The most common Bosch dishwasher problems include not draining, not starting, water not filling up, not drying dishes, and leaking issues.
Having these problems with your dishwasher doesn’t mean you have the worst dishwasher brand.
Sometimes, the problems are not as big as they seem, and you can easily repair them with simple DIY troubleshooting tips.
So, in this article, we will let you know the Bosch dishwasher troubleshooting tips.
So, make sure to read them all.
Table of Contents
- Bosch Dishwasher Troubleshooting
- 1. Bosch Dishwasher Fills Up With Clean Water By Itself
- 2. Bosch Dishwasher Buttons Not Working
- 3. Bosch Dishwasher Fills Up With Dirty Water
- 4. Bosch Dishwasher Lights Flashing or Blinking
- 5. Bosch Dishwasher Not Draining Properly
- 6. Dishwasher Won’t Start
- 7. Water Not Filling Up Bosch Dishwasher
- 8. Dishwasher Making Noise
- 9. Bosch Dishwasher Not Drying Dishes
- 10. Dishwasher Leaking From Motor Area
- How to Clean Dishwasher Pump
- Conclusion: Bosch Dishwasher Troubleshooting
- Steven Settles
Bosch Dishwasher Troubleshooting
Here is a list of common problems with Bosch dishwashers and how to troubleshoot them.
Before going into the details, check out the following table, which provides quick fixes to the most common issues with Bosch dishwashers.
| Bosch Dishwasher Common Problems | Quick Fix |
|---|---|
| Fills up with clean water by itself | Clean water level sensor. |
| Buttons not working | Remove obstructions; replace selector knob if top buttons fail. |
| Fills up with dirty water | Clean pump filter; check drain hose. |
| Lights flashing or blinking | Clean filter; Reset dishwasher. |
| Not draining properly | Remove food from drain; inspect drain hose. |
| Won’t start | Call Bosch for motor issues; check door switch and power outlet. |
| Water not filling up | Ensure hoses aren’t kinked or blocked. |
| Making noise | Check water inlet valve, dish loads, filter screens, and motor bearing. |
| Not drying dishes | Clean dishwasher; raise water temperature. |
| Leaking from motor area | Seal pump leaks; inspect screws. |
1. Bosch Dishwasher Fills Up With Clean Water By Itself
Bosch dishwashers are engineered to be more sustainable. But, sometimes, the Bosch dishwasher fills up with clean water by itself when it should be empty.
In the Bosch dishwasher, you can find the water level sensor in the bottom left corner of the door.
If this sensor is wet and dirty, there will be a problem with the dishwasher filling up clean water. Cleaning this sensor will solve this problem.
2. Bosch Dishwasher Buttons Not Working
There are many different reasons why buttons on bosch dishwashers might not work.
One of the most common reasons is that a foreign object might be blocking the button sensors.
You can fix this problem by removing the object and then restarting the machine.
If the top buttons on your dishwasher are not working, there is a good chance that the selector knob has gone bad, and you need to replace it.
3. Bosch Dishwasher Fills Up With Dirty Water
This problem usually lies in a clogged hose or dirty pump filter, which is a common issue.
This is due to a defective drain pump. You can troubleshoot it by cleaning the pump filter and checking the drain hose for any blockages.
4. Bosch Dishwasher Lights Flashing or Blinking
Bosch dishwashers come equipped with various flashing indicators to alert users to potential problems that may need to be addressed.
The flashing light on Bosch dishwashers could be a sign of a serious issue, and you should look into it.
Flashing or blinking lights on Bosch dishwashers are usually signs of an issue with either water flow or electrical power.
The first thing you should do is clean the filter because this can indicate that there is a clog in the drainpipe. You can also try resetting the dishwasher.
To reset, you can press and hold for 10 to 15 seconds all of the buttons on top of the appliance, then press.
5. Bosch Dishwasher Not Draining Properly
Many people find that their Bosch dishwasher drains slowly when they open it. The reason for this might be the water level in the dishwasher.
Dishwashers should always be filled with water before running them. But the water does not always have to be all the way up to the top of the machine.
The solution to this problem is to clean out any food that may have been left in your drain.
Make sure there are no kinks or cracks in your drain hose. If you are still having problems, you may need a dishwasher repairman who can figure out what is wrong and fix it for you.
6. Dishwasher Won’t Start
A dishwasher machine uses a motor to turn a pump that moves water and detergent through the machine.
Sometimes, these motors can break, or bad wiring can also cause damage.
Such problems can cause the dishwasher not to start at all. In this case, you need to call the Bosch help center to properly repair your appliance.
Also, a dishwasher with a faulty door switch or power outlet will not start. Fixing these two components will usually solve the problem.
7. Water Not Filling Up Bosch Dishwasher
The most common reason for water not filling up in a dishwasher is that the hose is kinked or blocked.
This can happen when you have higher water pressure, and it pushes the hose out of place.
The solution to this problem is checking your hoses and making sure they are not kinked or blocked.
If they are, then try to find a way to move them out of the way so that the water pressure is not forcing them.
8. Dishwasher Making Noise
Dishwashers are a convenient and time-saving appliance. But they can also be a source of frustration if they are not working properly or making noise.
There are many reasons why a dishwasher would make noise. Some are minor, and some are major.
Suppose your dishwasher is making a humming or rattling noise. In that case, it could be because the water inlet valve might need replacement or repair.
Usually, dishwashers make noise when they are in use. However, the following factors can cause unnecessary noise:
- The water is too hot.
- A load of dishes is unbalanced.
- There is a leaky seal on the door (the rubber seal that goes around the edge of the door).
- A bad motor bearing or axle on the motor shaft causes a metal-on-metal vibration when it spins.
- The filter screen at the bottom of the dishwasher has been clogged with food or other debris and needs to be cleaned out.
- Faulty insulation between components, such as thermal insulation material preventing heat from escaping from one part to another, leads to higher-than-normal operating temperatures in one area and lower-than-optimal performance in the other.
9. Bosch Dishwasher Not Drying Dishes
Sometimes, the Bosch dishwasher is not drying dishes because the water is not getting hot enough.
You can solve this problem by adjusting the water temperature to a higher level.
There are a few reasons why your dishwasher is not drying the dishes. The first reason is that the dishwasher may not be clean.
When a dishwasher is not clean, it can cause dishes to stick to the bottom and not dry off.
If this is the issue, you need to clean the dishwasher properly, and in this way, you can fix this problem.
Another reason for this issue is that the water may not be hot enough.
When the water temperature falls below 150 degrees Fahrenheit, it can’t remove grease or food from the dishes, as well as when it’s hotter.
If these problems persist, you may need to get your dishwasher repaired or replace it with a new one.
10. Dishwasher Leaking From Motor Area
A dishwasher will leak from the motor area when there is a leak in the pump seal.
You can simply fix this issue with a screwdriver and some silicone sealant.
The dishwasher’s pump seal may also leak when there is a defective screw or when the sealant has dried out.
This can lead to a dishwasher that leaks from the motor area. However, you can fix this problem with some simple tools and materials.
How to Clean Dishwasher Pump
Watch this video guide to learn how to unblock your dishwasher pump.
Related Posts:
Conclusion: Bosch Dishwasher Troubleshooting
Bosch dishwasher models are a high-end line of dishwashers. They produce high-quality products that are long-lasting and energy-efficient.
However, in some cases, they will not perform as expected or break down before their time.
These problems must be identified to be fixed before they become serious.
This article has discussed how to identify and troubleshoot problems with a Bosch dishwasher.
Also, we have discussed some of the most common Bosch dishwasher problems and their solutions.
If I have not mentioned the problem you are searching for, you can leave the problem name in the comment, and I will help you fix it.
Steven Settles is an ISCET-certified master in appliance repair. He has aced the National Appliance Service Technician Certification Exam, showcasing his exceptional diagnostic and repair skills. With an in-depth understanding of the latest repair technologies and a keen eye on evolving industry standards, Steven is a go-to expert for any appliance issue.
Hello, My Bosch Dishwasher SHXM4AY52N has error 21 for the second time. The heat pump was replaced one year ago and it’s been working find until April 2, 2023 , and I have another error 21. I have turned off breaker for 5 mins with no change. I only use the dishwasher for family get to gathers. Any idea why a error 21 would appear so soon. David
Why are the cups etc in the top shelf not getting cleaned please
Question: our Bosch (6 year old) dishwasher since being reinstalled after renovations the soap dispenser is not releasing properly and soap is caked into the dispenser every time we try another load, any logical reason for this?
Gerry Vancouver BC
Hello Gerry,
I hope you are doing well!
The dispenser might be jammed. After the cycle, check to see whether there is detergent in the dispenser or on the tub’s bottom. When put on the bottom rack, tall things like baking sheets and cutting boards may obstruct the dispenser door.
Also, the dishwasher tablet won’t dissolve completely or at all if your appliance isn’t getting enough water or if the water pressure is too low. Make that the connection is not crushed, twisted, or kinked. Please schedule an engineer visit if you observe that your dishwasher is not filling with water.
Our Bosch dishwasher (model shu43c06uc) runs the wash cycle (both long wash and quick wash) and counts down the minutes to 1 minute left. At that time, it just continues to run and run. When I open the door, there is still soapy water in the dishwasher. I have to cancel the wash and let it drain the water. I then run the rinse and hold cycle to rinse the dishes. The rinse and hold cycle runs properly and shuts off after 9 minutes.
Check and clean your filters, unplug the hose and inspect it for kinks, bends, or blockages. You should also make sure there are no obstructions in the air vent near the sink. To make sure water flows through the system without interruption, replace any broken pieces.
The dishwasher won’t complete a cycle. It counts down to 1 minute and won’t stop or complete the setting. I’ve tried the auto, normlal and half load settings.
Hi Joe,
There might be several reasons for this.
Water leaks: A damaged or malfunctioning dishwasher pump may spill water onto the electrical components, short-circuiting the fuse.
Dishwasher parts that are broken: in addition to a broken pump, a broken heating element might short circuit the thermal fuse and stop your dishwasher.
Also, inspect the door latch and tighten it if required.
I’m questioning our office dishwasher. SPE53UF52UC/42
When we run a load it does not release the soap. After the cycle runs the door si still closed with soap inside the dispenser. How can we fix it?
Hi Kathleen,
I hope you are doing great!
It’s possible that not enough water will get to the soap throughout the cycle if the sprayer arm is blocked or not rotating properly. Dishwasher soap may not dissolve because there is not enough water present throughout the cycle.
water line sprung a leak after 4 years of use..replaced water line and one week later the water line is leaking again through small hole???
Hi Ken,
I hope you are doing great!
You need to check the dishwasher filter first. If the filter is not routinely cleaned, food particles or other foreign items may accumulate and cause a leak in addition to impeding the proper cleaning of your dishes. Since your dishwasher is a bit old, you may also need to contact a repairperson to physically inspect the actual reason for the leakage.
The back panel of my Bosch dishwasher is always very wet upon the end of a full cycle (including the drying). Some water remains on the top of coffee cups also. I use jet dry and it still happens. Do you have a solution?
Hello Mary,
I hope you are doing wonderful today!
One of the most frequent causes of wet dishes in your Bosch dishwasher is overcrowding. There is not enough space for hot air to circulate and dry each item thoroughly when cups and plates are arranged too closely together.
The hot, steamy air produced during the rinse cycle is often released via a vent in dishwashers. The dishwasher will leave moisture on the dishes if the vent is not properly opened. Make sure the vent is working properly by checking it.
Hi- Our 8 year bosch dishwasher makes a growling sound about 1 second long several times on startup, then intermittently during the cycle. I cleaned the filter and the pump impeller looks clean and turns freely. Any help isvery much appreciated.
Is it common for the water left in the filter basin to be dirty?
My Bosch Dishwasher has begun not opening the soap dispenser door when I run a load of dishes, both express and normal settings. I do not know what to check?
My Bosch dishwasher has stopped washing dishes/glasses clean – teacups and hot chocolate cups in particular are as dirty when when they come out as when they went in, only hotter and drier…
Bosch dishwasher doesn’t continue to cycle through wash cycle Amount of time to finish stays the same. Not sure it would ever stop! I open the door to end the wash
Why does my Bosch dishwasher keep repeating its cycle? It can go for 6 hours???
Hi,
A timer manages the cycles in your dishwasher. Everything is controlled from beginning to end, and the machine is switched on at the appropriate times for filling, heating, washing, rinsing, and drying. If your appliance won’t shut off, the timer motor may be broken.
Lights do not come on when I press on and start. However when the door is closed the motor comes on every 30 seconds runs for a minute, stops and repeats.
door will not click shut – or pops open when programme starts
Antony
Hi Antony, for this problem, you should contact with customer service and they will resolve this problem easily.
Chris
There is about a cup of water in the drain below the filter. I have cleaned the filter and the drain. This is a new dishwasher. Is there anything else I can do to solve this problem or is there supposed to be water left in the drain?
The tap light is on but the water inlet has not been touched & it’s not running a cycle
soap tablet does not dissolve
what does HOS or it could be HO5 mean?
My dishwasher is showing up a light saying E22. What does this mean please…
Hi Lynda,
An E22 error code denotes a clogged dishwasher filter. Food particles are trapped in the filter, which must be cleaned often. To check whether the filter is blocked, remove it.
E15 light is on check water light flashing just continue to drain and won’t turn off when door is open too ?
Hello June,
I hope you are doing great!
The safety switch has detected water in the dishwasher’s base, according to an E15 error code. Your leak detection system is now active.
BOSCH DISHWASHER PURCHASED NOVEMBER, 2015 (TODAY IS JULY, 11, 2022). I HEARD A NOISE IN THE KITCHEN. LOUD HUMMING SOUND. PUT MY HAND ON THE OUTSIDE OF DISHWASHER AND FELT VIBRATION LIKE IT WAS WASHING DISHES. OPENED THE DOOR AND LOUD SOUND. IT WOULD STOP AND THEN START AGAIN. THE PANEL BOARD WAS NOT LIT AS THOUGH IT HAD NO POWER.I TRIED ALL BUTTONS AND NOTHING. TRIED TO RESET. NOTHING. HAD TO UNPLUG UNIT TO MAKE IT QUIT. THIS WAS A EXPENSIVE DISHWASHER TO BREAK AT 6 YEARS? I THINK THE CONTROL PANEL BOARD IS BROKEN. WORTH TO GET IT REPLACED OR GET NEW DISHWASHER?
I have a Bosch Silence Plus 44dBA. I can’t switch cycles and when I turn it on it is stuck in Speed 60 and the red light on the floor is flashing.
Hello Caroline,
I hope you are having a lovely day!
Simply press the Reset button for three to five seconds to restart a stalled wash cycle. On the control panel, locate the start button and push it for at least three seconds before releasing it with the door shut.
Hi, we have a fully integrated dishwasher Serie 6 SMV69M01GB. Since we purchased it in 2017 to open the door you push the door and it automatically opens but for some reason it’s stopped doing it, we have to pull the handle to open it. We’ve tried to reset it but was not successful. Is this a common complaint, can you please advise what to do next? Many thanks
My Bosch dishwasher won’t turn off, i have done all the recommend stages of holding button for 3 seconds to no avail,do not have a reset button on mine, also the humming noise sounds like it wants to fill up or empty, watched Video checked the pump nothing there. hoping you can help me thanks Noni
I am in South Africa. I use dishwashing powder, not the tablets. All of a sudden (this is a new batch of powder) it makes a cake in the dispenser, not releasing and thus the dishes is not clean.
What can I do?
Bosch dishwasher soap dispenser door not opening
Hello, my Bosch Silence Plus 44 dBA Dishwasher is not cleaning my upper propeller is not spinning. Do need a new part in order to get it working again?
Why my dishwasher does open to allow air drying
Hello Florette,
When the temperature drops below 122°F, the door opens, enabling fresh air to flow within the dishwasher. Additionally, an internal fan turns on to keep moisture off of your surface.
Hi sir
My bosch dishwacher cleans dishes normally but keeps clean water on dishes not dried. How can I fix this problem.
Thank you
Hello Zak,
One of the most frequent causes of damp dishes in your Bosch dishwasher is overcrowding. There is not enough space for hot air to circulate and dry each item thoroughly when cups and plates are arranged too closely together.
I love my Bosch dishwasher! I Hit normal, sanitize, start…2:35 starts blinking. Light does not go on toward the floor. Dishwasher does not start. I have never had a problem and do the same thing each and every time. Any suggestions?
We’ve had our narrow dishwasher for years and have lost the manual: where does the rinse-aid liquid go?
Hi, my dishwasher doesn’t ‘clean’ the soap dispenser out like it used to.
When I open up the door after it’s done, I find that the soap (I use the powder/granules) wasn’t dispensed and it’s like a hard cake.
What could be the problem please?
are water level sensors and/ or water inlet valves the same thing?
I keep getting water in the bottom of the dishwasher after i do a load of dishes anywhere from a half day to a full day of a finished cycle. that fills up to the bottom of the door. (Bottom of dishwasher is dry after it is finished)
the reset button does not disable the “H” letter even after the reset operation wok. what is causing the problem?
My dishwasher starts then after a few minutes will start beeping and it says watertap. I cancel the cycle & restart it & it will finish. Why is it doing this? Thank for any help.
Water comes out of the door
The dushwashing soap pad us not dissolving. It gets stuck in the detergent tab tray. The dishes do not get clean.
When I put our dishwasher on the pump and water supply start to function. I’ve done a hard reset but it makes no difference. to do
The detergent compartment no longer stays closed when I slide it shut.
My dishes and silverware coming out gritty and spots on them. The dishwasher is only one year old
The bottom of the door on my Bosch model #SHP7PT55UC/09 has a rubber piece attached to the bottom of the door and the base. That piece is torn, and another tube-like thing is falling out. I don’t know what the names of those pieces are, and they don’t seem to be in any diagrams I’ve looked at.
The water is not getting hot in my Bosch dishwasher so hence it’s not washing properly and not drying it say it has an E 09 fault on it but as yet I am unable to find anywhere that will lead me to the fault and how to fix it, any help would be greatly appreciated.
My dish washer will not start , push buttons, light at bottom comes on, then in 3-4 seconds light goes off
Dishwasher is turning on by itself. Could not turn it off. Had to hit circuit breaker.
I cannot change the buttons. Right now the ones that are red are Auto, Sanitize and Extra Shine.
Thanks
I have a Bosch dishwasher series 6. When I power it up the panel lights come on like they should but before any other selection can be made all the lights go off again. The count is about 10 seconds from coming on to going off.
HI WE HAVE A BOSCH DISHWASER MODEL SMS2HVW66G WHEN THE WASHER IS SWITCHED ON THE DISPLAY SHOWS A RED ASTERISK AND A ELONGATED S WITH ARROWS ON EACH END CAN YOU TELL ME WHAT THESE MEAN.
Soap dispenser don’t always open. And soap ďont all devolve
E:15 showing up and tap and rinse aid. It’s making the draining sound n I cannot switch off
the dishwasher stops code E:01 comes on
Hello Paul,
An issue with the heating element is indicated by the Bosch Dishwasher Error Code “E01” in a dishwasher. The drain, wash, and heat circuits are typically driven by the Bosch dishwasher power module following instructions from the control module. These components may not operate properly if one of them fails.
I have a Bosch Silence Plus 46 dBA dishwasher that won’t start. The ‘Auto’ button blinks at me. The on/off button is the only one that appears to do anything. The ‘Start’ button does nada.
Problem: The dishwasher does not clean the dishes on the upper rack. It’s like the water doesn’t get to the upper sprayer.
Machine starts beeping a couple of seconds after washing cycle has started. The beeping could last for about 30 seconds, then stops, and the machine keeps on working. Sometimes after the machine has beeped for end of cycle, there can be water left in machine so never sure if dishes are properly washed. Help please
I hold the start button for 3 seconds but can’t get it to start the cycle?….
Dishes aren’t getting clean
Dishwasher makes sucking noise as if it’s trying to extract water when you turn it on and won’t start
Was half asleep and reached for the small bottle of blue dawn and started to fill the rinse container. How can I get the dawn blue liquid dish soap o ht of my Bosch dishwasher? Please help.
Thank you.
Model SHEM3AY5*N buttons on front of door–when I turn it on it wants to stay on the 2:35 mode not the 1:30 cycle. Turnin it on & off nothing changes. Then “by chance” it will list the 1:35 but won’t start. I have tried to RESET it & the same keeps happening. I 1 time got it to go to the 1:35, it began, stopped, finally I got the settings down to 0.01 & it does nothing. EEK!!!!
The drawer for the tablet doesn’t completely empty and re open
After wash/dry cycle is complete, I find that the detergent tab is undissolved and resting in the top rack of the dishwasher.
My DW is stuck on hold position and I cannot get it to go onto any wash cycle….
Soap capsule does not dissolve completely and dishes are not clean in my Bosch dishwasher.
My dishwasher is making a noise and showing E15 which I think is to do with the water flow. The washer will not turn off and I cannot move it to get behind and tur the electric off. URGENT
Problem is when the wash program is selected, after a few seconds the drying light comes on.
The filters and hoses have been checked for blockages and kinks.
Hi Colette,
I hope you are doing great!
This is normal. The drying cycle is usually longer than the washing cycle, and hence, the dryer light will come on after the drying cycle has been completed. You should check with the owner’s manual for your specific model, to find out how long the drying cycle needs to be.
what does HOS or it could be HO5 mean?
Light indicates it needs salt but salt is full