Bosch dishwashers have a reputation for being quiet, and they've earned it. That quietness also causes a surprising number of service questions. Owners aren't sure whether the machine is running, and some behaviors that are perfectly normal for a Bosch look like faults if you're used to another brand.
This guide separates the Bosch habits from the Bosch problems and explains what you can safely do about each.
Is it running?
Many Bosch models have their controls on the top edge of the door, hidden when it's closed. Once you shut the door, there's no display to look at. Instead:
- •InfoLight: some models shine a small red dot onto the floor while running. When the dot disappears, the cycle is done.
- •TimeLight: some higher-end models project the time remaining onto the floor.
- •Neither: open the door slightly and look at the panel, then close it firmly to continue.
If the floor light doesn't show, check that the kick plate and the floor aren't blocking it. Dark or very glossy floors can make it hard to see.
It won't start
Work through these before assuming a fault:
- •The door didn't latch. Controls on the top edge only work once the door is fully closed. Press until it clicks.
- •Child lock. Many models have a child lock activated by holding a button for a few seconds. The manual shows which one.
- •Delay start. A delayed start looks exactly like a dishwasher that's doing nothing.
- •A cycle still in memory. On many Bosch models, holding the Start or Reset button for a few seconds cancels the current program and drains the machine. The exact button depends on the model; check the manual.
- •Power. Check the breaker, and any wall switch that controls the dishwasher.
It won't drain
Standing water after a cycle, sometimes with an E24 or E25 code on the panel, is usually a blockage you can clear.
The filter assembly
Bosch uses a cylindrical fine filter that twists out of the floor of the tub, sitting in a flat mesh screen. Remove the lower rack, turn the cylinder counterclockwise, lift it out and lift out the flat screen too. Rinse everything under running water, scrubbing the fine mesh with a soft brush.
The pump cover
Under the filter, many Bosch models have a small, usually white, snap-in cover over the drain pump. Glass fragments, fruit pits, labels and small bones get past the filter and jam the pump impeller. With the power off, scoop out the standing water with a sponge, pry the cover up with a spoon handle, and check the impeller with a gloved finger. It should turn freely. Snap the cover back in securely.
An E25 code often points here; E24 more often points to a blocked drain hose or clogged disposal connection.
The drain connection
- •If the dishwasher drains into a disposal that was just installed, the plastic knockout plug in the disposal's inlet may still be in place.
- •A clogged disposal, a kinked drain hose or a missing high loop under the sink can all cause drain problems.
Our general dishwasher troubleshooting guide covers drain connections in more detail.
E15: water in the base
Bosch dishwashers have a leak-protection system in the base. A tray under the machine collects water, and a float in it trips a switch. When it trips, the machine shows E15, stops washing and runs the drain pump to protect your floor.
E15 always means water got into the base pan from somewhere. Common sources:
- •Too many suds from hand dish soap or too much detergent.
- •A leak from a hose, the pump or a seal inside the machine.
- •A leaking connection at the water supply or drain.
The base must dry out before the error clears, which can take a day or more. But a dried base is only half the solution. If the source of the water isn't found, E15 will come back. If you live in a condo or apartment above another unit, close the water supply under the sink and don't keep running the dishwasher until the leak is found.
Drying: what's normal and what isn't
Why plastics come out damp
Many Bosch models don't use an exposed heating element to dry. Instead, they rely on a hot final rinse and condensation drying: moisture condenses on the cooler stainless steel tub and drains away. Glass and ceramic hold enough heat to dry well. Plastic doesn't, so a few drops on plastic containers are normal for this design.
Getting better results
- •Use rinse aid. It isn't optional with condensation drying. Keep the dispenser filled and turn up the dosage if needed.
- •Use extra dry or a drying option if your model has one.
- •Unload the bottom rack first, so water from the top doesn't drip onto dry dishes.
- •Crack the door after the cycle ends if your model doesn't do it automatically.
- •Some higher-end Bosch models use a mineral called zeolite to dry the load, which Bosch calls CrystalDry. They dry plastics noticeably better.
When damp dishes are a fault
If glassware, which normally dries well, starts coming out wet, the dishes are also cool, or the final rinse doesn't get hot, the water heating system may have a problem. That's worth a service visit.
Installation-related issues
Bosch dishwashers are often installed in renovated kitchens and condos, sometimes by contractors working to tight schedules. Some problems trace back to installation:
- •A door that drops open or won't stay put: the door springs or their tension may need adjusting.
- •A machine that rocks or has a gap at the top: the mounting brackets may be loose or unfastened.
- •Poor draining from day one: check the drain hose routing and the high loop.
When to call
If the dishwasher is still under warranty, contact Bosch first. We're an independent repair company, not an authorized Bosch service center.
Call a technician if the E15 code returns after the base dries out, if the machine won't drain with a clean filter and a free impeller, if the water doesn't heat, or if any code keeps coming back. A technician diagnoses the dishwasher in your kitchen, explains what failed and quotes the repair. Nothing is replaced until you approve the price. Our Bosch dishwasher repair page has more on the models we work on, and you can book a visit online.
Quick answers
How do I reset a Bosch dishwasher?
On many models, hold the Start or Reset button for a few seconds with the door open, then close the door. It cancels the program and drains the machine. Check your manual for your model.
Why is my Bosch beeping and showing E15?
Water has reached the base pan. Find out where it came from before assuming the dishwasher is safe to use.
Is it normal for a Bosch to run for hours?
Yes. Many Bosch cycles are long because they wash at lower energy use and dry by condensation.