Step-by-Step DIY Fix Guide
- SAFETY: No electrical hazard — the child lock prevents zones from activating. The cooktop surface is safe to touch if no prior cooking was done.
- Locate the lock symbol on your cooktop control panel (typically a padlock or key icon).
- Press and hold the lock button for 3–5 seconds — the cooktop will typically beep and the lock indicator will turn off.
- If holding the lock button does not clear it, check your user manual — some models require a two-button combination.
- Alternatively, disconnect power at the circuit breaker for 30 seconds, then restore — this resets the lock on most models.
If the door warning comes back
- If the door closes normally but the warning keeps returning, the latch or switch path becomes more likely than a simple alignment issue.
- If airflow still seems weak after the basic checks, the fan path or a deeper obstruction becomes more likely.
- Child lock cannot be deactivated by button sequence or power reset — board or control panel fault suspected
What This Error Means
Error Child Lock on your Bosch cooktop means: The cooktop child safety lock is engaged. All zone and power controls are disabled to prevent accidental operation. This is not an error — it is an intentional safety feature. The appliance's self-diagnostic system has flagged this condition and may have disabled the affected zone or function to prevent damage or unsafe operation.
The most frequent cause is child lock was deliberately activated by pressing and holding the lock button. Work through the causes and fix steps below in order — starting with the simplest check.
This condition is DIY-safe. No tools are required and the fix typically takes under 10 minutes. Follow all steps in sequence.
Indicator conditions like child lock and demonstration mode are common sources of confusion because they cause the cooktop to appear completely unresponsive. They are never a sign of hardware failure — the fix is always a button sequence or power reset.
Most Likely Cause by Symptom
This display item is often a status or indicator message rather than a true fault.
Likely cause: Child lock was deliberately activated by pressing and holding the lock button
Check first: SAFETY: No electrical hazard — the child lock prevents zones from activating. The cooktop surface is safe to touch if no prior cooking was done.
Common Causes
- Child lock was deliberately activated by pressing and holding the lock button
- Child lock was activated accidentally — a common occurrence in households with young children
- Some models auto-activate the child lock after a power cycle
What Not to Do
- Do not assume the cooktop is broken when the child lock is active — controls will not respond until the lock is released
Model and Display Variation Notes
Model-family notes
- Bosch cooktop display wording and code formats can vary by series.
- If your model behaves differently, check the owner manual before trying any deeper maintenance step.
Display and panel differences
- Panel wording can vary by series, so confirm the exact code pattern before buying parts.
Parts, Tools and Service Options
Manual and model check
Check your exact model and manual before ordering any Bosch cooktop parts.
This section stays model-first because exact manual and parts matching matters more than a generic replacement suggestion here.
When Not to Keep Troubleshooting
Child lock cannot be deactivated by button sequence or power reset — board or control panel fault suspected
How to Prevent It Recurring
- Note your model's specific lock/unlock button sequence in the user manual so you can quickly deactivate the lock when needed
Related Error Codes
dE
The cooktop display shows 'dE' when the unit is in demonstration mode (display mode without heating) or when the child safety lock is engaged, depending on the model.
All indicators flashing
All display indicators on the cooktop are flashing simultaneously, signaling a general system fault. This typically indicates an internal error that the cooktop's self-diagnostic system has detected but cannot pinpoint to a single component.
Extra notes
- This page is based on Bosch support material and stays conservative where model-specific guidance may vary.
- The goal is to help you identify safe first checks before you move into parts, service, or model-specific manual lookup.
Source and model notes
Last reviewed: 2026-04-07
Based on: Based on Bosch support material and edited into consumer-safe guidance for the exact code family on this page.
Model coverage note: Bosch cooktop code meanings can vary by series, control panel, and model family, so use this page as a safe starting point rather than a replacement for the model-specific manual.
Important: FixThisError is an independent guide, not the manufacturer. Use your model-specific manual when the panel wording or behavior differs.
Always disconnect power before inspecting appliances. If unsure, contact a licensed appliance technician.