Bosch dishwashers display a specific error code when something trips a safety sensor or a cycle doesn’t complete as expected, and the code is your fastest way to know what’s actually going on before you call anyone. Most Bosch dishwasher error codes come down to water in the base pan, a slow or blocked drain, a dirty filter, or a heating fault — and the codes below cover the most commonly reported ones across the 100, 300, 500, and 800 series lines.
In this article
Bosch dishwasher error codes: what each one means
| Symptom | Likely cause | DIY-safe? | Needs a tech? |
|---|---|---|---|
| E15 | Water detected in the base pan by the float switch | Try the tilt-to-drain step | Yes if water returns |
| E24 / E25 | Draining too slowly or not at all | Clean filter yourself | Yes if still slow |
| E22 | Filter or spray arm restricted, often by scale or debris | Clean filter and spray arms | Yes if it recurs |
| E09 | Water not heating to the expected temperature | No | Yes |
| E01 / E02 | Control board or sensor communication fault | Try power cycle | Yes if it returns |
| E17 | Water not filling within the expected time | Check supply valve | Yes if supply is fine |
What you can safely check yourself (5 minutes)
Unplug the dishwasher or turn off its breaker before touching anything beyond the filter and base area, never bypass a door lock or safety switch, and if you smell gas or burning, stop and call right away.
- For an E15 code, some Bosch models let you carefully tilt the dishwasher forward slightly to help drain water pooled in the base pan, following the manual’s guidance for your model.
- Remove and clean the filter assembly at the bottom of the tub.
- Check the spray arms for clogged holes or built-up scale.
- Confirm the water supply valve under the sink is fully open if you see an E17 code.
- Try a power cycle: turn off power at the breaker for a few minutes before restoring it, for E01/E02 codes.
What needs a technician
A Bosch dishwasher E15 code deserves a closer look before assuming it’s a nuisance, since the same code appears whether it’s a real leak or the base pan simply catching water from a slow drain. Tilting the unit to drain the base pan is a reasonable first step, but if the code keeps returning, a technician needs to check whether it’s an actual leak point or a drainage restriction. E09 heating faults, E01/E02 control faults, and persistent E24/E25 drain faults all require testing components with a meter.
The Northern Virginia factor
Summer storms across Northern Virginia bring brief power blips that can interrupt a Bosch dishwasher mid-cycle, and this sometimes leaves the base pan holding water long enough to trigger a false E15 reading even without a real leak. Separately, hard water in parts of Fairfax and Loudoun County contributes to E22 and E24 codes over time as scale builds up in the filter, spray arms, and drain path. If your E15 code showed up right after a storm, mention that when you call — it changes what a technician checks first.
Repair or replace?
Filter cleaning, spray arm clearing, and even most drain pump or float switch repairs are straightforward Bosch dishwasher repair jobs worth doing on a unit of typical age. Replacement becomes more reasonable when the control board is at fault, when an E15 turns out to be a genuine leak from a cracked component, or when the unit has already needed several repairs. You’ll get a diagnosis and a quote before any work begins so you can decide with full information.
Bosch dishwashers are generally well-built machines, and one of these Bosch dishwasher error codes on an otherwise reliable unit is usually just a part wearing out rather than a sign the whole appliance is failing. Weigh the age of the unit and whether this is its first real issue against how many repairs it’s already needed when deciding what makes sense.
It’s worth keeping a simple log of when Bosch dishwasher error codes appear — right after a storm, after running a particularly greasy load, or seemingly at random — since that context often points a technician toward the right cause faster than the code number alone.
When to call
- An E15 code returns even after tilting the unit to drain the base
- A Bosch dishwasher E24 or E25 code persists after cleaning the filter
- An E09 heating code appears and dishes aren’t drying properly
- An E01 or E02 code returns after a power cycle
- You notice actual water on the floor near the dishwasher
Call (703) 916-1130 or book online. Same-day service is often available when you call before noon. Every completed repair includes a FREE service call, and all work carries a 90-day parts and labor warranty.
See our Bosch dishwasher repair page for more detail, and if you’re nearby, our appliance repair in Fairfax VA team can usually schedule you quickly. For manufacturer support resources, visit bosch-home.com/us.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bosch dishwasher E15 code mean?
E15 means the float switch detected water in the base pan. It can be a real leak or water pooling from a slow drain, and it’s worth having a technician check if the code keeps returning.
Can a power outage cause a false E15 code?
Yes. A brief power interruption mid-cycle can leave water in the base pan long enough to trigger the float switch, even without an actual leak.
How do I clear a Bosch dishwasher E24 or E25 drain code?
Start by cleaning the filter at the bottom of the tub. If the code returns after that, the drain pump or a deeper blockage likely needs professional attention.
Does hard water cause Bosch dishwasher error codes?
Hard water can contribute to E22 and E24 codes over time as scale builds up in the filter, spray arms, and drain path, gradually restricting water flow.
Which series do these Bosch dishwasher error codes apply to?
These codes are common across the 100, 300, 500, and 800 series lines, though exact part locations can vary slightly by model.