Bosch Dishwasher Error Codes Explained — When to Reset, When to Call

Bosch dishwashers are common in West Hollywood and Beverly Hills kitchens. They are well-built but they do show error codes, and the codes are not always clear from the manual. Here is a plain-English guide to the most common Bosch dishwasher error codes, what each one means, and which can be cleared at home versus which need a technician.

How Bosch error codes appear

On most Bosch dishwashers the code appears as "E" followed by a number, or just a number on the display. Some models show "F" codes instead. Older Bosch units may flash a count of beeps. Newer Home Connect models can also send the code to the app.

Before doing anything: write down the exact code, then try a basic reset (hold the Start button for 3 to 5 seconds, or turn the dishwasher off at the breaker for one minute). If the code clears and does not return, you are done. If it comes back, you need to address the actual cause.

E01 / E02 — Heating element circuit fault

What it means: The control detected a problem with the heating element or the temperature sensor.

What it looks like: The dishwasher runs but dishes come out wet, water is not hot, or the cycle stops partway through.

What to do: Reset first. If it returns, it usually needs a technician — the heating circuit or the sensor needs testing.

E09 — Heating circuit fault (similar to E01)

What it means: Specific heating element problem. The element is not heating the water correctly.

What to do: Technician. We test the element, the sensor, and the wiring to confirm the failed part.

E15 — Water in the base / leak detected

What it means: Bosch has a leak detection system. Water has reached the base pan and triggered the safety switch.

What it looks like: The dishwasher stops, the drain pump runs continuously, and the cycle will not finish. You may see no water inside the tub but the code still shows.

What to do: Tip the dishwasher slightly forward to drain water from the base, wait for the code to clear, and try again. But the leak source needs to be found. Common sources: a worn door seal, a cracked spray arm bearing, or a loose hose. Call us — running a dishwasher with an active leak in a West Hollywood apartment can damage the unit below.

E16 — Water inlet fault

What it means: Water is coming into the dishwasher when it should not be, or coming in too fast.

What to do: Reset first. If it returns, the water inlet valve or the flow meter has a problem. Technician.

E18 — Water inlet fault (no water)

What it means: The dishwasher is not getting enough water.

What to check: Is the water supply valve under the sink fully open? Is the inlet hose kinked? Is the inlet screen at the back of the dishwasher clogged?

What to do: Check those simple causes first. If they are all fine, call us. The inlet valve, flow meter, or the high-limit float may need service.

E22 — Filter clogged

What it means: The filter and sump area are blocked with food and debris.

What to do: Remove the filter at the bottom of the tub, rinse it under the tap, clear any debris from the sump, and reinstall. This usually clears the code. If it returns soon after, there may be debris deeper in the pump.

E24 — Drain hose blocked

What it means: The dishwasher is not draining properly. Water is sitting in the tub or draining too slowly.

What to check: Is the drain hose kinked behind the dishwasher? Is the air gap on the sink clogged? Is the garbage disposal blocked or did a recently installed disposal have the knockout plug removed?

What to do: Clear the visible blockages. If the code returns, the drain pump may need service. See dishwasher not draining for more.

E25 — Drain pump blocked or failed

What it means: The drain pump cannot move water — either blocked by an object or the pump itself has failed.

What to do: Sometimes a small object (label paper, broken glass, food bone) is stuck in the pump. Removing it clears the code. If the pump itself has failed, replacement is needed. Technician.

E27 — Voltage too low

What it means: The power supply voltage is below what the dishwasher needs.

What to do: Check whether the dishwasher is on a shared circuit with other appliances. Try running it when nothing else is on the circuit. If the code persists, an electrician should check the circuit.

E29 — Control or thermal fuse fault

What it means: A thermal protection device has opened, usually because of overheating.

What to do: Reset first. If it returns, technician. Could be the heating element, the thermal fuse, or the control.

What you can safely try before calling

• Note the exact code before doing anything else.
• Reset: hold Start for 3-5 seconds, or turn off the breaker for 1 minute.
• For E22: clean the filter.
• For E24/E25: check the drain hose, air gap, disposal connection.
• For E15: tip the dishwasher slightly forward to drain the base pan.
• For E18: check the water supply valve and inlet screen.

What you should not do

Do not run the dishwasher repeatedly to "see if it works." Each cycle can make the problem worse, especially with E15 (water in base) or E25 (pump issue).

Do not ignore E15. The leak detection is a real safety feature. Running the dishwasher with an active leak in an apartment can damage the floor and the unit below you.

Local service note

WeHo Appliance Repair helps with Bosch dishwasher repair in West Hollywood, Beverly Grove, Fairfax, Pico-Robertson, Beverly Hills, Hollywood, Miracle Mile, and nearby areas. Same-day visits are often available because we are local and work nearby. For more, see our dishwasher repair page or the Bosch appliance repair page.

FAQ

How do I reset a Bosch dishwasher?
Hold the Start button for 3 to 5 seconds, or turn off the dishwasher at the breaker for 1 minute. Most simple errors clear after a reset.

What does E15 mean on my Bosch dishwasher?
Water has reached the base pan and triggered the leak protection. The leak source needs to be found — door seal, spray arm bearing, or a hose.

Can I keep using my Bosch dishwasher if it shows an error code?
It depends on the code. E22 (filter) is safe to use after cleaning. E15 (leak) is not safe. Reset first; if the code keeps coming back, do not run another full cycle.

Are Bosch dishwasher repairs expensive?
Bosch parts are reasonable for common repairs (filter, drain pump, heating element, water inlet valve). Control board repairs are higher. I give an honest opinion based on the part needed.

Is my Bosch worth repairing?
Yes for most repairs under 10 years. Bosch dishwashers typically last 12 to 15 years.

How soon can you come?
Same-day visits are often available in West Hollywood because we are local and work nearby. Call 323-285-0520 for the soonest time.