Reset once, then read the code
Bosch's own list suggests a simple first move for many codes: switch the dishwasher off at the breaker for 30 seconds, then restore power. If the code comes back, find it below. Newer models can show longer four-digit versions of the same fault, so check your manual if the number is not here.
Some models do not show a number at all. They flash lights or beep in a pattern instead, and the manual translates the pattern into a code. Write down exactly what you see before you start pressing buttons, and take a photo of the display if it helps.
Codes you can often act on
| Code | Plain meaning | Owner-safe step |
|---|---|---|
| E22 | Filter blocked | Remove, rinse with mild soap and a soft brush, refit |
| E24 | Not draining; filter blocked | Check hose kinks and pump cover; if a disposal is attached, confirm the knockout plug is out |
| E25 | Drain pump blocked, or cover loose | Clear debris with the power off; seat the cover |
| E16 / E17 | Water may not be entering | Check the inlet hose for kinks and the supply valve |
| E18 | Water level low | Same checks as E16 and E17 |
Codes that call for a technician
| Code | Plain meaning | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| E15 | Water in the base; leak protection active | Turn off the water and request service |
| E01 to E10 range | Board, relay, heater, sensor or diverter circuits | Reset once; then request service |
| E12 | Limescale in the heat pump | Descale as the manual directs, or request service |
| E27 | Household power too low | If it recurs, an electrician checks the voltage |
It means water reached the base pan. Repeated resets without finding the leak risk floor and cabinet damage. Shut the supply valve and get it checked.
What to have ready if you call
- The exact code, and whether it appeared at the start, mid-cycle or at the end.
- The model number (the E-Nr. on the door edge or inside the tub).
- Whether the dishwasher drains into a garbage disposal.
- What you already tried, including how many times you reset it.
A reset clears a temporary fault, not a failed part. It will not fix a blocked pump or a leak, and a code that returns after a clean filter points to something a technician needs to see.
Repair or replace?
A pump, inlet valve or filter issue on a Bosch under about ten years old is usually worth repairing. A failed control module on an older machine needs a quote set against a new unit. The repair-or-replace guide shows how, and the dishwasher repair page covers a visit.
An Austin note
Limescale codes make more sense once you know the water. Austin Water's 2025 report puts average hardness at about 93 ppm (5.4 grains per gallon), with a range of roughly 70 to 126 ppm. That is not extreme, but scale still collects in heating parts over the years. If your model has a water softener setting, follow the manual.
Austin ApplianceFix is not an authorized dealer or servicer for this brand. Whether a technician holds manufacturer authorization is something to ask them directly.
Sources
Code meanings come from Bosch; the hardness range comes from the City of Austin.
- Bosch: dishwasher error codes (US) — official code list
- Austin Water: water quality reports — hardness figures
Questions people ask
What does E24 mean on a Bosch dishwasher?
The machine is not draining. Bosch points to a blocked drain filter, a kinked hose, a loose pump cover or a disposal plug that was never removed.
Can I clear the code by unplugging it?
A 30-second power reset clears temporary faults. If the same code returns, the cause is still there.
Do the codes vary by model?
Yes. Display format and extra codes differ between series, so your manual is the final word.
Last updated October 31, 2026. This page offers general information to help you describe and understand a problem; it is not a diagnosis. Always follow your appliance manual and local safety rules.