Robert Bosch GmbH is the German group of companies founded in the 1886.
All the household Bosch appliances are distinguished by their quality, high reliability, and economy.
Dishwashers are amongst products from Bosch. To provide their reliability and their long term of operation, the manufacturer introduced the special system, like the Bosch Axxis washer troubleshooting one. This very useful system allows determining malfunction by the error code and restoring the operation of a dishwasher.
Basic dishwasher troubleshooting
Circulation Pump – Impeller troubleshooting
Bosch SMS/SH series troubleshooting
Bosch Integra, Evolution, SG series troubleshooting
Bosch Exxcel dishwasher troubleshooting
Video Bosch dishwasher troubleshooting
Basic dishwasher troubleshooting
Dishwashers produced by the German engineering and electronics brand Bosch are rather reliable and efficient. In case of a dishwasher issue most basic models require the same approach. Identify the problem, then check the possible cause and try to tackle it using the information from the chart below.
| Problem | Possible Cause | Suggested Action |
|---|---|---|
| Washability problems (dishwasherwon't clean properly) | › Inappropriate dishwasher detergent used › Blocked or clogged upper/ lowerspray arms › Water doesn't circulate properlydue to debris in circulation motorimpeller | › Instruct customer to use a powdered dishwasher detergent (e.g. Cascade powder) › Check spray arms – clean or replace as needed. › Twist and remove filter, then remove debris from right side of sump where water enters circulation pump impeller. If debris has jammed impeller, turn off and pull out dishwasher, remove tank, remove circulation motor and unscrew and clean out imp HINT: If impeller is damaged, replace entire impeller assemb ly or it won't seal adequately. |
| › Filter not locked down securely, allowing debris to enter sump. CAUTION: Use caution when removing debris from sump to avoid being cut by sharp debris such as aluminum can tabs or broken glass | › Twist and remove filter, then remove debris from sump. Instruct customer to twist and lock filter (cylinder) securely into sump. HINT: Due to high temperature rinse (161 o breaking down food debris and triple filtering system trapping food debris, filters shouldn't normally clog up. Problem often caused by filter not being securely locked down. Instruct customer to twist and l |
|
| HINT: Water level will not affect washability as water fill is measured by pressure, not time – water level cannot be adjusted | › Drain hose behind dishwasher doesn't have an adequate loop. › Partially clogged air gap, allowing wastewater from prior washes to circulate in dishwasher. | › Loop drain hose behind the dishwasher (with the top of the loop) at least 20" above the floor. › Unclog sink air gap. |
| › Water doesn't drain properly | NOTE: Cleaning sink air gaps is not covered under warranty. |
|
| › Soap doesn't enter dishwasher due to dispenser actuator (A2) failure. HINT: Must pull out dishwasher and remove left side panel to access float switch. | › Turn off dishwasher and test actuator – replace if faulty. HINT: One "wax" motor operates both the detergent and rinse aid dispensers through a mechanical linkage. The system always resets when door closes. Check linkage by moving it manually. Check "wax" motor by running a continuity check on its terminals. |
|
| › Suds or foam remains in dishwasher. | › Too much detergent used. › Improper detergent used (other than powdered dishwasher detergent) › Dishwasher doesn't drainproperly. | › Instruct customer to use less. › Instruct customer to use a powdered dishwasher detergent (e.g. Cascade powder). |
| › Dishes won't dry properly. | › Rinse aid not used. | › Instruct customer on using rinse aid – dishes won't dry without it. |
| › Dishwasher has an odor. | › Standing water in dishwasher sump. | › Unclog air gap. Make sure top of drain hose loop (behind dishwasher) is at least 20" above floor (add a loop in hose if there isn't one). |
| HINT: Water level in sump should be at or below drain motor cover. › Standing water in dishwasher base. › Minerals in customer water supply › Food debris in dishwasher filters | › Turn off dishwasher, drain water manually from dishwasher base and correct source of water leakage. › Recommend customer to get water tested and use an appropriate water softener. › Clean dishwasher filters. |
|
| › Dishwasher won't run or indicator lights won't come on. | › Dishwasher not turned on › No power to dishwasher › Door ajar or on/off switch failed › Door latch has broken › Indicator light failed | › Turn on/off switch on. › Check customer circuit breaker, fuse box or power connections. › Turn off dishwasher and check door or on/off switch - adjust or replace them. › Turn off dishwasher and replace door latch – instruct customer to not pull on door without pulling latch › Run test program to see if light failed. If so, turn off dishwasher and replace indicator light |
| Water doesn't drain properly | › Kink in drain hosec › Dishwasher filter(s) or sump clogged › Drain motor impeller clogged | › Straighten or replace drain hose › Clean dishwasher filters or sump › Turn off dishwasher, remove drain motor cover (in sump) and clean impeller. If necessary, remove drain motor to clean impeller. |
| CAUTION: Use caution when removing debris from sump to avoid being cut by sharp debris such as aluminum can tabs or broken glass. | › Kitchen sink or sink air gap clogged › Drain motor (m3) failed › Timer (SHU 30/40 models ) or module (all other models ) failed. › Improper drain connection height (< 20" or 508mm above floor). | › Unclog sink or sink air gap NOTE: Cleaning sink air gaps or sinks are not covered under warranty. › Turn off dishwasher and measure resistance at motor terminals (≈ 16.5 Ω ) Replace faulty motor › Check voltage at and wiring to timer or module. Turn off dishwasher and replace faulty timer or module (for SHU/I 43/53 models, install existing module jumper onto new module). › Install drain height and sink air gap acording to local codes |
| Dishwasher won't stop filling or won't stop draining. | › Water in dishwasher base from leaky or loose hose. › Dishwasher isn't level, causing float switch (e6) to operate. › Float switch or diaphragm (e6) failed. › Debris in dishwasher base activated float switch (e6 ). | › Turn off dishwasher, drain water manually from dishwasher base and reinstall or replace hose › Level dishwasher using front and rear leveling legs › Turn off dishwasher and replace float switch or diaphragm. › Turn off dishwasher and remove debris from dishwasher base |
| Water fills too slowly | › Low customer water supply pressure › Inadequate customer water supply piping. › Scale in customer supply piping or dishwasher piping/parts from hard water. | › Adjust customer water supply pressure (to 5-20 psi or 0.3-8.27 bars). › Install appropriate piping to dishwasher according to local codes. › Clean or replace clogged piping/parts and have customer get water tested and use appropriate water softener |
| Water won't fill NOTE: An "F" fault code in the display shows there's a filling problem ( not filling, over-filling, underfilling or water in the base ). The fault code can't be reset manually – it will reset itself 15 minutes after the dishwasher has been turned on (aft | › Customer water supply turned off or disconnected › Water valve (s2 ) failed. › Water level switch (f1 ) failed. › Timer (SHU 30/40 models ) or module (all other models ) failed › Water in dishwasher base operated float switch (e6) | › Reconnect and turn on customer water supply › Check resistance @ water valve terminals (≈ 1000 Ω). Turn off dishwasher and replace faulty valve. › Turn off dishwasher and replace faulty level switch › Check voltage at and wiring to timer or module. Turn off dishwasher and replace faulty timer or module (for SHU/I 43/53 models, install existing module jumper onto new module). › Turn off dishwasher, drain water manually from dishwasher base, find source of leaking water and fix water leak. |
| Detergent or rinse aid won't dispense properly | › Dispenser actuator (A2) failed › Detergent dispenser door is jammed | › Turn off dishwasher and replace actuator › Free jammed detergent dispenser door |
| Refill rinse aid light won't come on | › Rinse aid level switch failed (reed switch e3 on standard dispensers or built-in actuator on top-load dispensers). | › Turn off dishwasher and replace reed switch (standard dispensers) or top-load dispenser |
| Water doesn't circulate | › Circulation motor (m2 ) failed › Timer (SHU 30/40 models ) or иmodule (all other models ) failed | › Turn off dishwasher and replace motor › Check voltage at and wiring to timer or module. Turn off dishwasher and replace faulty timer or module (for SHU/I 43/53 models, install existing module jumper onto new module) |
| Water doesn’t heat up properly | › Hi-Limit (f5) tripped and failed to reset. › NTC (temperature sensor) failed. › Heater (r1) failed › Water flow switch (e5 ) failed › Timer (SHU 30/40 models ) or module (all other models ) failed | › Run test program & measure current to dishwasher. If current ≈ 11A, Hi-Limit is OK. If not (and for all other models), turn off dishwasher and measure resistance @ Hi-Limit terminals (≈ .3 Ω). Replace faulty Hi-Limit. › Turn off dishwasher and check resistance of NTC (≈ 55 kΩ @ 72o F). Replace faulty NTC › Run test program & measure current to dishwasher. If current ≈ 11A, heater is OK. If not (and for all other models), turn off dishwasher and measure heater resistance (≈ 11 Ω). Replace faulty heater › Run test program & measure current to dishwasher. If current ≈ 11A, flow switch is OK. If not, remove flow switch microswitch, close its contacts & measure its resistance (≈.4 Ω). Replace faulty flow switch. › Check voltage at and wiring to timer or module. Turn off dishwasher and replace faulty timer or module (for SHU/I 43/53 models, install existing module jumper onto new module) |
| Dishwasher cycle runs too long, yet dishwasher washes, rinses and shuts off OK | › Customer hot water supply isn't hot enough (< 140o F/ 60 oC). | › Adjust hot water supply according to local codes. |
| Water leaks from front of dishwasher | › Blocked or clogged upper or lower spray arms › Excessive foaming | › Check spray arms – clean or replace as needed |
Circulation Pump – Impeller troubleshooting
Can you hear unusual noise while your Bosch dishwasher is working? Do you notice poor washing? These symptoms often indicate a circulation pump issue. With the help of a motor and impeller the circulation pump in your dishwasher forces water up, making it move through the wash arms. If you suspect something is wrong with the pump, use the chart below for troubleshooting tips.
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Impeller is frozen | Replace impeller with impeller kit # 167085. If not able to replace impeller, place 8mm nutdriver on 8mm stud on impeller and rotate clockwise twice until impeller is freed up (for temporary fix until impeller can be replaced) |
| Impeller cannot be broken loose | Replace impeller with impeller kit # 167085. If pump is faulty, replace entire pump assembly |
| Debris binding pump | Open sump & remove sump pump cover, then carefully remove debris from impeller. Check for broken glass to avoid being cut. |
| Motor is faulty | Check resistance at motor terminals or at control panel (~ 7Ω with water switch or 10Ω without). Replace motor if faulty |
Bosch SMS/SH series troubleshooting
There are over 150 models of Bosch dishwashers with the prefix “SH” in the model number. Taking into consideration the diversity of the range, it might be surprising that all these appliances need the same troubleshooting approach. Yet it works: just refer to the table below to find out what to do in case of any unusual symptoms.
| Fault | Cause | Remedial action |
|---|---|---|
| “Check water supply” display 9 lights up. | › Supply hose kinked › Tap turned off › Tap jammed or calcified › Filter in the water supply blocked › Filters 26 are soiled or blocked › Waste water hose is blocked or kinked › Siphon connection still sealed › Waste water pump blocked or cover on the waste water pump is not locked in position | › Install supply hose without kinks › Turn on the tap › Turn on the tap. Flow rate must be min. 10 l/min. When water supply is open › Switch off the appliance and pull out the mains plug. Turn off the tap. Unscrew water connection. Clean filter in the supply hose. Screw water connection on again. Check for leaks. Reconnect power supply. Switch on the appliance › Clean filters. › Install hose without kinks, remove any residue › Check connection to siphon and open if required. › Lock cover correctly. |
| Display “Check water supply” 9 flashes. | › A technical fault has probably occurred | › Switch off appliances with the ON/OFF switch 1. After a short time restart the appliance. If the problem recurs, turn off the tap, pull out the mains plug and call customer service. |
| Displays flash | › Door not closed properly | › Close the door. Ensure that no objects (utensil, fragrance dispenser) are protruding over the basket and preventing the door from closing |
| Refill indicator for salt 8 and/or rinse-aid 7 is lit. | › No rinse aid › No salt › Sensor does not detect salt tablets | › Refill rinse aid › Refill with special salt › Use different special salt |
| Refill indicator for salt 8 and/or rinse-aid 7 is not lit | › Refill indicator switched off › There is still enough special salt/rinse aid available | › Activation/deactivation › Check refill indicator, levels |
| Water is left in the appliance at the end of the programme | › Filter system or area under the filters 26 is blocked › The programme has not yet ended | › Clean filters and area underneath › Wait until programme ends or reset |
| Utensils not dry | › No or too little rinse aid in the dispenser › Programme selected without drying › Water collecting in depressions on the utensils and cutlery › The combined detergent used has a poor drying performance › Intensive drying to increase drying not activated › Utensils were removed too early or drying process had not ended yet › The eco rinse aid used has a poor drying performance | › Refill rinse aid › Select programme with drying › Arrange utensils in a sloping position, arrange affected utensils as sloping as possible › Use different combination detergent with better drying performance. Use of rinse aid also increases the drying performance › Activate intensive drying › Wait until program ends or wait until 30 min after program ends before removing utensils › Use a proprietary rinse aid. Eco products are much less effective |
| Plastic utensils not dry | › Special properties of plastic | › Plastic has a lower heat storage capacity and therefore dries less well |
| Cutlery not dry | › Cutlery not arranged properly in the cutlery basket › Cutlery not arranged properly in the cutlery drawer | › Separate cutlery if possible, prevent contact points › Arrange cutlery properly and separate if possible |
| Appliance interior wet after rinse cycle. | › No appliance fault | › On account of the “Condensation drying” principle, water droplets are physically induced and required in the container. The humidity in the air condenses on the inner walls of the dishwasher, drains and is pumped out |
| Food remnants on the utensils | › Utensils placed too closely together, utensils basket overfilled › Spray arm rotation obstructed › Spray arm nozzles blocked › Filters 26 dirty › Filters 26 inserted incorrectly and/or not engaged › Rinse programme too weak › Utensils precleaned too intensely; sensors therefore decide on weak programme sequence. Stubborn soiling cannot be completely removed › Tall narrow receptacles in corner areas are not rinsed adequately › Top basket 20 on right and left not set to same height | › Arrange utensils with adequate clearance between them ensuring that the spray jets can reach the surface of the utensils. Prevent contact points › Arrange utensils so that the spray arm can rotate without obstruction › Clean the spray arm nozzles › Clean filters › Insert and engage filters correctly › Select a more intensive rinse programme › Do not prerinse utensils. Remove only large food remnants. Recommended programme Eco 50° or Intensive › Do not place hollow receptacles too obliquely and do not place in the corner area › Set top basket to same height using side levers |
| Detergent residue | › Detergent dispenser cover blocked by utensils and therefore does not open fully › Detergent dispenser cover blocked by the tablet › Tablets used in the quick or short programme. Dissolving time of the detergent is not reached in the selected short programme › Washing effect and dissolving performance are reduced after a prolonged storage time or detergent is very lumpy | › Detergent dispenser cover must not be obstructed by utensils. Do not place utensils or fragrance dispenser in the tablet collecting tray › Tablet must be inserted flat and not upright › Dissolving time of tablets too long for a quick or short programme. Use a detergent powder or select a more intensive programme. › Change detergent |
| Water stains on plastic parts | › Droplet formation on plastic surface is physically unavoidable. After drying, water stains are visible | › Use a more intensive programme (more water changes). Arrange utensils in a sloping position. Use rinse aid. If required, increase softening setting |
| Washable or water-soluble coatings in the container or on the door | › Detergent substances are deposited. These coatings cannot usually be removed with chemicals (appliance cleaner, ...) › If there is a “white coating” on the container floor, the water softening system has been set marginally › Salt dispenser cover 25 not closed › Only for glasses: Initial glass corrosion – can only apparently be wiped off | › Change detergent brand. Clean appliance mechanically › Increase softening setting and change detergent if required › Close salt dispenser cover correctly |
| White, stubborn coatings; limescale on the utensils, container or door | › Detergent substances are deposited. These coatings cannot usually be removed with chemicals (appliance cleaner, ...) › Hardness range incorrectly set or water hardness greater than 8.9 mmol/l › 3 in 1 detergent or bio/eco detergent not effective enough › Underdosing of detergent › Too weak rinse programme selected | › Change detergent brand. Clean appliance mechanically › Set water softening system according to instructions for use or top up salt › Set water softening system according to instructions for use or use separate detergents (proprietary detergent, salt, rinse aid) › Increase detergent dosage or change detergent › Select a more intensive rinse programme |
| Tea or lipstick residue on the utensils | › Too low rinsing temperature › Too little or unsuitable detergent › Utensils precleaned too intensely; sensors therefore decide on weak programme sequence. Stubborn soiling cannot be completely removed | › Select programme with higher washing temperature › Use suitable detergent at correct dosage › Do not prerinse utensils. Remove only large food remnants. Recommended programme Eco 50° |
| Coloured (blue, yellow, brown), difficult to remove to non-removable coatings in the appliance or on stainless steel utensils | › Film formation consisting of ingredients from vegetables (e.g. cabbage, celery, potatoes, noodles, ...) or the tap water (e.g.manganese) › Film formation caused by metallic components on silver or aluminium utensils | › Can be partly removed with machine cleaner or by mechanical cleaning. Coatings are harmless. › Can be partly removed with machine cleaner or by mechanical cleaning |
| Coloured (yellow, orange, brown), easily removable deposits inside the appliance (mainly in the floor area) | › Film formation consisting of ingredients from food remnants and substances from the tap water (limescale), “soapy” | › Check function of the water softening system (refill with salt) or, if using combined detergents (tablets), activate water softening system |
| Plastic parts discoloured | › Too low rinsing temperature › Utensils precleaned too intensely; sensors therefore decide on weak programme sequence. Stubborn soiling cannot be completely removed | › Select programme with higher washing temperature › Do not prerinse utensils. Remove only large food remnants. Recommended programme Eco 50° |
| Removable streaks on glasses, glasses with metallic appearance and cutlery | › Too much rinse aid › No rinse aid added or setting toolow › Detergent residue in the final rinse programme section. Detergent dispenser cover blocked by utensils (cover does not open fully) › Utensils precleaned too intensely; sensors therefore decide on weak programme sequence. Stubborn soiling cannot be completely removed | › Set rinse aid amount to lower setting › Add rinse aid and check dosage (recommended setting 4-5) › Detergent dispenser cover must not be obstructed by utensils. Do not place utensils or fragrance dispenser in the tablet collecting tray › Do not prerinse utensils. Remove only large food remnants. Recommended programme Eco 50° |
| Initial or existing, irreversible clouding of glass | › Glasses not dishwasher-proof, only suitable for dishwasher | › Use dishwasher-proof glasses. Avoid long steam phase (standing time after wash cycle ends). Use wash cycle at lower temperature. Set water softening system according to the water hardness (if required one setting lower). Use detergent with glass protection component |
| Rust spots on the cutlery | › Cutlery not adequately rustresistant. Knife blades are frequently more severely affected › Cutlery will also rust if rusting parts are rinsed at the same time (pan handles, damaged utensil baskets, etc.) › Salt content in the rinsing water too high, as salt dispenser lock not fastened firmly or salt was spilled while being refilled | › Use corrosion-resistant cutlery › Do not wash rusting parts › Fasten salt dispenser lock firmly or remove spilled salt |
| The appliance does not start | › The mains fuse has tripped › Power cord not inserted › The appliance door has not been shut properly | › Check mains fuse › Ensure that the power cord is plugged all the way into the back of the appliance and into the socket. Check that the socket functions › Close the door |
| Programme starts automatically | › You did not wait until programme ended | › Perform reset. |
| Appliance cannot be set (hardness, final rinse, ...) | › Appliance is in the programme. Appliance can be set at the start of the programme only | › Perform reset and set the appliance according to the instructions for use |
| The door is difficult to open | › Child-proof lock is activated | › Deactivate childproof lock. |
| Door cannot be closed | › Door lock has been activated › Door cannot be closed due to installation | › Close door with increased force › Check appliance installation: Door or attached parts must close without obstruction |
| Cover on the detergent dispenser cannot be closed | › Detergent dispenser or cover guide blocked by sticky detergent residue | › Remove detergent residue |
| Detergent residue in the detergent dispenser or in the tablet collecting tray | › Spray arms blocked by utensils, therefore detergent is not rinsed out › The detergent dispenser was damp when filled | › Ensure that the spray arms can rotate freely › Pour detergent into the dry detergent dispenser only |
| Appliance stops in the programme or programme is interrupted | › Door not closed properly › Do not place utensils or fragrance dispenser in the tablet collecting tray. Top basket presses against inner door and prevents door from being closed securely › Power and/or water supply interrupted | › Close the door › Check whether rear panel is being pressed in, e.g. by socket or by hose holder which has not been removed › Restore power and/or water suppl |
| Filling valves making striking noises | › Depends on domestic installation, as appliance is not defective. No effect on appliance function | › No remedial action possible |
| Knocking or rattling noise | › Spray arm strikes the utensils, utensils not positioned correctly › If there is a low load, the water jets strike the washing tank directly › Light utensils move during the wash cycle | › Position utensils so that the spray arms do not strike the utensils › Load the appliance with more utensils or distribute the utensils more evenly in the dishwasher › Arrange light utensils securely |
| Unusual foam formation | › Handwash liquid in the rinse aid dispenser › Rinse aid spilled | › Immediately refill rinse aid dispenser with rinse aid › Remove rinse aid with a cloth |
Bosch Integra, Evolution, SG series troubleshooting
Integra, Evolution, and SG ranges are among the most well-known line-ups of Bosch dishwashers. There are a lot of innovative features in these series, including AVS System that reduces noise during operation, the Suspension Motor, a condensation drying rinse performed at a high temperature, a top rack only cycle etc.
| Problem | Cause | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Dishwasher does not start | 1. Door may not be properly latched. 2. Unit may not be turned on. 3. Unit not reset or previous cycle not completed. 4. Delay start engaged. 5. Interruption of electrical power supply to dishwasher or blown fuse. 6. Child lock activated (select models). 7. The door may have been closed without first selecting a cycle. 8. Water supply may not be turned on | 1. Shut the door completely. 2. Press the main power switch to turn unit on. 3. To reset 4. To reset 5. Check circuit breaker. 6. Deactivate the child lock. 7. Select a cycle and close the door. 8. Check and turn on water supply |
| Dishwasher beeping (end of cycle signal) | Default factory settings alert the customer that the cycle has completed by beeping. This feature can be deactivated if so desired. | To adjust the volume or deactivate |
| Display does not illuminate or console lights are not on | 1. A fuse may have been blown or circuit breaker tripped. 2. Door not closed or latched. Note: For models with controls on the top portion of the door, the display only illuminates when the door is opened and controls are visible. | 1. Check the fuse or circuit breaker box and replace the fuse or reset the breaker if necessary. 2. Ensure that door is properly latched and completely closed. |
| Dishwasher seems to run a long time | 1. Incoming water is not warm enough. 2. Cycle time can vary due to soil and water conditions. 3. Rinse agent dispenser is empty. 4. Dishwasher connected to cold water supply. | 1. Before starting a cycle, run hot water faucet at the sink nearest to the dishwasher. 2. Sensors in the dishwasher automatically increase the cycle time to ensure a good wash when heavy soil is detected. 3. Add rinse agent. 4. Verify dishwasher is connected to hot water supply plumbing. |
| Dishes aren’t getting clean enough | 1. Spray arm movement is obstructed. 2. Spray arm nozzles clogged. 3. Improper use of detergents. 4. Filters could be clogged. 5. Dishes are nested or loaded too close together. 6. Selected wash cycle is not suitable for food soil condtions. | 1. Ensure that spray arm movement is not blocked by hand rotating spray arms. 2. Remove the spray arms and clean according to “Check/Clean the Spray Arm Nozzles” 3. Increase or decrease detergent depending on the water hardness. 4. Clean the filter. 5. Rearrange load such that water spray can reach all items in the dishwasher. |
| Dishes are not getting dry enough | 1. Rinse agent dispenser is empty. (Rinse agent indicator is activated). 2. Improper loading of dishes. 3. Selected cycle does not include drying. Note: Plastic or Teflon do not typically dry as completely as other items due to their inherent properties. | 1. Add rinse agent. The use of rinse agent improves drying. 2. Rearrange load to ensure items are not nested. 3. Rinse and Hold setting does not include drying cycle Note: Select models offer an extra heating options to improve drying performance. |
| Odor | 1. Food debris is present at the bottom of the dishwasher. 2. Food particles are present near the door seal. 3. Dishes left too long in unit before running a cycle. 4. Residual water is present at the bottom of the dishwasher. 5. Drain hose is obstructed. | 1. Remove the filters and clean 3. Run a Rinse/Hold cycle if you do not intend to immediately wash the dishes. 4. Ensure the unit has completely drained from the last cycle. 5. Remove any obstructions from the drain hose by calling qualified personnel. Note: If odor still persists, run the Normal/Regular cycle until it flushes and interrupt the cycle and place an 8 oz. cup of distilled white vinegar solution on the top rack and then finish the cycle. |
| Dishwasher not filling with water | 1. Restriction in the water supply system. 2. Previous wash cycle was not completed. 3. Delay-start is active. | 1. Ensure that the water supply valve (typically located under kitchen sink) is open and check that the water supply line has no kinks and clogs. |
| Water Leak | 1. Suds 2. Door seal could be pulled away from track. 3. Condensation vent is blocked. 4. Improper installation. | 1. Wrong type of detergent results in suds and leaks. Use only dishwasher detergents. If suds still persist, then add one tablespoon of vegetable oil at the bottom of the dishwasher and run the desired cycle. 2. Ensure that door seal is in the track. 3. Ensure that condensation vent is not blocked. 4. Have proper installation verified by qualified personnel (water supply, drain system, leveling, plumbing). |
| Tub stains | 1. Stains on the dishwasher interior are due to hardness of water. 2. Silverware in contact with tub. | 1. Concentrated Lemon juice can reduce the build up of hard water stains. Run a normal cycle until it flushes and interrupt the cycle and then place an 8 oz. cup of the concentrated lemon solution on the top rack and finish the cycle. This can be done periodically to avoid build up. 2. Ensure that the silverware does not make contact with the tub while running a cycle. |
| Streaks on glassware or residue on the dishes | Incorrect rinse agent setting | Depending on the hardness of water, adjust the rinse agent dispenser. |
| Fascia panel discolored or marked | Abrasive cleaner used | Use mild detergents with soft damp cloth |
| Noise during wash cycle | The dishes may not be arranged properly | Water circulation sound is normal, but if you suspect items are banging into each other or into the spray arms |
| Detergent dispenser cover will not shut | 1. Improper operation of detergent cover. 2. Previous cycle has not been finished, reset, or cycle was interrupted | |
| Unable to select desired cycle | Previous cycle has not finished |
Bosch Exxcel dishwasher troubleshooting
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Waste water pump | Large food remnants or foreign objects which were not captured by the filters may block the waste water pump. The rinsing water will then be above the filter. In this case: - First always disconnect the appliance from the power supply. - Take out top basket 1201 and bottom basket 1281. - Remove the filters 1261. - Scoop out water, use a sponge if required. - Pries out the white pump cover (as illustrated) using a spoon. Grip the cover on the crosspiece and lift diagonally inwards. Remove cover completely. |
| The appliance does not start. | The mains fuse has tripped. The appliance plug has not been inserted. The appliance door has not been shut properly. |
| A setting cannot be changed, a programme starts. | Wrong programme button pressed. Terminate the programme and start all over again. You did not wait until programme ended. |
| Lower spray arm rotates sluggishly. | Spray arm blocked. |
| The door is difficult to open. | Childproof lock is activated. The deactivation instructions are at the back in the envelope |
| Door cannot be closed. | Door lock has been activated. To reset, close the door with greater force. |
| Cover on the detergent dispenser cannot be closed. | Detergent dispenser overfilled or mechanism blocked by sticky detergent residue. |
| Detergent residue in the detergent dispenser. | Dispenser was damp when filled. “Check water supply” display 7 lights up. Tap turned off. Water supply interrupted. Supply hose kinked. |
| Filter in the water supply blocked. | Switch off the appliance and pull out the mains plug. Turn off the tap. Clean filter in the supply hose. Reconnect power supply. Turn on the tap. Switch on the appliance. Water is left in the appliance at the end of the programme. |
| Filters blocked. | Waste water pump blocked, cover on the waste water pump is not locked in position The programme has not yet ended. Wait until programme ends (digital display indicates u'Uu) or implement the “Reset” function. Error code E :22 Filters 1261 are soiled or blocked. Refill indicator for salt 8 and/or rinse aid 9 is not lit. Refill indicator/s switched off. Adequate salt/rinseaid available. |
| Refill indicator for special salt 8 is lit. | No salt. |
| Refill with special salt. | Sensor does not detect salt tablets. Use different special salt. |
| Unusual foam formation. | Handwash liquid in the rinse aid dispenser. Spilled rinse aid causes excessive frothing, therefore please remove with a cloth. |
| Appliance stops during the wash cycle. | Power supply interrupted. Water supply interrupted. |
| Filling valves making striking noises | Caused by the installation of the water line and has no effect on the function of the machine. Remedial action is not possible. Knocking/rattling noise during rinsing Spray arm is striking utensils. Utensils not arranged correctly. |
| Food residue on the utensils. | Utensils placed too closely together, utensils basket overfilled. Too little detergent. Rinse programme too weak. Spray arm rotation obstructed. Spray arm nozzles blocked. Filters blocked. Filters incorrectly inserted. Waste water pump blocked. Top basket on right and left not set to same height. |
| Tea or lipstick residue is not completely removed. | The detergent has an inadequate bleaching effect. Too low rinsing temperature. Too little/unsuitable detergent. |