How To Fix Bosch Dishwasher Error Codes

When something is wrong with your Bosch dishwasher, the display will show one of several error codes that starts with E. The meaning, causes and solutions will vary depending on the code. Some you may be able to troubleshoot on your own, while for others you may need to contact Bosch dishwasher customer support.

The advice below is based on instructions provided by Bosch or from user generated comments on social media forums. Use your own judgement about whether or not to attempt these solutions based on the complexity and how handy you are. Always turn off the water and power to the dishwasher before attempting any repair. Contacting Bosch customer support is always a great first step, especially if your dishwasher is still under warranty. The number is 1-800-944-2904.

Bosch Dishwasher Error Codes You Can Try To Fix On Your Own

E12: Limescale Buildup Detected

The water used to wash your dishes contains minerals. As the water runs through the Bosch dishwasher, traces of the minerals are left behind. Overtime, this results in limescale buildup in the dishwasher’s heat pump and can cause blockages or interfere with the normal flow of water through the appliance. If you have hard water, meaning your water has especially high levels of minerals, and you don’t use softener salt, the chance and frequency of the limescale buildup occurring is higher.

Using a commercial descaling product to fix the Bosch dishwasher error code 12 is easy. Bosch makes their own dishwasher quick descaler. Once you have the cleaning product, just follow these steps:

• Empty the dishwasher. Make sure there is not detergent in the dishwasher.
• Start the hottest and longest cycle available on your machine.
• After 30 minutes, open up the dishwasher and add one container of the descaler to the bottom of the dishwasher.
• Close the dishwasher and let the cycle complete.
• Once done, run another wash cycle to rinse the machine. This time do not use any detergent or descaler.

E15: Water In Base Of Dishwasher

Your Bosch dishwasher will display error code E15 when it detects water in the base of the dishwasher. This can happen if there was a leak somewhere in your kitchen and water ended up under the dishwasher. When water is detected there, a safety switch is triggered. This activate a system designed to prevent your dishwasher from leaking.

If you know there is water under the dishwasher, turn off the water inflow and unplug the appliance. If you are handy enough to be able to take off the door panel and kickplates, do that. Use a wetvac hose or turkey baster to suck up any water you see. Once there is little to no water left, run a fan and dehumidifer nearby for 24 hours. Reassemble the dishwasher and power it on again to see if the error code e15 is gone. if not, call support at 1-800-944-2904.

E18: Problem With Water Level or Water Flow

Your Bosch dishwasher will shown an E18 error code when the water level is very low or that something is interfering with the water flow. Start by unplug the dishwasher and turn off the power. First, making sure there are no kinks in the inlet hose. Next make sure that you have sufficient water supply (10 liters per minute). If there error remains, you’ll need to clean the filter in the inlet hose. Follow the instructions in the video below.

E22: Filter Needs To Be Cleaned, Unclogged

When food particles get stuck to your dishwasher filter and make it harder for water to pass through, the unit will display error code E22. To clear this, you just need to clean the filter. The filter is located at the bottom of your dishwasher. In most cases you can mover the spray arm out of the way, and just pull up to lift the filter housing. Flip it over and you should be able to slide off the filter itself. Rinse it with warm water, mild soap and a gentle sponge or brush. Reassemble the filter and then reinstall it.

E23: Faulty, Clogged or Blocked Drain Pump

Code E23 on your Bosch dishwasher is related to a clogged, blocked or otherwise faulty drain pump. The two videos below in sections for codes E24 and E25 may be helpful as they show how to check the drain pump.

The pump cover is underneath the dishwasher filter. Lift up the spray arm to get it out of the way. Pull up the filter and set it aside. Use a spoon to remove the pump cover. This will reveal the pump impeller spinner. The impeller should be able to move freely. Any debris down there could be interfering. It is recommended that you use thick gloves before inspecting for any debris just in case there is glass or something else sharp. Once you have found and removed the culprit, reassemble the dishwasher and attempt to drain it.

E24: Dishwasher Not Draining, Drain Filter Blocked

Your Bosch dishwasher will show error code E24 when something is preventing it from draining correctly. There are a few potential causes and solutions. If you live in a really cold climate, it is possible the line is just frozen in which case you may just need to wait for it to thaw. If not, try these other potential solutions.

Start by unplug the dishwasher and turn off the power. First, making sure there are no kinks in the inlet hose. Also look for any signs of damage. Check the spigot that connects the dishwasher to your home’s draining system. Finally inspect the waste water pump to make sure there are no blockages. The video from Bosch shows how to do this.

E25: Drain Pump Blocked Or Issue With Drain Pump Cover

A Bosch dishwasher will show error code E25 when the drain pump is blocked or when the drain pump cover is loose or missing. If you open up the dishwasher and see water at the bottom, unplug it and turn off the power to the unit. Remove the water from the base of the dishwasher using a wetvac if you have one, or a turkey baster if you do not.

The pump cover is underneath the dishwasher filter. Lift up the spray arm to get it out of the way. Pull up the filter and set it aside. If there is any more water here, remove it. First, make sure the pump cover is not loose. If it was loose, secure it and try to drain the dishwasher.

If the pump cover was not loose, use a spoon to remove it. This will reveal the pump impeller spinner. The impeller should be able to move freely. Any debris down there could be interfering. It is recommended that you use thick gloves before inspecting for any debris just in case there is glass or something else sharp. Once you have found and removed the culprit, reassemble the dishwasher and attempt to drain it.

Bosch Dishwasher Error Codes That Require Calling Support

E14: Water Flow Problem

When you see error code E14 on your Bosch dishwasher, it has to do with the water flow. There are a few potential problems. The flow meter component may have failed, or something is causing the water to not flow into the dishwasher or the filling system. You may need a replacement flow meter contact sensor. Before attempting any installation, I would suggest contacting customer support. You can reach them at 1-800-944-2904.

Error Code 16 or 17: Water Flow Issue

Bosch dishwasher error codes 16 or 17 may also require contacting customer support to fix whatever the issue may be with the water flow. It is possible Bosch support will have you perform some of the steps noted above in reference to solutions for error code 18. You could try to follow the steps in that video first if you are comfortable doing so.