Can I keep running the equipment with this fault active?

Generally no. Faults on Appliance units are emitted when a sensor, safety, or control circuit is outside its operating envelope. Running through an active fault risks compressor, heater, or control-board damage. Diagnose and clear the fault first.

What part is most commonly replaced for Bosch Dishwasher Water Inlet Valve Replacement - Signs & How-To?

The most frequently replaced parts for Bosch Dishwasher Water Inlet Valve Replacement - Signs & How-To are listed in the Parts Reference section of this guide with OEM part numbers and typical price ranges. Check the table for direct replacements.

Is Bosch Dishwasher Water Inlet Valve Replacement - Signs & How-To a DIY repair or do I need a technician?

Sensor swaps, fan motor replacements, and condenser cleaning are typical DIY-level repairs. Anything involving refrigerant, gas, or high-voltage (>240V) work requires a licensed technician for both safety and code-compliance reasons.

Bosch Dishwasher Water Inlet Valve Replacement - Signs & How-To

Q: What does Bosch Dishwasher Water Inlet Valve Replacement - Signs & How-To mean?

E18 fill errors, no water entering, or nonstop filling mean a bad inlet valve or clogged screen. Replacing the valve restores normal filling.

Q: How do I fix Bosch Dishwasher Water Inlet Valve Replacement - Signs & How-To?

Follow the step-by-step diagnosis below. The most likely fix is identified by checking power, sensor resistance, and control-board signals in order — using a multimeter and the part numbers documented in the parts reference table.

Bosch Dishwasher Water Inlet Valve Replacement — What This Part Does

The water inlet valve opens when the dishwasher control board sends power to its solenoid coil, allowing water from your home supply line to flow into the tub. Bosch machines expect a minimum flow rate of 10 L/min through the valve. The valve contains an internal screen filter and may use a flow meter to monitor fill volume.

Valves fail when the solenoid coil shorts or opens electrically, when sediment or mineral deposits clog the inlet screen or seat, or when the internal diaphragm sticks open or closed. Bosch codes E18 (insufficient water flow), E16 (uncontrolled water flow or valve stuck open), and E17 (high water pressure or flow meter fault) all point to inlet-valve or fill-system issues.

Jump to Replacement Steps

Signs It Needs Replacing

E18 error code on the display Bosch dishwashers display E18 when water flow into the tub is insufficient or the filling system detects a fault.
E16 error code and water pooling underneath E16 indicates uncontrolled water flow, typically from an inlet valve stuck open and leaking into the base pan.
Dishwasher does not fill at all The cycle starts but no water enters the tub, even though the supply valve is open and the hose is not kinked.
Extremely slow fill or weak water stream The fill cycle takes much longer than normal and you hear only a trickle, suggesting a clogged inlet screen or failing valve.
Dishwasher continuously fills and drains The machine cycles fill and drain repeatedly without advancing, often paired with E17 or flow-meter faults when the valve does not close.
Humming or buzzing at the start of a cycle with no water You hear the valve solenoid energize but no water flows, meaning the coil works but the valve body is mechanically stuck or the screen is blocked.

How to Replace It

Unplug the dishwasher from the wall outlet or switch off the circuit breaker, then close the water shutoff valve under the sink or at the wall connection.
Pull the dishwasher forward from the cabinet far enough to access the lower front panel and the fill line at the left side (some models require removing the toe kick and lower access panel).
Disconnect the braided or ribbed inlet hose from the 90-degree brass elbow at the valve inlet, using an adjustable wrench or pliers, and place a shallow pan or towels underneath to catch residual water.
Inspect and clean the small mesh screen filter inside the valve inlet port or hose fitting, rinsing it under running water to remove sediment (a clogged screen is a common cause of E18 and may eliminate the need for valve replacement).
Unplug the wire harness from the valve solenoid coil and release the hose clamp securing the ribbed fill tube that runs from the valve outlet into the tub sump.
Remove the mounting bracket screws or retaining clip holding the valve to the dishwasher frame, slide the valve free, and pull the fill tube off the outlet barb.
Install the new inlet valve onto the mounting bracket, push the fill tube firmly onto the outlet barb, and secure the hose clamp.
Reconnect the valve wire harness, thread the brass elbow or hose fitting into the valve inlet, and hand-tighten plus one quarter-turn with a wrench (do not overtighten and crack the plastic body).
Turn on the water supply, check for leaks at the hose connection and valve body, then restore power and run a short rinse cycle to confirm normal fill speed and no error codes.

The Part You Need

Part	Notes
Bosch dishwasher water inlet valve	Amazon \| Check your model and serial number on the rating plate inside the door edge or on the right side panel. Cross-reference the exact valve part number in the Bosch parts diagram for your model, since inlet-valve designs and harness connectors vary by series and production year.

If this part is failing you may also see one of these codes:

When to Call a Pro

If you are uncomfortable working with both electrical connections and plumbing fittings at the same time, or if cleaning the inlet screen and verifying 10 L/min supply flow do not resolve E18 or slow-fill symptoms, call a Bosch-authorized technician. Also reach out to a pro if you see E16 or E17 codes that persist after valve replacement, since flow-meter calibration or control-board diagnostics may be required. Any active water leak in the base pan that has triggered flood protection needs immediate professional attention to prevent floor damage.