Bosch Dishwasher Error Codes: What They Mean and How to Fix Them
What Bosch dishwasher codes such as E15, E22 and E24 mean, what you can safely check yourself, and when a repair technician is needed.
When a Bosch dishwasher stops mid-cycle and shows an E code, it has detected a fault in water supply, draining, heating or its electronics. The code narrows down where to look, and a few causes, such as a clogged filter or a kinked hose, are easy to rule out at home.
Codes can differ between models and model years, and some, like the heat pump ones, only apply to certain machines. Your model number is usually on a rating label on the edge of the door or inside the tub. Have it ready before you call anyone.
Never open the cabinet or touch wiring or the pump motor. Only do the simple checks described here.
If E15 appears, turn the water off and keep the dishwasher idle until it has been checked.
Water supply and leak codes
| Code | What it means | What you can safely check | When to call a technician |
|---|---|---|---|
| E14 | Water inlet or flow meter problem | Nothing to try yourself: book a technician. | Flow meter or fill system fault |
| E16 (E17) | Water cannot get into the dishwasher | Check the inlet hose for kinks or damage and make sure the water supply is on. | Hose is clear and water is on but the code stays |
| E18 | Water level too low or water not pumped correctly | Check the inlet hose for kinks and make sure the water supply is turned on. | Supply and hose are fine but the code remains |
| E15 | Leak protection has detected water in the base | Turn off the water supply to the dishwasher. | Always: do not keep running it |
Bosch dishwasher E14 error
E14 points to a problem with water coming into the dishwasher or with the flow meter that measures it. The fault sits inside the fill system, so there is no safe owner fix beyond making sure the tap is open. If it keeps coming back, a technician should test the fill components.
Bosch dishwasher E16 (E17) error
E16 and E17 both mean the dishwasher is not receiving water properly. Look at the inlet hose behind or beside the unit for a kink or visible damage, and confirm the supply tap is open. If the hose and tap are fine and the code returns, the inlet valve or filling system needs a technician.
Model note: Bosch lists E16 and E17 together as one fault.
Bosch dishwasher E18 error
E18 means the dishwasher is not getting enough water, or the water is not being moved as it should. Check that the supply tap is fully open and the inlet hose is not kinked or crushed behind the unit. If everything looks right and E18 stays, a technician can check the fill valve and pump.
Bosch dishwasher E15 error
E15 means the leak protection system found water in the base of the dishwasher and shut things down. Turn the water supply off and stop using the machine until it has been looked at. A technician needs to find where the water is coming from.
Code keeps coming back? Book a dishwasher repair and tell us the code and your model number.
Drain codes
| Code | What it means | What you can safely check | When to call a technician |
|---|---|---|---|
| E22 | Drain problem, often a blocked filter | Clean the filter and check the drain hose for kinks. | Still showing after cleaning the filter |
| E23 | Drain pump blocked, clogged or faulty | Nothing to try yourself: book a technician. | Always |
| E24 | Not draining, blocked drain path | Clean the filter, check the drain hose for kinks, and remove any disposal plug. | Water still left in the tub |
| E25 | Drain pump blocked or its cover loose or missing | Clean the filter and check the drain hose for kinks. | Water still in the bottom of the tub |
Bosch dishwasher E22 error
E22 is a drain-related code, and a blocked filter is the usual first suspect. Take the filter out, rinse it under running water with mild soap and a soft brush, and put it back. Also look for a kinked drain hose. If the dishwasher still will not drain, the pump or drain path needs a technician.
Model note: The two Bosch US pages word E22 differently: one says the filter is blocked, the other lists several drain causes (filter, pump cover, kinked hose, clogged air gap or hose). Treat it as a general drain fault.
Bosch dishwasher E23 error
E23 points to the drain pump itself being blocked, clogged or faulty. Cleaning the filter is always worth doing, but this code means the pump needs attention. A technician can clear or replace it.
Bosch dishwasher E24 error
E24 means the dishwasher is not draining properly. Clean the filter, make sure the drain hose is not kinked, and if it connects to a garbage disposal, confirm the knockout plug has been removed from the disposal inlet. If water remains, the drain pump or its cover may need a technician.
Model note: The two Bosch US pages word E24 differently: one blames the drain filter, the other lists the pump cover, hose kinks and a clogged air gap or hose. Treat it as a general drain fault.
Bosch dishwasher E25 error
E25 is another drain fault, tied to a blocked drain pump or a pump cover that is loose or missing. Clean the filter and check the drain hose for kinks. Anything that involves the pump itself is best left to a technician.
Model note: The two Bosch US pages word E25 differently, so this entry stays general.
Door, heating and power codes
| Code | What it means | What you can safely check | When to call a technician |
|---|---|---|---|
| E06 | Door sensor circuit fault | Close the door firmly, then switch the breaker off for 30 seconds and back on. | Code returns after the reset |
| E09 (E20) | Heat pump internal heater fault | Switch the breaker off for 30 seconds and back on. | Code returns after the reset |
| E12 | Limescale build-up in the heat pump | Use a descaler made for dishwashers and softening salt if your model has a water softener. | Code stays after descaling |
| E27 | House power supply to the unit is too low | Switch the breaker off for 30 seconds and back on. | Code comes back; an electrician should check incoming voltage |
Bosch dishwasher E06 error
E06 is a fault in the door sensor circuit. Make sure the door latches fully, then use the documented reset: switch the dishwasher's breaker off for 30 seconds and on again. If E06 comes back, the sensor or control board needs a technician.
Bosch dishwasher E09 (E20) error
E09 and E20 both refer to a fault with the internal heater of the heat pump. Run the documented breaker reset first. If the code returns, the heating part needs a technician.
Model note: Heat pump models only. Bosch lists E09 and E20 with the same wording.
Bosch dishwasher E12 error
E12 means limescale has built up in the heat pump, so the dishwasher needs descaling. Run a dishwasher descaler as directed on its label, and use softening salt if your model has a softener. Hard water brings this back sooner. If E12 persists after descaling, book a technician.
Model note: Heat pump models only.
Bosch dishwasher E27 error
E27 says the electrical supply reaching the dishwasher is too low. Reset it at the breaker for 30 seconds. If it happens again, an electrician should check the voltage reaching the appliance, since the fault is in the house supply.
How to reset your Bosch dishwasher
Bosch documents one reset for many electronic codes: cut power to the dishwasher at the breaker for 30 seconds, then restore it. If the code returns, it is a real fault and not a one-off glitch.
- Switch the dishwasher's circuit breaker off.
- Wait 30 seconds.
- Switch it back on and run a short cycle to see if the code returns.
Frequently asked questions
What does E15 mean on my Bosch dishwasher?
E15 means the leak protection system found water in the base of the dishwasher. Turn the water supply off and stop using the machine. A technician needs to find the source of the water.
What does E22 mean on my Bosch dishwasher?
E22 is a drain-related code, and a blocked filter is the most common cause. Clean the filter and check the drain hose for kinks. If the water still will not drain, book a technician.
What does E24 mean on my Bosch dishwasher?
E24 means the dishwasher is not draining properly. Clean the filter, check the hose and remove any disposal plug if you have a disposal. If it persists, the drain pump may need attention.
What does E16 mean on my Bosch dishwasher?
E16 and E17 mean water is not entering the dishwasher properly. Check the supply tap and the inlet hose for kinks. If both are fine, the fill system needs a technician.
Related
Codes and their meanings vary by model and model year, so keep your model number handy. If a code keeps returning after the safe checks above, book a repair and a technician will test your dishwasher in your home.
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