Bosch Dishwasher Error Codes: What Do They Mean?

If your Bosch dishwasher is displaying an error code, usually an E with a number, the dishwasher’s control board has detected an issue that needs to be resolved. The error code will give you a good idea of the problem and the component you need to look at, but it isn’t always specific, so some troubleshooting may be required.

This guide applies to most Bosch dishwashers, including the following models:

GM926710, SHE43P25UC/64, SHE45M05UC/50, SHE45M05UC/50, SHE45M06UC/50, SHE45M06UC/50, SHE4AP06UC/06, SHE4AP06UC/06, SHE55M12UC/64, SHE55M15UC/64, SHE55M16UC/64, SHE55M16UC/64, SHE58C05UC/48, SHI4302, SHI4306, SHI6802, SHI6805, SHI6806, SHU9915UC/11

SHX43C05UC/46, SHX45M05UC/50

Advice from Bosch

A Bosch dishwasher error code E01, E02, E03, E04, or E05, refers to a power module failure, i.e., a control board issue requiring specialist attention. Bosch recommends calling its customer service at 1-800-9442904 or a Bosch certified technician to fix the problem.

Error code E01: Pump circuit failure or heating issue

An E01 error code usually refers to a pump control circuit failure on the main control board. With some models, the issue can cause a lack of water in the dishwasher, which stops the heater from running and triggers the error code.

Error code E02: Heater relay fault or heating issue

The E02 error code indicates that the heater relay on the control board has a fault. With some models, the error can be caused by a faulty temperature sensor or thermistor.

If you do not want to pay for a Bosch technician, you could replace the temperature sensor or thermistor to see if it resolves the error code. Replacing the control board is also an option.

Error code E03: Auxiliary heater relay fault or water inlet valve failure

An E03 error code most likely refers to an auxiliary heater relay fault on the main control board. However, with some models, it may indicate that the water inlet valve needs to be replaced because the dishwasher cannot fill with water.

If the dishwasher is not filling with water, you can try replacing the water inlet valve before calling a Bosch technician to repair or replace the control board.

Error code E04: Heating fault or water issue

The E04 error code usually refers to a heating issue, which is difficult to diagnose and requires a trained Bosch technician. With some models, it may indicate that a spray arm is clogged and needs cleaning, or that the water flow sensor needs to be replaced.

Error code E05: Water switch Triac fault or float issue

The most likely cause of the E05 error code is a water switch Triac fault on the main control board. In some cases, the error code indicates a damaged float or defective float switch. Before contacting a Bosch technician, you could replace the float and/or float switch to see if it resolves the error code.

Error Code E06: Door mechanism failure or aqua sensor fault

Depending on your model, the dishwasher door may not be closing properly, or the aqua sensor may have a fault. A door mechanism failure is most likely, but unfortunately, the sensor is difficult to access, and a door mechanism failure can be difficult to diagnose.

The aqua sensor (also called the turbidity sensor) monitors the water quality, such as whether the water is clean or dirty. Checking the aqua sensor requires dismantling the dishwasher to locate the sensor on the circulation pump.

If the door is closing and locking, the sensor switch that monitors the door may be faulty and need to be replaced, or the main control board may have a fault that requires a Bosch technician to diagnose and fix.

Error code E07: Drying fault

Either the drying fan or wiring from the control board to the drying fan needs to be checked and potentially replaced.

Error code E08: Loss of water

The water level unexpectedly dropped during the cycle. Check for overturned dishes collecting water or a water supply issue.

Error code E09: Heating fault

The main control board may have a heater relay fault, or the heater may be defective. The heater’s resistance can be checked with a multimeter to determine if it has failed. A trained technician will need to check the control board.

Error codes E10 & E12: Slow heating

The water heater may be affected by excessive limescale, or it may be defective. Deep cleaning and descaling the dishwasher may resolve the issue, or the heater may need to be replaced.

Error code E11: Thermistor or temperature sensor fault

The resistance of the thermistor (integrated into the heat pump on newer models) or the NTC (temperature sensor) needs to be checked to diagnose the issue (see the tech sheet for the required resistance).

Error code E13: Water temperature is too hot

Check the dishwasher is getting cold water and that the temperature sensor does not have a fault (check the sensor’s resistance with a multimeter).

Error code E14: Water inlet fault

The dishwasher’s flow meter (also called a reed switch) is not detecting that water is entering the dishwasher. The most common cause is a faulty flow meter. The flow meter is located on the heat exchanger and can be relatively easily removed and replaced to resolve the error code.

Error code E15: Dishwasher is leaking

First, determine if you can see where the leak is coming from. If the dishwasher does not appear to be leaking, the flood sensor in the drain pan underneath the tub may be defective. Otherwise, a hose may be loose, or a gasket or spray arm may be damaged.

Error code E16: Water inlet fault

The dishwasher is filling with water when it shouldn’t. Replace the water inlet valve to fix the issue.

Error codes E17 & E18: Not enough water

The E17 error code means the dishwasher is not filling with water. Check that the water supply line is turned on and not kinked. If the issue remains, replace the water inlet valve.

Error code E19, E20, E21: Heating issue

Check the heat pump (E20, E21) and heat exchanger (E19) for faults.

Error code E22: Blocked filter

The dishwasher’s filter needs to be emptied and cleaned of debris.

Error codes E23, E24, E25: Drain pump failure or clogged drain hose

If you can hear the drain pump working without issue, check that the drain hose is not clogged. The drain pump can be inspected for a mechanical failure or tested for an electrical failure with a multimeter continuity test.