Bosch Dishwasher Error Codes: Complete Troubleshooting Guide

Bosch dishwashers are among the most popular and reliable brands in the United States, known for their quiet operation and German engineering. But when something goes wrong, your Bosch dishwasher communicates the problem through error codes on the display panel. Whether you own a Bosch 300 Series (SHSM63W55N), 500 Series (SHPM88Z75N), 800 Series (SHPH88Z55N), or a Bosch Benchmark model, this guide decodes every error code and walks you through the fix.

How Bosch Dishwasher Error Codes Display

Bosch dishwashers display error codes in different ways depending on the model and series:

• Models with LCD display: Error codes show as E followed by a number (E15, E24, etc.)
• Models without display (base models): Error codes are indicated by a pattern of flashing lights on the front panel. The number of flashes corresponds to the error number.
• Newer models with Home Connect: Error codes appear both on the unit and in the Home Connect smartphone app.

Basic reset procedure for all Bosch dishwashers:

1. Press and hold the Start button for 3–5 seconds until the Active/Clean light comes on.
2. Close the door to initiate a drain cycle.
3. When the drain cycle completes (about 1 minute), open the door.
4. Turn off the dishwasher and wait 60 seconds before restarting.

If the error persists after reset, follow the specific code troubleshooting below.

E15 — Water in the Base Pan (Anti-Flood)

The E15 error is the most common Bosch dishwasher code and arguably the most feared. It means the anti-flood sensor (located in the base pan at the bottom of the unit) has detected water where it shouldn't be.

Common causes:

• Leaking door gasket or door seal
• Cracked or loose hose clamp on the sump, pump, or inlet connections
• Failed aquastop inlet valve (Bosch part 00263789 or 12008381)
• Cracked spray arm or spray arm seal
• Damaged tub or sump housing

How to fix:

1. Turn off the dishwasher and shut off the water supply valve under the sink.
2. Tilt method (quick fix): Carefully tilt the dishwasher backward approximately 45 degrees (have a helper). This moves water away from the float sensor. Lower it back down gently. The sensor may reset.
3. Proper fix: Pull the dishwasher out from the cabinet. Remove the bottom panel (usually 2–4 Torx T20 screws). Use towels or a wet/dry vacuum to remove water from the base pan.
4. With the base pan dry, inspect all hose connections, the door gasket, spray arm seals, and the sump area for the source of the leak. Run a short cycle with the bottom panel removed and dishwasher pulled out slightly to observe where water appears.
5. If the aquastop valve has triggered (a small device on the water inlet hose with a power connector), it may need replacement. Once triggered, many aquastop valves do not reset. Part 12008381 costs $40–$70.

Important: Do not repeatedly reset E15 without finding the leak source. The anti-flood system exists to prevent water damage to your kitchen floor and cabinets.

E24 — Drain Error

The dishwasher cannot drain water within the expected timeframe. After E15, this is the second most common Bosch error code.

Common causes:

• Clogged drain filter basket (the triple-filter system at the bottom of the tub)
• Blocked drain hose or high-loop issue
• Clogged garbage disposal knockout plug (on new disposals)
• Failed drain pump (part 00631200 or 00620774)
• Air gap blockage (if equipped)

How to fix:

1. Clean the drain filter: Remove the bottom rack. Turn the cylindrical filter counterclockwise and lift it out. Remove the fine mesh filter beneath it. Wash both under running water with a brush. This should be done monthly as maintenance.
2. Check the drain hose: The drain hose must have a high loop (elevated above the drain connection) to prevent backflow. If connected to a garbage disposal, ensure the knockout plug was removed when the disposal was installed — this is an extremely common oversight during kitchen remodels.
3. Inspect the drain pump: Access the drain pump from underneath after removing the bottom panel. Spin the impeller by hand — it should rotate freely. If it's jammed with glass shards or food debris, clear the obstruction. If the motor doesn't activate, test continuity with a multimeter (should read 15–30 ohms).
4. Check the air gap: If your dishwasher drains through an air gap (the chrome cylinder on the countertop near the sink), remove the cap and clean the interior.

E25 — Drain Pump Blockage

Similar to E24 but specifically indicates the drain pump impeller is obstructed or the pump cover is not properly seated.

How to fix:

1. Remove the drain filter assembly and look down into the sump area.
2. The drain pump cover is a flat disk with a small handle or tab. Turn it counterclockwise and remove it.
3. Check for broken glass, bones, fruit pits, or other debris blocking the impeller.
4. Ensure the pump cover seats properly when reinstalled — a loose cover prevents proper suction.

E09 — Heating Element Failure

The dishwasher's heating element (used for heating wash water and drying) has failed or is not reaching the expected temperature.

Common causes:

• Burned-out heating element (part 00480317 or 12008656)
• Failed thermistor (temperature sensor)
• Control board not sending power to the heater
• Hard water scale buildup insulating the heating element

How to fix:

1. Test the heating element for continuity with a multimeter. Access from underneath the dishwasher. It should read 10–30 ohms. An open circuit means the element is burned out.
2. Inspect for visible damage or heavy scale buildup.
3. Check the thermistor (usually mounted near the element or on the sump). It should read approximately 55kΩ at room temperature for Bosch NTC thermistors.
4. Heating element replacement costs $40–$80 for the part and typically requires removing the sump assembly, making it a $200–$350 professional repair.

E01 / E02 — Control Board Error

These codes indicate an issue with the main electronic control module.

Common causes:

• Power surge damage to the control board
• Moisture infiltration into the control board housing
• Failed relay or TRIAC on the board
• Software glitch

How to fix:

1. Try a hard reset: Turn off the breaker for 5 minutes, then restore power.
2. If E01/E02 persists, the control board likely needs replacement. On Bosch dishwashers, the main board is usually located in the door panel.
3. Control board replacement (part 00705047 or model-specific) costs $150–$300 for the part and $250–$450 total with professional installation and programming.

E04 — Flow Sensor Error

The flow sensor (also called the flow meter or turbine sensor) monitors the amount of water entering the dishwasher. E04 means it's sending an incorrect signal.

Common causes:

• Clogged or calcified flow sensor
• Failed flow sensor (part 00611317)
• Low water pressure
• Partially closed water supply valve

How to fix:

1. Check that the water supply valve is fully open.
2. Clean the inlet filter screen (located where the water supply hose connects to the dishwasher).
3. The flow sensor is located on or near the water inlet valve. Disconnect and clean it of any mineral deposits.
4. If cleaning doesn't help, replace the sensor ($25–$50).

E12 — Heavy Scale/Calcification

This code appears on some Bosch models when the unit detects excessive mineral buildup affecting performance.

How to fix:

1. Run an empty cycle with a dishwasher descaling product (like Bosch's own descaler, part 00311918).
2. If your area has hard water (above 120 PPM), use the built-in water softener (on European-made models) or add a rinse aid regularly.
3. Clean the spray arms — remove them by unscrewing the center nut and flush the nozzles under running water. Use a toothpick to clear clogged holes.

E14 / E16 — Water Inlet Issues

E14 indicates the flow sensor doesn't detect water during filling. E16 indicates water filling when it shouldn't be (unintentional fill).

E14 fix: Check water supply, inlet valve, and hose. Similar troubleshooting to E04.

E16 fix (more serious): The water inlet valve is stuck open, allowing water to enter continuously.

1. Shut off the water supply immediately.
2. The inlet valve (aquastop valve) needs replacement. This is not a DIY fix for most homeowners due to the integrated aquastop system.
3. Professional repair typically costs $180–$300.

E22 — Drain Filter Clogged

The sensors detect insufficient water flow through the drain system, typically caused by a dirty filter.

How to fix:

1. Clean all three levels of the drain filter (cylindrical mesh filter, flat fine-mesh filter, and the coarse debris collector).
2. Run a cleaning cycle.
3. If the code persists after thorough cleaning, the drain pump may be losing efficiency (see E24).

E27 — Low Voltage

The dishwasher detects power supply voltage below the operating threshold.

How to fix:

1. Check your home's voltage with a multimeter at the outlet. Bosch dishwashers require 120V ±10% (108V–132V).
2. Avoid running the dishwasher during peak electrical usage times if you have voltage drop issues.
3. If voltage is consistently low, consult an electrician — the issue is in your home's electrical system, not the dishwasher.

Bosch Dishwasher Diagnostic Mode

For newer Bosch models (2015+):

1. Close the door.
2. Press and hold the two buttons to the left and right of the Start button simultaneously for 3 seconds.
3. The display enters diagnostic mode showing the last recorded error.
4. Press the Start button to advance through the diagnostic tests.

For older models:

1. Turn the program dial to the OFF position.
2. Press and hold the Power Scrub Plus + Regular Wash buttons (or the two rightmost program buttons).
3. While holding, turn the dial to position 1. Release buttons after 3 seconds.
4. The diagnostic test begins automatically.

Preventive Maintenance Schedule

Preventing error codes is easier and cheaper than fixing them:

• Monthly: Clean the triple-filter system. Run an empty hot cycle with a cup of white vinegar.
• Every 3 months: Clean spray arm nozzles. Wipe door gasket with a damp cloth. Check and clean the drain area.
• Every 6 months: Inspect the door gasket for wear or damage. Run a descaling cycle if you have hard water. Check the drain hose for kinks.
• Annually: Pull the dishwasher out and inspect the base pan for moisture. Check all hose connections for leaks. Inspect the aquastop valve and water supply line.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I clear the E15 error on my Bosch dishwasher? A: The quickest method is to tilt the dishwasher backward about 45 degrees to move water off the float sensor, then lower it back. However, this only resets the sensor — you must find and fix the leak that caused E15 in the first place. Pull the unit out, remove the bottom panel, dry the base pan, and inspect all connections during a test cycle to identify the leak source.

Q: Why does my Bosch dishwasher show E24 when the filter is clean? A: If E24 persists after cleaning the filters, check these often-overlooked causes: (1) the garbage disposal knockout plug wasn't removed, (2) the drain hose doesn't have a proper high loop, (3) the check valve in the drain pump is stuck, or (4) the drain pump impeller is worn and can't generate enough suction. Try disconnecting the drain hose at the disposal/sink connection and running a drain cycle into a bucket to isolate the problem.

Q: What is the lifespan of a Bosch dishwasher? A: Bosch dishwashers typically last 10–13 years with proper maintenance. The 800 and Benchmark series tend to last slightly longer due to higher-quality components. The most common end-of-life failure is the circulation pump motor, which costs $250–$400 to replace.

Q: Is it worth repairing a Bosch dishwasher? A: Generally yes for units under 8 years old. Bosch uses high-quality components that justify repair costs. Common repairs like the drain pump ($150–$250), door gasket ($80–$150), or inlet valve ($180–$300) are worth it for a $800–$1,500 dishwasher. For units over 10 years old with major component failures (circulation pump, control board), replacement may be more cost-effective.

When to Call a Professional

Certain Bosch dishwasher repairs should be left to certified technicians:

• E15 with recurring leaks — If you've cleared E15 multiple times and the leak persists, a technician can pressure-test connections and identify hidden leaks.
• E01/E02 control board errors — Board-level diagnosis requires specialized equipment, and replacement boards must be programmed to your specific model.
• E16 (unintended water fill) — A stuck-open inlet valve is a flood risk and should be addressed urgently by a professional.
• Any error involving the circulation pump — The main wash pump is integrated into the sump assembly and requires significant disassembly to access.
• Aquastop valve replacement — Bosch's integrated aquastop system requires precise installation to function correctly as a safety device.

Bosch-trained technicians have access to proprietary diagnostic software and can read detailed error logs stored in the control board's memory, often revealing intermittent issues that a single error code doesn't capture.

Dealing with a stubborn Bosch dishwasher error code? EasyBear's technicians are factory-trained on all Bosch series and carry the most common Bosch parts on every service call. We offer a free diagnostic visit — our tech will identify the exact problem, explain the repair options and costs upfront, and fix it on the spot in most cases. Every repair includes our 90-day parts and labor warranty. Book your free Bosch dishwasher diagnosis today.