Bosch Dishwasher E06 Error Code: Causes & Fix

What is the Bosch Dishwasher E06 error?#

E06 on a Bosch dishwasher is a door-sensor fault: the board never received confirmation that the door latched closed, so it refuses to start. The hardware that keeps the door shut is usually fine — the board is simply blind to it, which is what separates E06 from a mechanical latch problem. It is not a safety issue, just a no-start, so there is no rush beyond wanting your dishes done. The first thing to try is opening the door and closing it again firmly until you hear the latch click; an intermittent E06 that clears on a solid close points at a marginal sensor or magnet rather than a broken latch.

E06 on a Bosch Dishwasher: likely causes and repair cost#

On a Bosch Dishwasher, the E06 code signals: door sensor error.

Typical professional repair: $150–$280 · Difficulty: moderate · usually a technician job

Symptoms that often accompany E06: Unit will not start at all; Door appears closed but the display shows it open; Intermittent start failures on some closes; You have to re-slam the door to begin; Start button beeps but nothing happens

Technician diagnostic sequence for E06:

1. Open and firmly close the door — listen for the latch click
2. Inspect door latch mechanism for debris or damage
3. Test door switch continuity (should close when latched)
4. Check wiring harness at hinge point for broken conductors

Parts a technician may check or replace: door latch assembly; door switch

Field note: E06 is a door-sensor fault — the board never saw the door confirm closed, so it will not start. Bosch uses a reed-switch style door sensor on 800-series and above, paired with a magnet in the door; a simple magnet test at the latch confirms whether the reed switch died or the magnet has drifted out of alignment. This is a sensing fault, unlike E02 which is a relay fault: here the hardware is fine but the board is blind to the door. A door that latches with a firm click yet still shows E06 is almost always the reed switch, not the latch.

How to troubleshoot the E06 error yourself#

E06 rewards a calm check because it is a sensing fault, not a broken door. Start by opening the door fully and closing it again with a firm, deliberate push until the latch clicks home — a door that was not quite catching will start normally once it seats. If it still shows E06 after a solid close, look at the strike area for trapped debris, a bent catch, or anything stopping the door from fully seating against the tub. Bosch 800-series and above use a reed-style door sensor paired with a magnet in the door, so a door that latches with a clear click yet still throws E06 is almost always the reed switch or a magnet that has drifted out of alignment, not the latch. Reseating a loose door panel occasionally realigns the magnet. Where you stop is at replacing the reed switch or latch assembly behind the inner door panel — that is a technician job once the simple close-and-clean checks fail.

Is the Bosch Dishwasher E06 error worth fixing?#

E06 is one of the more affordable Bosch faults and is almost always worth fixing. The professional repair runs $150 to $280 to replace the door switch or latch assembly, a modest sum against the price of a new dishwasher and nowhere near half its cost. On any machine that otherwise washes and dries well, restoring a reliable start for a couple hundred dollars is a clear yes. I would only think about replacement if the dishwasher were already very old and stacking other faults; a lone E06 on a sound unit does not come close to justifying a new machine. Because the part is inexpensive and the labor contained, this is among the easiest repair-versus-replace decisions on a Bosch.

Bosch Dishwasher E06: frequently asked questions#

What does the E06 error mean on a Bosch Dishwasher?#

E06 means the door sensor never told the board the door was closed and latched, so the dishwasher will not start. The door hardware is usually fine; the board simply cannot confirm it is shut.

Is it safe to keep using a Bosch Dishwasher that shows the E06 error?#

It is completely safe — E06 just prevents the machine from starting, with no electrical or water risk. You can leave it displayed as long as you like; it will not run until the sensor fault is cleared.

Can I clear the E06 error myself, or do I need a technician?#

You can try firmly reclosing the door and clearing any debris from the latch area yourself. If a solid close still shows E06, the reed switch or latch assembly needs a technician, as it sits behind the inner door panel.

How much does it cost to repair the E06 error on a Bosch Dishwasher?#

A professional E06 repair typically runs $150 to $280, covering the door switch or latch assembly and labor. It is one of the less expensive Bosch dishwasher repairs.

Which parts usually fail when a dishwasher throws the E06 code?#

The reed-style door switch is the usual failure, or a magnet in the door that has drifted out of alignment. A worn latch catch or a broken wire at the hinge are the next suspects.

Why does door sensor failure trigger the E06 error?#

Bosch reads the door through a reed switch that closes when the door magnet lines up with it. If the switch fails or the magnet shifts, the board never sees the door confirm closed, so it raises E06 and refuses to start.