Bosch Dishwasher Error Codes — Solved
Read the E-number — each Bosch code points at a specific subsystem, so it tells you where to look before you open anything. The most common ones are E15 (water in the base pan), E22 or E24 (drain restriction), and E09 (heating).
Bosch codes are shared and specific#
[Bosch dishwasher error codes](/blog/bosch-dishwasher-error-codes) are shared across the BSH Home Appliances platform, so the same E-codes appear on Thermador and Gaggenau units built on Bosch engineering. Unlike a generic "check appliance" light, each code names a subsystem, which saves real diagnostic time. When an error occurs it shows on the panel as an E followed by two digits, or as a blink pattern on LED-only models — count the blinks between pauses to read it.
Your Bosch also stores the last several error events. Enter diagnostic mode by closing the door and holding the program buttons in the tech-sheet sequence to retrieve the stored history, which is invaluable when a fault is intermittent.
The quick tell: base-pan and fill codes (E15) point at leaks and water level, drain codes (E22, E24, E25) point at the filter and drain path, and heating codes (E09) point at the element circuit. Grouping the codes by system this way turns a scary-looking two-digit number into a short list of things to check, and most of that list is cleaning rather than parts.
It also helps to know that many codes are self-protective rather than a hard failure. A Bosch that trips E15 has already shut its own water supply as designed, so the priority is finding the small leak that filled the base pan, not assuming the machine is broken. Reading the stored history tells you whether a code is a one-time event or a recurring fault worth chasing down.
Common codes and what they mean#
| Code | Meaning | First move |
|---|---|---|
| E15 | Water in the base pan; AquaStop tripped | Find and dry the leak, then reset AquaStop. |
| E22 | Filter or drain restriction | Clean the filter and clear the drain path. |
| E24 | Drain hose blocked or kinked | Straighten and clear the drain hose. |
| E25 | Drain pump blocked or impeller jammed | Clear the pump of debris and confirm the impeller spins. |
| E09 | Heating element circuit fault | Test the flow-through heater and its wiring. |
Do You Have the Right Tools?
Water pressure gauge ($60), spray arm tester, float switch multimeter ($85), and drain inspection camera. Our technician arrives with $3,000+ in professional tools — your diagnostic is free.
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Check it yourself, in order#
- Note the exact code on the panel, or count the blink pattern on an LED-only model.
- Enter diagnostic mode with the tech-sheet button sequence to read the stored error history.
- For E15, look for the leak that put water in the base pan and dry it before resetting AquaStop.
- For E22, E24, or E25, clean the filter and work along the drain path from the filter to the hose to the pump.
- For E09, test the heating circuit and its wiring.
- The lower access panel and pump cover use T20 Torx screws when you go in.
Prevent the repeat#
Most drain codes trace back to a filter that was not cleaned, so rinsing the filter regularly heads off E22, E24, and E25 before they appear. Leaving the machine plugged in keeps the fail-safe AquaStop valve armed, and catching a small leak early keeps it from ever reaching the base-pan float that triggers E15.
Safety First — Know the Risks
Live 120V wiring in a wet environment is one of the most dangerous DIY scenarios. Water + electricity = serious shock risk. Our techs are licensed and insured — let them handle the risk.
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Repair or replace?#
Most Bosch codes resolve to a cleaning, a hose, or an inexpensive part, so a displayed code rarely justifies a new [dishwasher](/blog/repair-or-replace-dishwasher). A repeat control or heater fault on an older unit is where a repair-or-replace decision belongs. A technician can read the stored code and confirm the subsystem in one visit. Book a diagnosis for an upfront quote.
Appliance Repair Technician · 8 years experience
Experienced technician with 8 years specializing in dishwasher repairs and European appliance brands including Bosch and Thermador.
