Bosch Dishwasher Error Codes Troubleshooting (what to do)

Bosch dishwashers are known for their efficiency and reliability however, that doesn’t mean they won’t produce the odd error code every once in a while. In this article we look at all of the common Bosch dishwasher error codes, explain what they signify and advise on the best ways to remedy any issues.

If you own a Bosch dishwasher, you might want to bookmark this page for future reference.

Bosch Dishwasher Error Codes Troubleshooting Guide

The table below lists a short summary of the most common Bosch dishwasher error codes including a short explanation of what they mean and then, below the table we go into detail on how to solve the issue that particular error code represents.

Bosch Dishwasher Error Code	What It Means
E0	The dishwasher has entered a diagnostic test mode
E1	Issues with the heating element
E2	Faulty temperature sensor
E3	Dishwasher not filling with water
E4	Heating system or water level sensor issue
E5	Dishwasher filling with too much water
E6	Door latch fault
E7	Drying fault
E8	Insufficient water in the heater
E9	Heater fault
E12	A build up of limescale in the heat pump
E13	Water temperature is too high
E14 & E18	No water flow detected
E15	Water detected in the base of the appliance
E16 & E17	Excessive water flow into the dishwasher
E19	Internal valve malfunction
E21, E23 & E25	Drain pump malfunction
E22	Filter is blocked
E24	Dishwasher not draining correctly
E26	Diverter motor fault
E27, E29 & E30	Power voltage issue
E28	Aqua sensor fault

Ways To Remedy Error Codes Presented On A Bosch Dishwasher

Now we have identified what the error code indicates, let’s look at ways to solve the issues presented.

Bosch Dishwasher Error Code E0

Error code E0 isn’t really an error code, it signifies that the dishwasher has entered into a diagnostic test sequence. The “0” means there’s no fault so there are no errors to remedy.

If you want to exit this diagnostic phase to use the dishwasher, check your user manual. In the absence of a user manual, you could try turning the power off and waiting 10 minutes before turning it back on again.

Bosch Dishwasher Error Code E1

Error code E1 on a Bosch dishwasher indicates there is a problem with the heating element. Often because the appliance has sensed burn issues or damages caused by hard water.

The first thing you should check is the connections, make sure they are all clean and in their correct positions. If any of the connections from any component that connects to the heating element is faulty it will need to be replaced.

Then check the hoses for any kinks or blockages before checking for continuity using a multimeter.

Bosch Dishwasher Error Code E2

Bosch dishwashers have several sensors that are designed to keep the appliance running at its best. One of these is the thermistor which regulates the temperature of the appliance and is particularly active during long wash cycles.

If the E2 error code is displayed, it could either be that the thermistor has developed a fault or there is a loose or damaged wire connection. You can check on this yourself if you feel confident, if not, we advise you to contact Bosch directly or an independent engineer.

To check the thermistor yourself you will need to;

1. Remove the plug from the wall socket
2. Turn off the water supply to the dishwasher
3. Remove the cover and kick plate to access the thermistor connector
4. Use a multimeter to test the thermistor for continuity, if it’s OK it should read anywhere between 20 to 60 KOHM. Anything above or below this range would indicate that the error is likely to keep on happening and you should replace the thermistor.

Bosch Dishwasher Error Code E3

Error code E3 indicates that the dishwasher cannot fill up with water. The first thing to check is that your water supply hasn’t been cut off due to an external leak.

Then check the inlet hose on your dishwasher to see that it doesn’t have a twist in the hose and also that the inlet tap is turned on. If everything looks OK it’s most likely to be that the inlet valve is faulty and will need to be replaced.

Limescale can build up and cause the inlet valve to become blocked over time, the best solution is to replace the inlet valve as cleaning the limescale from the old one is often fraught with problems and doesn’t last long anyway.

Bosch Dishwasher Error Code E4

This indicates an issue with either the heating system or a problem with a water level sensor. If it’s caused by a water level sensor, gently tipping the dishwasher to move any water stuck in the drain pan could solve it.

However, if the error code is still showing after tipping the appliance, it’s probably because there’s a fault with the heating system. This is a problem best left to a Bosch engineer to solve.

Bosch Dishwasher Error Code E5

Error code E5 usually indicates that the appliance is overfilling with water. The most common cause is a faulty float switch which is designed to float as the level of water within the dishwasher rises.

Once it reaches a certain level, the float causes the inlet valve to close and prevents any more water from entering the appliance. If the float switch develops a fault, the E5 error code will display to let you know there’s a problem. 

To solve this you’ll need to replace the faulty float switch.

Bosch Dishwasher Error Code E6

Error code E6 usually indicates a problem with the door mechanism. However, on some models it can indicate that the turbidity sensor has failed.

Either way, this fault involves the complete disassembly of the appliance and is best left to a Bosch technician to remedy.

Bosch Dishwasher Error Code E7

This indicates a problem with the drying system. The first thing to check is the drying fan, look for any damage and check for continuity using a multimeter.

If the fan is OK you’ll need to check the wiring from the control board to the drying fan before you can resolve this issue.

Bosch Dishwasher Error Code E8

Error code E8 indicates that the control board has detected a loss of water during the cycle. This could have been caused by a dish that has overturned and collected water during the cycle.

Pause the cycle and check for overturned dishes, if this issue wasn’t caused by an overturned dish, you should check the tub and the heat exchanger for any leaks.

It could also have been caused by a twisted inlet hose or a faulty inlet valve.

Bosch Dishwasher Error Code E9

This error code indicates that the heater or the heating relay on the control board has a fault. To check this you’ll need to check the resistance of the heater using a multimeter.

If it’s the control board, this is best left to a Bosch technician.

Bosch Dishwasher Error Code E12

 This is a rare error code for Bosch dishwashers, but is used to indicate that the appliance has detected too much limescale build up.

To resolve this issue you will need to descale the appliance. Bosch actually approves a descaler which can be found below.

Bosch Dishwasher Error Code E13

Error code E13 indicates that the water temperature in your dishwasher is too hot. The temperature of the water in a Bosch dishwasher rarely goes above 75C and if it does, it usually means there’s a problem.

It could even cause your appliance to stop working. You can often solve this just by resetting your dishwasher. To do this all you need to do is disconnect the plug from the wall socket and wait for 10 minutes. Then reconnect the plug and turn on the dishwasher.

If the error code has gone, the issue is solved, if not you will need to replace the temperature sensor.

Error Codes E14 & E18

If either of these error codes appear on the display of your Bosch dishwasher, it indicates that the appliance can’t detect any water flow. This is usually caused by a faulty control module or the water inlet valve is faulty.

Bosch Dishwasher Error Code E15

This code indicates that there is water detected in the base of the dishwasher. To remove this code sometimes all that’s needed is to unplug the appliance for 10 minutes and then plug it back in and turn it on again.

If the error code reappears, you’ll need to remove the water from the base of the unit and then investigate exactly what has caused it.

Bosch Dishwasher Error Codes E16 & E17

If either of these error codes are displayed there’s the potential for your home to become flooded. This is because there is too much water entering the dishwasher.

The most common cause is a faulty water inlet valve. To try to remedy this you should unplug the appliance from the wall socket for at least 10 minutes. Once you plug it back in and turn it on, if the code persists you should;

1. Inspect the tank and check for too much foam from soap suds.
2. Clean the inlet valve filter for any dirt or grit.
3. Check the water sensor especially if the error code shows and there’s no water in the tray. This would indicate that the sensor is faulty and needs to be replaced.

Bosch Dishwasher Error Code E19

If this error code is displayed on your Bosch dishwasher, it indicates that there’s a fault with an internal valve. 

We recommend that you turn off the water supply to the appliance, unplug it and contact Bosch for an engineer to come and check out your dishwasher.

Bosch Dishwasher Error Codes E21, E23 & E25

These error codes show that the appliance has detected a problem with the drain pump. To resolve this you’ll need to remove and clean the filter and then inspect the pump which is located below the filter and check that the impeller is rotating freely.

Bosch Dishwasher Error Code E22

This error code indicates that the filter on your Bosch dishwasher is clogged. This should be relatively easy to solve, all you need to do is remove the filter and wash it using warm water and a brush.

Be sure to remove all food particles, grease, etc before replacing the filter. However, in some cases this could indicate a bigger issue which could include the control board, the drain pump, drain hose etc.

So if cleaning the filter doesn’t solve the problem you’ll need to inspect these other areas too.

Bosch Dishwasher Error Code E24

Error code E24 indicates a problem with drainage which is usually caused by a faulty drain pump or a blocked drain hose. Check that the drain hose isn’t twisted or kinked and inspect the pump for any blockages or damage.

If the pump doesn’t pass a continuity test it will need to be replaced.

Bosch Dishwasher Error Code E26

The E26 error code indicates that there’s a problem with the diverter motor on your Bosch dishwasher. This is best left to a qualified engineer and so we recommend contacting Bosch if your dishwasher displays this error code.

Bosch Dishwasher Error Codes E27, E29 & E30

These error codes indicate that there’s a problem with the voltage. You can often solve this by unplugging the appliance for 20 minutes and then plugging it back in again.

If this doesn’t resolve the issue, you’ll need to contact an engineer.

Bosch Dishwasher Error Code E28

Error code E28 usually indicates that there’s a fault with the aqua sensor in your Bosch dishwasher. To fix this involves dismantling your appliance and is best left to an expert. This is another one best left to Bosch to fix.

What Does H01 Mean On A Bosch Dishwasher?

If you see H01 displayed on your Bosch dishwasher it indicates that your dishwasher is in delayed start mode. You will either have to wait for the set time to elapse before your dishwasher will start or you could clear the delayed start by performing a hard reset.

How To Perform A Hard Reset On A Bosch Dishwasher

To clear any cycle or programme on a Bosch dishwasher all you need to do is;

1. Remove the plug from the wall socket
2. Wait 10 to 15 minutes
3. Replace the plug into the wall socket
4. Turn the dishwasher on

The appliance should now be reset and any memory temporarily stored should have been cleared.

SEE ALSO: 

• Bosch Dishwasher Not Draining At End Of Cycle? (here’s why & what to do)
• Bosch Dishwasher Starts Then Stops? (here’s why & how to fix)
• Bosch Silence Plus 44 DBA Troubleshooting Guide (everything you need to know)

Frequently Asked Questions