Door latch switch
Common interlock fault part on appliance no-start errors.
Bosch is the most popular dishwasher brand in the US, and its residential models — Series 300, 500, and 800 — share a common diagnostic system. Error codes display as E:XX on the panel. This guide covers every error code and the universal fix that resolves about 40% of all Bosch dishwasher complaints: cleaning the filter.
How to Read Bosch Error Codes
Bosch residential dishwashers display errors as E:01, E:02, E:09, E:15, E:22, E:24, E:25 — note the colon. Some owners miss the colon and wonder why their dishwasher is displaying a temperature.
How to reset/clear a Bosch dishwasher: Hold the Start button for 3 seconds. This cancels the current cycle. If the error reappears on restart, the underlying problem needs fixing.
Bosch Error Code Quick Reference
| Code | Meaning | DIY-Possible? |
|---|---|---|
| E:01 | Heating circuit fault | Yes — test element and fuse |
| E:09 | Heating element failed | Yes — element replacement |
| E:15 | Water in base pan (AquaStop) | Yes — tilt machine, find leak, dry base |
| E:17 | Water temperature too high | Yes — check thermistor |
| E:18 | Water intake restricted | Yes — clean inlet screen |
| E:22 | Filter blocked | Yes — clean filter (5 minutes) |
| E:23 | Drain pump fault | Yes — check impeller, replace pump |
| E:24 | Drain blocked | Yes — clean filter and drain path |
| E:25 | Drain pump blocked/failed | Yes — check impeller, replace pump |
The Universal Bosch Fix: Clean the Filter
Before anything else — clean the filter. A blocked filter is responsible for E:22 directly and contributes to E:24 and E:25. It’s also a general performance problem that can cause poor cleaning results, water sitting in the tub, and residue on dishes.
Bosch filter cleaning procedure:
- Remove the lower rack.
- Turn the cylindrical mesh filter counterclockwise approximately a quarter turn (look for the arrow or unlock indicator). Lift it straight up and out.
- Lift the flat filter directly beneath it straight up and out.
- Take both to the sink. Rinse under running water. Scrub the mesh filter with an old toothbrush — push bristles through the mesh to dislodge trapped particles.
- Hold the cylindrical filter up to a light — you should be able to see through the mesh when clean.
- Reinstall: flat filter first, then cylindrical filter (rotate clockwise to lock).
Bosch recommends cleaning the filter monthly. In hard water areas or households that use the dishwasher daily, every 2–3 weeks is better.
E:15 — Water in Base (Most Common Bosch Error)
The AquaStop anti-flood sensor in the base pan has been triggered. The machine locks out. Fix: Tilt the machine back 45° to drain the base pan, find and fix the leak source (usually the door gasket at the lower corners), dry the base completely (12–24 hours with a fan), then restart. Full details at Bosch Dishwasher E15 Error Code.
E:24 — Drain Blocked (Second Most Common)
Drain is obstructed. Fix: Clean the filter system (step by step above), check drain hose for kinks, confirm garbage disposal knockout plug was removed. Full details at Bosch Dishwasher E24 Error Code.
E:01 / E:09 — Heating Faults
E:01 = heating circuit fault; E:09 = heating element definitively failed. Dishes come out wet and cold. Fix: Test thermal fuse and heating element for continuity. Full details at E01 and E09.
E:22 — Filter Blocked
Direct filter blockage code. Fix: Clean the filter (procedure above). This should clear E:22 immediately.
E:25 — Drain Pump Blocked or Failed
Specifically implicates the pump. Fix: Clean the filter, then check the pump impeller for jammed debris. Full details at Bosch Dishwasher E25 Error Code.
Bosch Maintenance Tips
Descale every 3–6 months. Hard water deposits on the heating element, pump, and spray arms reduce efficiency and cause premature failures. Run a cleaning cycle with a Bosch-approved descaler or a citric acid-based dishwasher cleaner.
Use the right amount of detergent. Too much detergent (especially pods in soft water areas) creates excess foam that can end up in the base pan and trigger E:15. Use one pod per load.
Check salt levels. Bosch dishwashers with a water softener have a salt reservoir (in the floor of the tub). Low salt indicator means the softener reservoir needs refilling — use dishwasher salt, not table salt.
Parts You May Need
- Bosch dishwasher filter kit (cylindrical + flat)
- Bosch dishwasher door gasket
- Bosch dishwasher descaler cleaner
- Bosch dishwasher drain pump
- Bosch dishwasher heating element