damaged motor control board, or worn motor components that affect speed regulation.
Can I still use my Bosch washer with F42 error?
No, you should not use the washer with F42 error. The motor running too fast can cause severe damage to the motor, transmission, and other mechanical components.
How much does it cost to fix Bosch washer F42 error?
Repair costs vary: tachometer replacement costs $50-100, motor control board replacement costs $200-400, and full motor replacement costs $300-600, plus labor if professionally installed.
Is Bosch washer F42 error covered under warranty?
F42 error is typically covered under Bosch warranty if the washer is still within the warranty period, as it usually indicates a manufacturing defect in the control system or motor components.
How do I prevent F42 error from happening again?
Prevent F42 by avoiding overloading the washer, using proper detergent amounts, keeping the washer level, and scheduling regular maintenance to check motor components and connections.