Is your Bosch dishwasher displaying an error code, stopping during a cycle, or refusing to start? The code identifies the system where the dishwasher detected a problem, such as filling, draining, leaking, heating, sensing, or electronic control.
Some Bosch dishwasher error codes have safe checks you can complete at home. Other codes involve heaters, pumps, wiring, sensors, or control boards and require professional diagnosis. Always record the full code and your dishwasher model number before resetting the appliance.
What do Bosch dishwasher error codes mean?
Bosch dishwasher error codes point to the system that could not complete its task. E15 means the leak-protection system detected water in the dishwasher base, E18 indicates insufficient water flow, E22 points to a blocked filter, E24 and E25 involve drainage, and E09 relates to the internal heating system.
Bosch code meanings can vary by model and market
Check whether the display shows E1, E01, E0100, E15, E24, or another complete combination. Similar-looking codes may have different meanings. The owner’s manual for your exact model should take priority over any general online list.
Before Troubleshooting a Bosch Dishwasher Code
Note when the code appeared. A code during filling suggests a different problem than one that appears while draining, heating, or drying.
- Write down the full error code.
- Locate the model and serial number.
- Check whether water is standing in the tub.
- Look around the door and floor for leaking.
- Listen for humming, grinding, clicking, or pump noise.
- Notice whether the dishwasher filled, sprayed, heated, or drained.
- Do not remove access panels while power is connected.
Stop the dishwasher immediately if water is leaking, the appliance continues filling while turned off, the breaker trips, you smell burning, or you see smoke or sparks. Turn off the water supply and disconnect power when it is safe to do so.
Bosch Dishwasher Codes by Problem Type
Water is not entering correctly: E14, E16, E17 or E18
Water or leaking is detected in the base: E15
The dishwasher will not drain: E22, E23, E24 or E25
The dishwasher will not heat or dry correctly: E04, E09, E10, E12 or E20
A sensor, door, diverter, or control circuit is affected: E01, E02, E03, E05, E06 or E19
The household voltage is too low: E27
How to Reset a Bosch Dishwasher Error Code
Reset procedures vary between Bosch models. Check the control panel and owner’s manual for the model-specific Cancel or Reset instruction.
- Turn the dishwasher off.
- Switch off its circuit breaker.
- Wait approximately one minute.
- Restore power.
- Run a short test cycle and watch whether the same code returns.
A reset can clear a temporary electronic interruption, but it will not remove a blockage, stop an active leak, repair a heater, or restore a failed pump or sensor.
Do not repeatedly reset E15 or another leak-related condition. Shut off the dishwasher’s water supply and arrange an inspection if water is present.
Bosch Water Inlet and Leak Error Codes
E14: Water Flow Meter or Filling-System Error
The dishwasher detected a problem measuring or controlling the water entering the appliance.
Possible causes
- Flow-meter problem
- Water inlet problem
- Damaged wiring or connector
- Electronic control issue
What you can check: Confirm that the water valve is open and that the inlet hose is not kinked. If E14 returns, the filling and measuring system requires professional testing.
E15: Water Detected in the Dishwasher Base
E15 means the leak-protection system detected water in the base beneath the dishwasher tub.
Possible causes
- Leaking hose, valve, pump, seal, or connection
- Excess detergent or incorrect detergent
- Water escaping around the door
- Overfilling or drainage problem
- Installation or levelling issue
What to do: Turn off the dishwasher and close its water supply. Look for visible water around the door, hoses, cabinets, and floor.
Do not tilt the dishwasher to clear the code. Tilting can move the water without repairing the leak and may spread it toward electrical components.
E16 or E17: Water Inlet or Filling Problem
These codes relate to water entering the dishwasher or the way the filling system is controlling the flow. The exact distinction depends on the model.
What you can check
- Confirm that the supply valve is fully open.
- Inspect the inlet hose for crushing, freezing, or kinks.
- Check whether plumbing work recently changed the water pressure.
- Use the owner’s manual to confirm the model-specific code meaning.
Arrange service if the water supply appears normal and the code returns.
E18: Low Water Flow or Low Water Level
The dishwasher did not receive enough water during the filling stage.
Common causes
- Supply valve not fully open
- Kinked or damaged inlet hose
- Low household water pressure
- Restricted inlet screen or valve
- Water-level or control problem
What you can check: Open the water valve fully and inspect the inlet hose. Do not remove an AquaStop or inlet-valve assembly unless the water and power supplies are safely disconnected.
Bosch Dishwasher Drain and Filter Error Codes
E22: Dishwasher Filter Is Blocked
Food particles and residue are restricting water movement through the removable filter system.
What you can try
- Turn the dishwasher off.
- Remove the lower rack.
- Remove the filter according to the manual.
- Wash it with warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush.
- Reinstall and lock the filter correctly.
Check for broken glass before reaching into standing water or the filter area. Wear protective gloves if sharp debris may be present.
E23: Drain Pump Problem
The dishwasher detected a blocked, electrically faulty, or non-operating drain pump.
Cleaning the filter may remove debris before it reaches the pump, but E23 commonly requires pump, wiring, or control testing.
Do not force the pump impeller or insert tools into the pump housing. Disconnect power and arrange service if the code returns.
E24: Dishwasher Is Not Draining Properly
E24 means water cannot leave the dishwasher normally.
Common causes
- Blocked dishwasher filter
- Kinked or obstructed drain hose
- Loose pump cover
- Blocked sink or garbage-disposal connection
- Disposal knockout plug not removed after installation
- Drain pump or wiring problem
What you can check: Clean the filter, inspect the accessible drain hose, and confirm that the sink drains normally. Follow the manual before checking the pump cover.
E25: Drain Pump Is Blocked or Its Cover Is Loose
The pump cannot move water correctly because the pump area is obstructed or the cover is missing or incorrectly installed.
Possible obstructions
- Food debris
- Labels or pieces of packaging
- Broken glass
- Small bones, seeds, or utensils
- Loose or improperly seated pump cover
Disconnect power and follow Bosch’s model-specific instructions before accessing the pump area. Arrange service if nothing visible is blocking the pump or the code returns.
Bosch Heating and Drying Error Codes
E09: Heat Pump Internal Heater Error
The dishwasher detected a problem with the heater integrated into the heat-pump or circulation assembly.
You may also notice
- Cold dishes at the end of the cycle
- Poor drying performance
- A cycle stopping during heating
- The same code returning after a reset
E09 normally requires electrical and heater testing. Do not attempt to bypass the heater circuit or thermal protection.
E10: CrystalDry or Zeolite Heater Error
On applicable Bosch models, E10 indicates a problem with the heater used by the CrystalDry or Zeolite drying system.
Complete one proper reset. If E10 returns or the drying system does not operate normally, arrange professional diagnosis.
E12: Limescale Buildup in the Heat Pump
Mineral deposits have accumulated in the heating system and may be interfering with normal performance.
Use a Bosch-approved dishwasher descaling product and follow the instructions for the exact model. Do not mix descaler with bleach or other cleaning chemicals.
If your dishwasher includes a water-softening system, keep the salt reservoir filled according to the manual.
E20 or E21: Heat Pump Error
E20 relates to an internal heat-pump heater fault. E21 means the heat pump is blocked or cannot operate normally.
These codes require access to the circulation, heating, and electrical systems. Reset the appliance once and arrange service if the code returns.
Bosch Control, Sensor, and Component Codes
E01: Heat-pump motor circuit fault at the main control.
E02 or E03: Main control-board relay fault.
E04: Heater-electronics fault detected during the appliance self-test.
E05: Wash-arm diverter circuit or main-control fault.
E06: Door-sensor circuit fault.
E07: CrystalDry or Zeolite fan-motor fault on applicable models.
E19: Detergent-dispenser solenoid circuit fault.
E27: Incoming household voltage is too low for normal operation.
Complete one power reset for an electronic or circuit code. If it returns, do not replace the main control board based on the code alone. Wiring, connectors, motors, sensors, switches, or the connected component may be responsible.
If E27 returns without a known power interruption, have the dishwasher’s electrical supply checked by a qualified electrician or appliance technician.
What Does the Water Tap Symbol Mean?
On models with a water-tap indicator, the symbol generally means the dishwasher is having trouble receiving or circulating water.
Check:
- Whether the water supply valve is open
- Whether the inlet hose is kinked
- Whether the filter is blocked
- Whether water is standing inside the tub
- Whether another error code appears with the symbol
Use the model-specific manual because the indicator can accompany different filling, circulation, or drainage conditions.
Why a Bosch Dishwasher Error Code Keeps Returning
A code that returns after a reset means the dishwasher is still detecting the original condition. The code identifies the affected system, but it does not always identify the failed part.
- E15 may come from a hose, valve, pump, seal, excess foam, overfill, or installation problem.
- E18 may involve the supply valve, hose, household pressure, inlet valve, flow meter, or control.
- E24 may involve the filter, drain hose, sink connection, pump cover, pump, or installation.
- E09 may involve the heater, heat-pump assembly, wiring, connectors, or control.
- Electronic codes may result from the connected component or wiring rather than the control board itself.
What Not to Do When a Bosch Dishwasher Shows an Error
- Do not repeatedly reset E15 or another active leak condition.
- Do not tilt the dishwasher to remove water from its base.
- Do not run the dishwasher when water is leaking onto the floor.
- Do not reach into the pump area without checking for broken glass.
- Do not use ordinary dishwashing liquid in the dishwasher.
- Do not bypass a door switch, heater, sensor, or leak-protection device.
- Do not remove the lower access panel while power is connected.
- Do not order a control board solely because a circuit code appears.
When to Call a Bosch Dishwasher Repair Technician
Cleaning the filter, checking accessible hoses, confirming the water valve, and completing one proper reset are reasonable first steps. Professional service is recommended when:
- The same code returns after a reset.
- E15 appears or water is leaking.
- The dishwasher continues filling while turned off.
- Standing water remains after the filter and hose are checked.
- The pump hums, grinds, or will not drain.
- The dishwasher does not heat or dry properly.
- A circuit, heater, sensor, or control code returns.
- The breaker trips repeatedly.
- You smell burning or see electrical damage.
Alpha Tech provides Bosch appliance repair and dishwasher repair in Toronto and the GTA.
What a Technician Checks During the Service Visit
The technician will confirm the full code, appliance model, and stage of the cycle where the problem appears. Mention any recent plumbing work, installation changes, power outages, detergent changes, leaks, or unusual noises.
Depending on the code, testing may include:
- Water pressure, inlet hose, flow meter, and inlet valve
- Filter, drain hose, pump cover, and drain pump
- Door seals, hoses, valves, and the dishwasher base
- Circulation pump and wash-arm diverter
- Heat-pump and drying-system components
- Door sensor and detergent-dispenser circuit
- Wiring, connectors, and incoming voltage
- Electronic controls and stored fault history
Testing the complete system helps prevent unnecessary part replacements based only on the displayed code.
Check the Official Information for Your Bosch Model
Bosch uses different code variations across dishwasher models. Use the model and serial number from the label when checking the manual or official troubleshooting information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does E15 mean on a Bosch dishwasher?
E15 means the dishwasher’s leak-protection system detected water in the base. Turn off the dishwasher, close its water supply, and arrange an inspection to locate the leak.
What does E24 mean on a Bosch dishwasher?
E24 means the dishwasher is not draining properly. Check the filter, accessible drain hose, pump cover, sink drain, and garbage-disposal connection.
What is the difference between E24 and E25?
E24 is a general drainage problem that may involve the filter, hose, installation, or pump. E25 more specifically points to a blocked drain pump or a loose or missing pump cover.
What does E09 mean on a Bosch dishwasher?
E09 indicates an internal heat-pump heater fault. The dishwasher may stop heating or drying correctly and normally requires professional electrical and heater testing.
How do I reset a Bosch dishwasher error code?
Follow the model-specific Cancel or Reset instructions. For a basic power reset, turn the dishwasher off, switch off its breaker for approximately one minute, restore power, and run a short test cycle.
Can I keep using a Bosch dishwasher with an error code?
It depends on the code, but you should stop using the dishwasher when it leaks, will not drain, continues filling, trips a breaker, smells like burning, or repeatedly displays a heater, pump, sensor, or control code.
When should I call a technician for a Bosch dishwasher code?
Book service when a code returns after a reset, water is leaking, the dishwasher will not fill or drain, or the code involves the heater, heat pump, drain pump, sensors, wiring, or electronic controls.
Is Your Bosch Dishwasher Code Still Returning?
An error code identifies the affected system, but testing is often required to determine whether the problem comes from a blockage, pump, valve, sensor, heater, wiring connection, or control.
Alpha Tech Appliance provides Bosch dishwasher diagnosis and repair for homeowners across Toronto and the GTA.