Quick Reference
- E15 — AquaStop leak sensor activated (tilt to drain base)
- E24 / E25 — Drain error (clean filter and pump area)
- E09 — Heating element fault (professional repair)
- E22 — Filter blocked (clean filter and spray arms)
- E01 — Control board fault (professional repair)
- Repair cost: $150–$350 | $89 diagnostic — waived with repair
Bosch is one of the most popular dishwasher brands in Canada — and for good reason. Known for quiet operation (as low as 40 dB) and excellent cleaning performance, Bosch dishwashers are found in kitchens across the GTA. When something goes wrong, the display shows an E-series error code. This guide covers all Bosch dishwasher error codes for Serie 2, Serie 4, Serie 6, and Serie 8 models, explaining what each code means and how to resolve it.
Bosch Dishwasher Error Codes — Complete Table
Bosch dishwashers use a consistent E-number system across all models. On display models, the code appears clearly. On older models without a display (like some 300 and 500 series), codes are indicated by flashing indicator lights — check your owner's manual for the flash pattern key.
| Error Code | Meaning | Common Cause | Fix | DIY? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E01 | Control board / heating circuit fault | Control board component failure or heater circuit fault | Power-cycle reset; professional board diagnosis if persistent | Pro |
| E02 | NTC temperature sensor fault | Temperature sensor open or short circuit | Professional NTC sensor replacement required | Pro |
| E03 | Water heating fault | Heating element failure or limescale buildup on element | Run dishwasher cleaner / descaler; if E03 persists, element needs professional replacement | Inspect First |
| E04 | Overfill / water level too high | Float switch stuck, inlet valve stuck open | Check float switch for debris; professional inlet valve replacement if persistent | Pro |
| E06 | Door open during cycle | Door latch not engaged, door switch faulty | Close door firmly; check latch alignment; replace door latch if faulty | Inspect First |
| E07 | Flow meter fault | Flow meter (water volume sensor) failure | Professional flow meter replacement required | Pro |
| E09 | Heating element fault | Heating element failure; NTC sensor short | Professional heating element and sensor testing required | Pro |
| E15 | AquaStop leak sensor activated | Water in base pan from internal hose leak or pump seal failure | Turn off water supply; tilt machine to drain base; find and fix leak before restarting | Inspect First |
| E17 | Water fill error — too much or too little water | Inlet valve fault, pressure switch fault | Professional inlet valve or pressure switch service required | Pro |
| E18 | Water inlet fault — no water | Supply tap closed, kinked hose, clogged inlet filter | Open tap; straighten hose; clean inlet filter screen | DIY |
| E19 | Water softener fault | Salt container empty or sensor fault on models with built-in softener | Refill dishwasher salt; if E19 persists after refill, softener sensor needs professional service | DIY |
| E22 | Filter blocked | Food debris in cylindrical mesh filter or flat filter; clogged spray arms | Clean both filter components; clean spray arm holes with toothpick | DIY |
| E23 | Drain pump fault | Drain pump motor failure; foreign object blocking pump | Check pump area for debris; professional pump motor replacement if blocked or failed | Inspect First |
| E24 | Drain blockage — not draining | Blocked filter, kinked drain hose, incorrect drain height | Clean filter; check drain hose routing; ensure air gap or high loop is intact | DIY |
| E25 | Drain pump blocked | Foreign object (glass shard, bone) blocking pump impeller | Remove filter; carefully check pump area for debris; remove obstruction | Inspect First |
How to Fix the Most Common Bosch Dishwasher Error Codes
E15 — AquaStop Leak Sensor
E15 is the most urgent Bosch dishwasher error code. Bosch's AquaStop system includes a float sensor in the drip tray (base pan) at the bottom of the machine. If any water leaks into this tray, the float rises, triggering E15 and shutting off the water supply — protecting your floor from flooding.
To drain the base pan (which is required to reset the E15 error):
- Unplug the dishwasher from the power outlet.
- Open the dishwasher door and remove all dishes and racks.
- Carefully tilt the dishwasher backward approximately 45 degrees (get help — it is heavy). Hold for 60 seconds to allow water to drain from the base pan out through the drain pump area.
- Return the dishwasher to its upright position and wait 30 minutes for remaining moisture to dry.
- Identify and fix the leak source before running another cycle. Common causes: a loose inlet or drain hose connection, a cracked door gasket, or a worn pump seal.
If you cannot identify the leak source, call a certified technician — running the machine with an unknown internal leak will flood the base pan again immediately.
E24 — Not Draining
E24 is the most common Bosch dishwasher error code for routine service calls. It means the dishwasher completed a drain cycle but water remains in the tub.
- Pull out the bottom rack. At the bottom of the tub, twist the cylindrical filter counter-clockwise and remove it. Pull out the flat coarse filter beneath it.
- Rinse both filter parts under hot running water. Use a soft brush (an old toothbrush works well) to remove grease and food debris from the mesh.
- Reinsert both filters and lock the cylindrical filter clockwise.
- Under the sink, check the drain hose for kinks. Verify the drain hose has a high loop (bent upward to near the underside of the countertop) or connects through an air gap fitting — this prevents back-siphoning from the sink drain.
- Run a Rinse cycle to test.
E25 — Drain Pump Blocked
E25 is similar to E24 but specifically indicates a physical blockage at the pump rather than in the drain hose or filter. Common culprits are broken glass fragments, fruit stones, or small bones that have passed through the filter and lodged in the pump impeller.
- Remove and clean the filter assembly as described for E24 above.
- With the filter removed, shine a flashlight into the sump area and look for visible debris near the pump inlet (a small circular opening at the bottom of the sump).
- Use needle-nose pliers to carefully remove any visible objects. Do not force anything — if you cannot see or reach the obstruction, call a professional rather than risk damaging the pump.
E22 — Filter Blocked
E22 means the dishwasher's filter system is significantly clogged — often because the filter has not been cleaned for an extended period. Bosch recommends cleaning the filter monthly.
- Clean both filter components as described under E24.
- Also remove the spray arms (both lower and upper — they unclip or unscrew depending on the model) and rinse them under running water. Use a toothpick to clear any clogged holes in the spray arms — a blocked hole reduces cleaning performance and can trigger sensor errors.
- Run a dishwasher cleaning cycle using a Bosch-approved dishwasher cleaner tablet once per month to prevent E22 recurrence.
E18 — No Water Fill
The dishwasher was unable to fill with water during the selected cycle.
- Open the cabinet below the sink and confirm the dishwasher supply tap is open all the way.
- Check the supply hose for kinks between the tap and the dishwasher.
- Turn off the supply tap, disconnect the hose from the dishwasher inlet, and clean the small mesh filter inside the inlet port (use needle-nose pliers to extract and rinse).
- If water flows adequately from the supply but E18 persists, the water inlet valve solenoid has failed — professional replacement required.
E09 — Heating Element Fault
The heating element in Bosch dishwashers warms the wash water and also helps with drying on models without a condensation drying only system. E09 means the element is not heating as expected.
A common cause in hard water areas like parts of the GTA is heavy limescale buildup on the heating element, which insulates it and causes it to overheat. Try running a descaling cycle with a dishwasher descaler product first. If E09 persists, the element or its NTC temperature sensor has failed — a professional repair.
Bosch Dishwasher Series — Code Display Differences
Bosch sells dishwashers in Canada under four series designations. Here is how error codes display across each:
- Serie 2 (300 series): Most models have a simple display or LED indicators. Error codes may flash as light patterns — 1 flash = E1, 2 flashes = E2, etc. Consult the manual for your specific model.
- Serie 4 (500 series): Numeric display shows E-codes directly. Most common: E15, E22, E24, E25.
- Serie 6 (800 series): Full alphanumeric display with clear code readout. The Home Connect app (Wi-Fi models) provides additional diagnostic information.
- Serie 8 (800+ / Benchmark): LCD display with error code and brief description. Home Connect integration provides remote diagnosis capability.
When to Call a Certified Technician
- E15 — if you cannot identify or fix the leak source yourself
- E09 — heating element faults require professional testing and replacement
- E01, E02, E07 — control board, sensor, and flow meter faults are professional repairs
- E23 — drain pump motor failure needs professional replacement
- E25 — if you cannot see or safely remove the pump blockage yourself
- Any code that returns within one week of a DIY fix — the root cause needs professional diagnosis
Frequently Asked Questions — Bosch Dishwasher Error Codes
E15 on a Bosch dishwasher means water has been detected in the base of the machine by the AquaStop float sensor. The anti-flood protection has activated. Turn off the water supply immediately. To reset it, tilt the dishwasher carefully backward about 45 degrees to drain the water from the base tray — but only if you have identified and fixed the source of the leak first. If you cannot find the leak, call a certified technician.
E24 on a Bosch dishwasher means the dishwasher is not draining. Check and clean the filter at the bottom of the tub, inspect the drain hose under the sink for kinks, and ensure the drain hose high loop or air gap is intact. If the machine hums during drain but water does not leave, the drain pump impeller may be blocked by a foreign object such as a broken glass fragment.
E25 also indicates a drain blockage, specifically that the drain pump is blocked or the pump filter is clogged. E25 is very similar to E24 but specifically points to a blockage at the pump rather than the hose or drain system. Remove the filter, check for debris around the pump inlet, and remove any foreign objects carefully.
E09 indicates a heating element fault — the element that heats water to the correct wash temperature has failed, or the NTC temperature sensor monitoring it has failed. This requires professional diagnosis and heating element or sensor replacement. Do not ignore E09 — without proper water temperature, dishes will not be sanitized effectively.
E22 means the filter is blocked. Remove the bottom rack, unscrew the cylindrical mesh filter in the base of the tub, remove the flat coarse filter beneath it, and rinse both thoroughly under running water. E22 can also indicate a blocked spray arm — remove and rinse the spray arms, clearing any clogged holes with a toothpick.
Hold the Start button for 3 seconds to cancel the current programme. The machine will drain and reset. You can also press and hold the On/Off button for 3–5 seconds to perform a hard reset. For a full power reset, turn off the dishwasher circuit breaker for 60 seconds. If the error code returns, a component requires professional diagnosis.
Bosch dishwasher repairs in the GTA typically cost $150–$350 depending on the fault and parts. Nick's Appliance Repair charges an $89 diagnostic fee waived when you proceed with the repair, plus $40 OFF any repair with our current promotion.