Bosch Oven Error Code F42
F42 is F41's lower-cavity version on double ovens: the lower door's motorised latch did not reach the locked position when commanded. It most often appears when a self-clean is started on the lower oven.
Common causes
- Lower door not sealing or held slightly open
- Lower latch motor or mechanism jammed or failed
- Latch switch contacts worn or wiring pinched
- Control board latch circuit fault
What to check, in order
- Cancel the lower oven function, re-close the lower door firmly and check the racks are pushed fully in.
- Inspect the lower latch and door frame for debris or distortion, especially after a self-clean cycle.
- Reset power at the breaker for a minute, then start a lower-oven self-clean and listen for the latch motor.
- Persistent F42 with a free-moving door means the latch assembly, switches or board need testing — book a technician.
Clear the code and test
- Fix what the checks above found first. Clearing the code without fixing the cause only brings it back.
- Plug the appliance back in and restore its water supply if it has one.
- Run the shortest programme and watch the point where the code appeared before.
- If the programme finishes with no code, the fault is cleared. If the code returns, write it down before calling a technician — it speeds up the diagnosis.
When to call a professional
Most cases are solved by the checks above. Book a technician if any of these apply:
- The code comes back after you have run the checks and a test cycle.
- You smell burning, see sparks or scorch marks, or the breaker trips.
- Water is leaking and you cannot stop it at the tap.
- The fix needs panels opened beyond what your manual describes, or a part tested with a meter, and you are not set up for that.
When you call, give the brand, the code F42, your model number (on a label inside the door or on the back) and the checks you already ran. It shortens the visit.
Parts that may be involved
Door latch assemblyLatch motorLatch switch
Parts are model-specific. Find your model number first — usually on a label inside the door, on the door frame or on the back — and match the part to that number before ordering.
Questions people ask about F42
What does F42 mean on a Bosch oven?
F42 means: Lower oven door latch will not lock. F42 is F41's lower-cavity version on double ovens: the lower door's motorised latch did not reach the locked position when commanded. It most often appears when a self-clean is started on the lower oven.
Can I fix Bosch F42 myself?
Start yourself: the checks on this page cover the causes you can reach without opening the machine up. If they point to a faulty part, testing or replacing it is usually a technician job.
How do I clear Bosch F42?
Fix the cause first — clearing the code on its own brings it straight back. Then restore power and water, run the shortest programme, and watch the stage where the code appeared. If the programme finishes with no code, it is cleared.
Sources checked
- Bosch Home (US) owner support: dishwasher error codes
- Coolblue advice: Bosch and Siemens washing machine errors
The meaning and checks for this code were checked against the sources above in November 2026. Codes vary by model and region; if your manual lists a different meaning for your exact model, follow the manual.