The first thing to check is whether you are a Member of Parliament. If "yes", then feel free to charge all repair fees to the taxpayer blithely excusing this as a necessary expense in your duties as an M.P....
Seriously though, this is a common problem with Bosch machines. We have a "Logixx 1400". When it comes to the appropriate point in the cycle, the display states "Softener being added". When it displays that (or similar) on your machine, pull the detergent/softener draw out just far enough to see whether water is entering the compartment. If it is, then good, because it is a fiddly, but relatively simple procedure (and if you don't break anything, shouldn't cost a penny).
However, if there is no water entering the drawer, it could be any number of problems, from a faulty control unit, to a malfunctioning inlet valve. Only experienced/confident (or foolhardy) should investigate these because the valves (located just inside the machine on the other side of the inlet hose) run on mains (240V) electricity.
To restore the machine to full function involves clearing the detergent drawer inlet pathways using one of two methods, the basic or the thorough.
BASIC: Remove the detergent drawer. If you then (crouch down and) look in the drawer compartment above where the softener is located, you will see a number of small holes where the water should enter. Using whatever you feel suitable (pipe cleaner, thin wire, etc.) try to clear these holes and the channel along which the water flows to them. It may well sort out the problem, but you won't be certain, and doesn't have the longevity of the more thorough solution. However, other than removing the detergent drawer, it doesn't involve any dismantling of the machine.
THOROUGH: (Takes about 40 minutes. Exact details are for Logixx 1400, but may translate to other models).
Tools Required: "torx" (or "star") screwdrivers size T20 and T10. Pliers or Mole Grips.
"Left" and "right" refer to machine as seen when standing in front and facing it.
FIRSTLY: Switch off and unplug machine! (You may also want to turn off the water supply to the machine.)
1) Remove detergent drawer
2) Remove machine lid (two T20 screws at rear)
3) Unscrew front panel (two T20 screws that go into either side of detergent drawer, one just below and to the right of the drawer, and one T10 screw on the very end of the front panel (on the right hand side of the machine). There is no need to disconnect the wiring, but make sure that it isn't strained/chafing. Preferably support the panel so that it is not merely hanging on the wires.
4) Remove top cross-bar (thin strip that - amongst other functions - secures the front of the detergent drawer). Held by two T20 screws.
5) Disconnect and move to one side the rubber pipes (two inlet, two drain) that go into the top of the detergent drawer compartment using the pliers (or mole grips) to grip the spring clips that secure them.
6) Gently maneuver the drawer compartment free from the body of the machine. It will still be connected to the large rubber hose that drains into the drum. Unless you want more work, leave this connected.
7) Gently (i.e. do not use brute-force) unclip (the tabs around the top side) the top part of the detergent drawer from the main body.
8) You can now get to work clearing out the gunge. The inlet channel part of the detergent drawer (the lid part that you have just separated from the main compartment) comprises two fairly flat parts that are clipped (pressed) together. VERY CAREFULLY unclip them (I used a thin, but fairly strong piece of metal. A blunt knife would be fine, a sharp one risks damaging the plastic.)
9) Scrub out all the crud. (It was fairly obvious at this point why our machine had ceased to add fabric softener despite the display indicating otherwise).
10) Refitting is simply a case of carrying out the above steps in reverse. It should all fit together with the minimum of force.
Our machine worked fine after following the above procedure.
Earl Stan VII
July 2009
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