Bosch Heat Pump: Start a manual defrost test (hold FORCE 6 s)
Start a manual defrost test (hold FORCE 6 s) on a Bosch heat pump: Holding FORCE for 6 seconds starts a forced defrost test. The unit must be in a heating call and have run 8 minutes or more. Defrost starts after about 40 seconds and the display shows dF.
Applies to: BOVA IDS 2.0, IDS Premium Connected and IDS Light heat pumps
How to fix start a manual defrost test (hold force 6 s): step by step
- Make sure there is a heat call and the unit has run 8 minutes or more
- Press and hold the FORCE button for 6 seconds
- Wait about 40 seconds; the display shows dF
- For a second test wait 5 minutes and repeat
If the unit shows an error code, look it up: Bosch Heat Pump codes
Models
Bosch IDS 2.0
BOVA-36HDN1-M20GBOVA-60HDN1-M20G
Bosch IDS Light
Bosch IDS Premium Connected
Source: Bosch IDS Premium Connected BTC 762003301 D (02.2025), 18.4 Defrost Description p.46; IDS Light BTC 762003308 D, Manual Defrost; IDS 2.0 service Rev3, 10.2.1 p.31. Written in our own words as a summary; always check the original manual.
General guidance for qualified technicians. The manufacturer's installation and service manual and local codes always take priority. Aurora Star Tech is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by any equipment manufacturer; brand and model names are used only to identify equipment and belong to their owners.