Bosch [CrE] status codewhat it means

This is a prompt, not a problem, and it is on this site mainly because it is genuinely difficult to search for. Bosch’s display legend gives it as "Run the basic appliance care programme", and what the machine wants is for you to fill it with water — about a litre and a half — and start a cleaning cycle: around an hour on the models that spell it CrE, about forty minutes on the CArE machines. On the current SelfCleaning heat pump models this is how the inside of the machine gets cleaned — there is no user access to the heat exchanger and no manual cleaning procedure, so the care programme is the maintenance rather than an optional extra.

Bosch’s own description is modest: the basic programme is "to remove light dirt deposits in the appliance" after "a longer period of use", and on the CArE machines "to rectify malfunctions". Ignore the prompt and the machine gradually loses efficiency in exactly the way a blocked filter would cause. Here is the awkward part. The same prompt is spelled CrE on some models and CArE on others, and it does not split by brand.

Bosch’s WQG24500GB and WQH246D9GB show CrE, and so do the Siemens WQ45G203GB and WQ46H2D9GB. The top-of-range Iron Assist machines — Bosch WRB247C9GB and Siemens WR47B2C9GB — show CArE. Both are current, both are correct, and an owner searching for one spelling will not find a page written for the other. Two related strings often mistaken for faults: CP1 and CP2 appear alternating with a running time while a care programme is being set up. CP2 is the intensive version, which Bosch state must not be cancelled; it runs about four hours on the CrE machines and about two and a half on the CArE ones, needs Bosch’s own appliance care product on the CrE machines, and pauses part way for you to empty and refill.

1. 1

   Take any washing out. The care programme is a machine cleaning cycle and Bosch’s first requirement is "The drum is empty."

2. 2

   Prepare the machine the way your manual says, because the two platforms differ. On the CrE machines (WQG24500GB and its relatives): switch off, clean the fluff filter and empty the condensation container. On the CArE machines (WRB247C9GB and its relatives): empty the container, then run the Timed Programme Warm for 30 minutes with no laundry, and empty the container again.

3. 3

   Add the water. CrE machines: pour approximately 1.5 litres of hot mains water into the condensation container, hold it level so nothing spills, and push it in until it locks. CArE machines: remove and clean the fluff filter, pour approximately 1.6 litres of mains water into the machine through the filter recess, refit the filter and close the door.

4. 4

   Start the basic programme with the button sequence in your manual — on the WQG24500GB it is selector to position 1, then hold Iron Dry while turning to position 4; on the WRB247C9GB it is switch on and turn the selector to position 5. CP1 and the running time alternate on the display; press Start. The sequence is model-specific, so check your own manual’s Appliance care chapter rather than guessing.

5. 5

   Let it run to End, then empty the condensation container and switch off. If you have chosen the intensive programme, CP2 shows instead, on the CrE machines it needs a bottle of Bosch’s appliance care product in the water, and part way through the machine pauses with the remaining time flashing so you can empty the container and refill it with water before pressing Start to continue.

   Bosch state the intensive programme "must not be cancelled". Cancelling it part way leaves the maintenance incomplete and the prompt will return.