Bosch Dishwasher Error Codes — Complete E-Code Reference & Fixes

Bosch dishwashers use a standardized error code system across all series (100, 300, 500, 800) with the format E## for user-visible errors and Er## for service-mode-only diagnostics. These codes are shared across the BSH Home Appliances platform — the same codes appear on Thermador and Gaggenau dishwashers since all three brands share Bosch engineering.

Understanding these codes saves significant diagnostic time because each code points to a specific subsystem. Unlike generic "check appliance" indicators on budget brands, Bosch's error architecture is genuinely informative and actionable.

Accessing Error Codes on Your Bosch Dishwasher

Active Error Display

When an error occurs during operation, the code displays directly on the panel. On models with a digital display, you see "E" followed by two digits. On models with only LED indicators, errors display as a blinking pattern (count the blinks between pauses).

Stored Error History (Diagnostic Mode)

Your Bosch stores the last several error events even after a reset:

1. Close the dishwasher door
2. Press and hold Power Scrub Plus + Regular Wash simultaneously for 3 seconds
3. Display shows "0:01" — diagnostic mode is active
4. Any stored error codes appear on the display
5. Press Start to cycle through stored codes
6. To clear codes and exit: press and hold Start for 3 seconds

This same diagnostic sequence works on Thermador dishwashers (BSH group).

Critical Error Codes & Solutions

E15 — Water in Base Pan (AquaStop Activated)

What it means: The float switch in the base pan beneath the tub has detected water. The AquaStop valve in the supply hose has closed to prevent flooding. This is Bosch's most common error code.

Common triggers:

• Residual factory test water after new installation
• Machine was tilted during delivery or repositioning
• Actual internal leak (pump seal, hose connection, door gasket)
• Condensation accumulation over extended time

Resolution:

1. Disconnect power and water supply
2. Remove the bottom access panel (2x T20 Torx screws)
3. Tilt the machine backward 45 degrees for 30 seconds — water flows from base pan back into tub
4. Use towels to absorb any remaining moisture
5. Level the machine and restore power — E15 should clear
6. If E15 returns within a few cycles, an active leak exists — check pump seals, door gasket, and hose connections

Note: The AquaStop hose is a sealed unit. If the valve inside the hose has failed, the entire hose assembly must be replaced — it cannot be spliced or bypassed.

E22 — Filter System Blocked

What it means: The flow sensor detects insufficient water circulation, indicating the triple-filter assembly is severely clogged and restricting flow to the spray arms.

Common triggers:

• Neglected filter maintenance (Bosch's filter-only system — no food grinder — requires weekly cleaning)
• Broken glass lodged in the fine filter mesh
• Grease accumulation on the microfilter cylinder

Resolution:

1. Remove the lower rack and spray arm (pull straight up)
2. Remove the cylindrical microfilter (quarter turn counterclockwise, then lift)
3. Remove the flat fine filter beneath it
4. Clean both thoroughly under running water with a soft brush
5. Inspect the sump cavity — remove any debris, glass shards, or food pieces
6. Reinstall: flat filter first (seated in guides), then microfilter (quarter turn clockwise to lock)
7. Run a short cycle — E22 should not return if filters are clean and properly seated

E24 — Drain Blockage Detected

What it means: The drain flow sensor indicates water is not evacuating from the tub within the expected timeframe. The control module has attempted to pump but detects water level isn't dropping.

Common triggers:

• Drain hose kinked or improperly routed (must maintain 20-inch high loop)
• Garbage disposal knockout plug not removed (common after new disposal installation)
• Drain pump impeller partially obstructed
• Drain hose connected to an air gap that is itself blocked

Resolution:

1. Check the drain hose routing — it must rise to at least 20 inches before descending to the disposal/drain
2. Verify the disposal knockout plug has been removed if connected to a disposal
3. Disconnect the drain hose from the disposal end and check for blockage
4. If the hose is clear, access the drain pump through the base plate — check impeller for debris
5. Run a drain test from diagnostic mode to verify pump operation in isolation

E25 — Drain Pump Cover or Impeller Obstruction

What it means: Similar to E24 but more specific — the pump is attempting to run but the impeller cannot rotate. This typically means a physical obstruction rather than a downstream blockage.

Common triggers:

• Broken glass fragment lodged in pump impeller
• Fruit pit or bone caught between impeller and pump housing
• Impeller detached from motor shaft (rare, indicates pump replacement needed)
• Drain pump cover not fully secured after previous service

Resolution:

1. Disconnect power at the breaker
2. Remove the bottom access panel (2x T20 Torx)
3. Locate the drain pump impeller cover — a circular twist-off cap on the pump body
4. Place a shallow pan below — water will release when cover is removed
5. Twist cover counterclockwise and remove
6. Extract any foreign objects with needle-nose pliers (caution with glass)
7. Spin the impeller by hand — it should rotate freely
8. Reinstall cover (ensure O-ring is seated) and test

E09 — Heating Element Failure

What it means: The control module has energized the heating circuit but the NTC temperature sensor reports no temperature rise within the expected time. On Bosch dishwashers, the heating element is integrated into the circulation pump (BSH 00442548) — it is not a separate exposed coil like traditional dishwashers.

Common triggers:

• Heating element within the circulation pump has burned out
• NTC sensor has failed (reporting incorrect temperature — the heater may actually work)
• Control board relay stuck open (power not reaching heater circuit)
• Wiring harness connection to circulation pump loose

Resolution:

1. Enter diagnostic mode and run the heating test
2. Access the circulation pump through the base plate
3. Measure heater resistance across its terminals — expect 10–15 ohms (open circuit = burned out)
4. Measure NTC sensor resistance — approximately 50K ohms at room temperature (should decrease as temperature rises)
5. If the heater has failed, the entire circulation pump (BSH 00442548) must be replaced (heater is integrated)
6. If only the NTC sensor has failed, it can be replaced independently (much lower cost)

E01 — Heating Timeout

What it means: The dishwasher has been trying to heat water but hasn't reached target temperature within the maximum allowed time. Different from E09 in that the heater IS working, just too slowly.

Common triggers:

• Very cold incoming water (winter, long pipe runs)
• Partially failed heating element (still has continuity but reduced output)
• Scale buildup on the heater surface reducing efficiency

Resolution:

1. Run hot water at the kitchen sink until it's fully hot BEFORE starting the dishwasher — this ensures hot water reaches the machine immediately
2. If the problem persists with pre-heated water, the circulation pump heater is partially degraded and should be replaced
3. Run a descaling cycle with citric acid to remove any mineral buildup on heating surfaces

E03 — Fill Timeout (Water Not Entering)

What it means: The control module opened the inlet valve but the water level sensor doesn't detect water rising within 5 minutes.

Common triggers:

• Water supply valve closed (under-sink angle stop)
• AquaStop hose kinked between valve and machine
• Inlet valve solenoid failure (BSH 00622058)
• Inlet screen clogged with mineral deposits
• Low household water pressure (Bosch requires minimum 20 PSI)

Resolution:

1. Verify the under-sink water supply valve is fully open
2. Check the AquaStop hose for kinks
3. Disconnect the supply hose from the inlet valve and check the mesh screen for mineral buildup — clean with vinegar
4. Test the inlet valve solenoids: apply 120V AC to each solenoid individually (one should open for cold water, one for hot on dual-solenoid models)
5. Verify household water pressure with a gauge — below 20 PSI requires a booster or plumber

E17 — Overfill Detection

What it means: The anti-flood sensor detects water level exceeding the maximum safe height in the tub.

Common triggers:

• Inlet valve stuck open (not closing when de-energized)
• Drain pump failed during cycle, water accumulated
• Anti-flood sensor malfunction (false positive)

Resolution:

1. Cancel the current cycle and run a drain-only cycle
2. If water level is visibly high, manually bail water and check drain system
3. Test the inlet valve — with power off and water supply on, NO water should enter the machine. If it does, the valve is stuck open and must be replaced immediately
4. Check the anti-flood sensor (a float-type sensor in the tub sump) for debris preventing free movement

E04/E05 — Flow Sensor Fault

What it means: The turbidity sensor or flow meter is sending out-of-range readings to the control board.

Resolution:

1. Clean the turbidity sensor window (located in the sump area) with a soft cloth
2. Check sensor wiring connections for corrosion
3. The ActiveWater sensor on 500/800 series measures water quality — grease film on the optical window causes E04

Less Common Codes

Service Mode Codes (Er## Format)

Service mode codes (Er01, Er02, etc.) appear only when a technician activates the deeper diagnostic level. These require specialized Bosch diagnostic equipment to interpret and are not clearable through standard user resets. If your machine displays an Er-prefix code, professional service is needed.

Resetting After Error Resolution

After fixing the underlying cause:

1. Press and hold the Start button for 3 full seconds (some models require 5 seconds)
2. If the error persists, turn off the breaker for 5 minutes, then restore power
3. Run a short cycle (Quick Wash or Rinse & Hold) to verify the error doesn't return
4. If the same code reappears, the fix was incomplete — revisit the repair steps

When to Call a Professional

• E09 or E01 — circulation pump/heater replacement involves laying the machine on its back and working with integrated electrical/plumbing connections
• E15 recurring — an active internal leak requires pressure testing and systematic seal inspection
• Er## codes — service-mode-only codes require Bosch diagnostic equipment
• Any code you've reset 3+ times — recurring codes mean the root cause isn't addressed
• Machine under warranty — Bosch's 1-year US warranty (2-year in EU) covers all E-code failures when serviced by BSH-authorized technicians

---

Bosch dishwasher flashing an error code? Our technicians carry Bosch-specific diagnostic tools and understand the full E-code system across all series. We resolve E15, E24, E25, and heating codes on-site with parts in stock. Schedule your Bosch dishwasher repair →