Bosch Washer dr:20 Signals a Shorted Inverter Output Stage

What dr:20 means

Where dr:01 describes a single switching element failing, dr:20 means the output stage of the inverter has gone down as a whole. Bosch ties it to a shorted IGBT and heavy current, and prescribes a new inverter. The giveaway is often decisive: the washer trips the household breaker when you try to power it on.

Common causes of dr:20

Inverter output stage shorted
Overcurrent flowing through the drive
Motor trouble that brought down the output stage

✓ One safe check you can try

1. Leave the breaker for the washer off. 2. Do not reset it repeatedly. 3. If the washer trips the circuit as soon as it is switched on, stop there. That is a clear sign to call and not to try again. Note when the breaker tripped, and what the washer was doing.

! Why to stop there

A repeatedly tripping breaker means current is flowing where it should not.
Resetting the breaker over and over can overheat wiring.
The inverter is among the most costly parts, so a precise diagnosis is worth having.

Opening a panel yourself does not automatically cancel a manufacturer warranty, but it can cause accidental damage, and some manufacturers set their own service conditions. Check your warranty terms, or ask us, before deciding.

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Other Washer codes

dr:21Sustained High Voltage and Bosch Washer dr:21 dr:22Bosch Washer dr:22 Reports Failure of the Inverter's Own Temperature Sensor dr:15Bosch Washer dr:15 Gives an Early Warning From the Power Limiter dr:19Bosch Washer dr:19 Shows That the Motor Phases Don't Match Er:21Bosch Washer Er:21 Reports Too Much Foam Er:22Er:22 on a Bosch Washer That Can't Lock On to the Power Supply Er:24Bosch Washer Er:24 Names the Relay That Feeds the Motor Drive Er:25Bosch Washer Er:25 When the Door Lock Coil Overheats

dr:20dr:20 questions

Why does the breaker trip?

A shorted output stage draws far more current than the circuit allows, so the breaker opens to protect the wiring. It is doing its job, and resetting it again does not help.

Might the motor be damaged as well?

Possibly. A short can stress the motor, or a bad motor can cause the short. We test both before recommending parts. That avoids a second repair.

Can the inverter be repaired instead of replaced?

Bosch's documented remedy is replacement. Because the power stage is part of a sealed module, that is typically the practical choice. We confirm that diagnosis with tests before ordering the part.