Most Bosch codes are an E and a number, and the same number can mean different things on different Bosch machines: on a dishwasher E24 is a drain problem, while on a Bosch dryer Bosch lists it as an electronics fault. Below are the codes Bosch lists for its dishwashers, washers and dryers, what Bosch says each one means, and the checks Bosch itself suggests. Newer Bosch dishwashers can show a four-digit code instead; where Bosch’s list gives one the same meaning, it’s noted. Codes differ between models and generations, so check what your own manual says against the model number on the plate — here is where to find it.
Bosch dishwashers
E24 — not draining
Bosch says the dishwasher isn’t draining properly because the drain filter is blocked. Bosch’s list gives E6103 the same meaning.
- Take the filter out and wash it under running water with mild soap and a soft brush.
- Check the hoses under the sink aren’t kinked or damaged.
- With the filter out, check the pump cover underneath it isn’t loose.
- If the drain hose goes to a garbage disposer, make sure the plug has been removed from the disposer’s dishwasher connection.
If the code comes back after those checks, the machine needs a technician.
E25 — drain pump blocked
Bosch says the drain pump is blocked, or its cover is loose or missing. Bosch’s list gives E6102 the same meaning.
- With the filter out, check the pump cover isn’t loose.
- Your manual shows how to unclip the pump cover and clear what’s caught in the pump. Turn the power off first, and go carefully: Bosch warns some debris may be sharp.
If the code comes back after those checks, the machine needs a technician.
E15 — water in the base
Bosch says its safety switch has found water in the base of the dishwasher, and the leak protection has switched on. Bosch’s list gives E3100 the same meaning.
Bosch’s advice is to turn off the water to the dishwasher and call for service.
E22 — filter blocked
Bosch says the filter, where food particles get caught, is blocked. Bosch’s list gives E9240 the same meaning.
- Take the filter out, wash it under running water with mild soap and a soft brush, and put it back.
If the code comes back after those checks, the machine needs a technician.
E16, E17 or E18 — water problems on the way in
Bosch says E16 and E17 mean water can’t get into the dishwasher properly, and E18 that the water level is too low or the water isn’t being pumped correctly. Bosch’s list gives E3300 and E3400 the same meaning as E16 and E17, and E3200 the same as E18.
- Check the water supply to the dishwasher is turned on. Bosch says it should deliver about 10 litres a minute.
- Check the inlet hose isn’t kinked or damaged.
If the code comes back after those checks, the machine needs a technician.
E12 — limescale
Bosch says limescale has built up in the heat pump and the dishwasher needs descaling. Bosch’s list gives E2060 the same meaning.
- Run a dishwasher descaler through an empty cycle, following its directions.
- If your dishwasher has a water softener, keep its salt topped up. Bosch recommends it to stop the build-up coming back.
E27 — low power to the dishwasher
Bosch says the house power supply to the dishwasher is too low. Bosch’s list gives E9001 the same meaning.
- Turn the dishwasher’s breaker off for 30 seconds, then back on.
If it happens again, Bosch says an electrician should check the voltage reaching the dishwasher.
E09 and other electrical faults
Bosch lists E09 as a heater fault, and E01 to E07, E10, E19, E20 and E21 as faults in parts like the control board, pump, heater, door sensor, drying system and detergent dispenser. For all of these except E04, Bosch’s first step is the same: turn the dishwasher’s breaker off for 30 seconds, then back on.
If the code comes back, the machine needs a technician.
H01, H02 and so on — not an error
Bosch says this is the delay-start timer: H01 means the start is delayed by an hour, H02 by two hours, and so on.
What the common Bosch dishwasher, washer and dryer codes mean, in Bosch’s own words, and the checks Bosch says you can do before calling anyone.
Bosch washers
E18 or F18 — the washer can’t drain
Bosch says the drain hose is blocked or kinked. On washers whose display alternates E:00 and -18, Bosch says the pump is blocked.
- Check the drain hose isn’t kinked.
- Clean the drain pump behind the service flap, following your manual. Unplug the washer first and have towels and a shallow pan ready: Bosch warns the water may be very hot.
If the code comes back after those checks, the machine needs a technician.
E17, F17 or F29 — water isn’t coming in
Bosch says the filters in the water supply hose are blocked, or the water pressure is too low.
- Turn the taps fully on.
- Clean the small filters where the supply hose connects, following your manual. If yours is an AquaStop hose, don’t put it in water: Bosch says it contains an electric valve.
Bosch says a fully open tap should give about 10 litres a minute. If yours doesn’t, the water pressure is a job for a plumber.
E16, E34, F16 or F34 — the door didn’t lock
Bosch says the door isn’t locked properly.
- Close the door until it clicks. Bosch notes a very full load can stop it closing properly.
- Check nothing is caught between the door and the machine, then restart.
If the code comes back after those checks, the machine needs a technician.
E32 or F32 — unbalanced load
Bosch says the washer found an imbalance. If it’s too large, the spin won’t run or runs slower, and the washer makes several attempts to spread the laundry, which makes the cycle longer.
- Wash large and small items together.
- Close zips and buttons on pillow and duvet covers.
E33 or F33 — too much foam
Bosch says detergent foam was detected: too much detergent, or an old one. It happens more with lightly soiled loads.
- Use less detergent, especially for lightly soiled laundry. The packaging says how much.
CL — child lock
Not a fault: Bosch says the child lock is on. Your manual shows how to switch it off.
E:00 and -23 — water in the base
Bosch says there’s water in the base of the washer, or it’s leaking.
Turn the water taps off and call for service.
E80 — drive fault
Bosch says this is a fault in the drive circuit, which needs a technician.
Bosch dryers
E01 or E02 — lint filter blocked
Bosch says the lint filter is blocked and needs cleaning.
- Clean the lint filter after every load, and rinse it with warm water now and then.
If the code comes back after those checks, the machine needs a technician.
E06 — heating fault
Bosch says it has found a fault in the heating circuit, which needs a technician.
E08, E09, E24, E25, E28 or E90 — electronics fault
On a Bosch dryer, Bosch lists these as electronics faults that need a technician. On a Bosch dishwasher, E09, E24 and E25 mean something else — see above.
Where this comes from
Every meaning above is the manufacturer’s own, from its support pages:
A code tells you where the machine gave up, not always why. If the simple checks don’t clear it, that’s what a diagnosis is for.
Not sure what you’re looking at?
Kodiak covers Edmonton and the Capital Region, and Calgary and area. Get in touch if you’d like a straight answer on what your repair is likely to involve.
More on reading your own appliance
Appliance acting up right now?
Edmonton and the Capital Region. Flat-rate pricing — no surprises.
Honest, flat-rate appliance repair in Edmonton and Calgary. Run by a working tech who wants to do it right.