A Bosch dishwasher shows an error code when it can’t finish a cycle. The most common are E24, E25, E61-02 and E61-03 (not draining), E15 (water in the base), E14 to E18 (not filling) and E09 or E20-30 (not heating). Sydney Appliance Service repairs Bosch dishwashers across Sydney and stocks genuine Bosch parts.
Newer Bosch dishwashers show four digit codes like E61-03 (sometimes written E6103), older ones show two digits like E24. Below is what each code means, what you can safely check yourself, and when to book a technician.
Bosch dishwasher error codes and what they mean
Codes can vary by model. If yours isn’t listed, call us on (02) 9546 4444 with your model number (it’s on the edge of the door or inside the door frame).
| Code | What it means | What you can check | Call a technician if |
|---|---|---|---|
| E24, E61-02, E61-03 | Not draining | Clean the filter in the base, check the drain hose isn’t kinked, and check the sink spigot or waste disposal connection isn’t blocked | Everything is clear and it still won’t drain |
| E25 | Drain pump blocked, or its cover is loose or missing | Under the filter, lift the small pump cover (Bosch suggests a teaspoon) and remove any glass, seeds or bones, then clip the cover back in | The pump area is clear and the code stays (often the drain pump) |
| E22 | Filter blocked | Remove the filter, rinse it under the tap and refit it until it locks | The filter is clean and the code returns |
| E23 | Drain pump fault or blockage | Same as E25, check the pump area under the filter | It keeps coming back |
| E15, E31-00 | Water in the base. The leak protection (AquaStop) has switched on | Turn the dishwasher off at the wall and turn off the water tap to the dishwasher | Always. The leak needs finding |
| E14, E16, E17, E18, water tap symbol | Not filling with water, or filling too slowly | Tap to the dishwasher fully on, inlet hose not kinked or squashed behind the unit | Water is reaching the dishwasher and the code stays (often the inlet valve or flow meter) |
| E09, E20-30 | Heater fault. Dishes come out cold or wet | Turn off at the wall for a few minutes, then restart | The code returns. This is an electrical fault |
A flashing water tap symbol with no number usually means a water supply problem, even when no code is shown.
What we see most on Bosch dishwashers in Sydney
We went through 54 recent Bosch dishwasher repair requests from our own job records: 26 freestanding, 10 fully integrated and the rest semi integrated or built under. The codes customers reported most were E61-03 (9 times), E20-30 (5) and E61-02 (4).
The problems that came up most often:
- Not draining, usually with E61-03, E61-02, E24 or E25 on the display. Many customers had already cleaned the filter. When the filter and drain hose are clear, the drain pump is the usual cause.
- No power, or it powers on but won’t start a wash. Lights come on but nothing happens, or the display stays blank. These are usually control board or power faults.
- Leaking, or E15 on the display. Water on the floor, a split drain hose, or water caught in the base tray that sets off the leak protection.
- Not heating (E20-30 or E09), so dishes come out wet and the cycle runs long.
- Door problems. The door drops open with no resistance, won’t stay shut, or a hinge has snapped. Worn door springs, hinges or cords are the common causes.
We also see the water tap symbol flashing (no water coming in), grinding noise while draining, and dishes not getting clean.
No code on the display doesn’t mean nothing is wrong. If your dishwasher is doing any of the above, a technician can usually find the fault in one visit.
What does E61-03 mean on a Bosch dishwasher?
E61-03 means the dishwasher can’t drain the water out. It’s the code we see most often on Bosch dishwashers.
Turn the dishwasher off at the wall, take out the filter in the base and rinse it, then lift the small pump cover underneath and check nothing is caught in the pump. Check the drain hose isn’t kinked behind the dishwasher and that the sink connection is clear. If it still won’t drain, book a repair, the drain pump has usually failed.
What does E15 mean on a Bosch dishwasher?
E15 means water has collected in the base of the dishwasher and the AquaStop leak protection has switched on to protect your floor. The dishwasher may pump continuously and won’t run a cycle.
Turn it off at the wall and turn off the water tap to the dishwasher. Too much foam from the wrong detergent can sometimes cause it, but usually something is leaking inside, like a hose, seal or the pump. A technician needs to find the leak.
How do I reset a Bosch dishwasher error code?
Turn the dishwasher off at the wall or power point for a few minutes, then turn it back on and start a new program. That clears a code caused by a one off glitch.
If the code comes back, the dishwasher is telling you about a real fault. With E15 or any water on the floor, don’t keep restarting it.
When should I call a technician?
Book a repair if a code keeps coming back after a reset, if there’s water on the floor or E15 on the display, if the dishwasher won’t power on, if you can smell burning, or if dishes are coming out cold and wet (E09, E20-30).
We repair Bosch dishwashers across Sydney and use genuine Bosch parts. Call (02) 9546 4444 or book a service online. Our service charges are listed upfront.
Need the part instead? See genuine Bosch spare parts, browse drain pumps, filters and spray arms, or send your model number through the parts enquiry form and we’ll find the right one.
Related guides
- All appliance error code guides
- Dishwasher not draining?
- Dishwasher leaking water?
- Dishwasher not cleaning properly?
- Dishwasher smells bad?
- Electrolux and Westinghouse washing machine error codes
Frequently asked questions
What does E24 mean on a Bosch dishwasher?
E24 means the dishwasher can’t drain. Clean the filter in the base, check the pump cover underneath it and make sure the drain hose isn’t kinked. If it still won’t drain, the drain pump usually needs replacing.
Is E61-03 the same as E6103?
Yes. Some Bosch displays show the code with a dash and some without. Both mean the dishwasher isn’t draining.
Why is the water tap symbol flashing on my Bosch dishwasher?
The dishwasher isn’t getting enough water. Check the tap under the sink is fully on and the inlet hose isn’t kinked or squashed behind the dishwasher.
Can I keep using my Bosch dishwasher with an error code?
Not for E15 or any leak, turn it off at the wall and turn off the water tap. For draining or heating codes it’s safe to leave it switched off until it’s repaired.
Is it worth repairing a Bosch dishwasher?
Usually yes. Most codes point to one part, like the drain pump, inlet valve or heater, which costs far less to replace than a new dishwasher.