Bosch Dishwasher E15 Error: Decoding And Fixing Guide

So, you’ve just finished a delicious meal and loaded your Bosch dishwasher, getting ready to relax. 

But out of the blue, your dishwasher throws a fit and flashes the E15 error code. Uh-oh! What does that mean? 

Bosch Dishwasher E15 Error Code indicates there’s water where it shouldn’t be—in the base pan.

Don’t worry, this issue isn’t as serious as it sounds, as long as you get to fixing it quickly. 

Let me tell you about why it happens and how you can fix it, in little to no time. Keep reading to learn more.

Bosch Dishwasher Error Code E15 Causes

Let’s dig into what’s causing that pesky E15 error on your Bosch dishwasher. Here are the common culprits. 

Inappropriate Detergent Usage

Using the wrong detergent can spell trouble.

Certain detergents might not go well with your Bosch dishwasher, creating excessive suds or failing to dissolve properly. 

This can lead to water building up where it shouldn’t, triggering the E15 error.

Excessive Detergent

Did you go a bit overboard with the detergent pouring? Too much of a good thing can turn into a foamy disaster. 

When there’s an overflow of suds, they can escape their designated areas and find their way into the nooks and crannies of your dishwasher, activating that E15 error code.

Clogged or Damaged Spray Arms

Those spray arms in your dishwasher work hard to distribute water evenly. 

But if they get clogged with food particles or suffer damage, they won’t do their job effectively. 

This can lead to water spraying in the wrong places, including the base of your dishwasher. And that’s when the E15 error occurs.

Sneaky Leaks 

Leaky troubles can be a pain! There are a few sneaky leak sources that can trigger the E15 error:

Leaking Sump Basin: 

Over time, the sump basin where the trusty filter resides can develop leaks. 

When there’s a leak, water finds its way out and pools in the base of your dishwasher, triggering the error.

Leaking Hoses: 

Those plumbing hoses in your dishwasher can cause trouble too. If they have cracks or damage, they become leaky culprits. 

Water takes advantage of these weaknesses and finds its way to the base of your dishwasher.

Leaking Water Tank: 

Yep – the water tank itself might be the source of the issue. Cracks or faulty seals can lead to water leakage. 

Instead of staying contained, the water escapes and ends up pooling in the base of your dishwasher, leading to the error.

Now that we’ve got the root causes sorted, let’s move on to fixing the issue.

How to Fix Error Code E15 on Bosch Dishwashers

If you see the E15 error code on your Bosch dishwasher these are some steps you can try to fix the issue.

Step 1: Give it a Power Reset

If your Bosch dishwasher displays the E15 error code, it could be due to a little glitch. 

Let’s try resetting it:

1. Shut It Down: First, unplug your dishwasher or turn off its circuit breaker.

2. Keep It Off: Take a breather for about five minutes to let the dishwasher’s control board reset.

3. Plug It Back In: After the short break, plug the dishwasher back in or turn on the circuit breaker to restore power.

If the error code still pops up, let’s move on to the next step.

Step 2: Clear Out Excess Water from the Dishwasher Base

The E15 error code could also mean there’s excess water in the dishwasher’s base. 

Here’s how you can tackle it:

1. Safety First: Before you do anything, make sure the dishwasher is turned off and disconnected from the power to avoid any mishaps.

2. Gently Slide Out the Dishwasher: Carefully pull the dishwasher out from its spot so you can reach the backside.

3. Tilt It: Give the dishwasher a gentle tilt backward at around a 45-degree angle. You can place a soft towel or cushion under the front for some extra support.

4. Open the Base Panel: Locate the bottom panel of the dishwasher and unscrew it using a screwdriver.

5. Let the Water Drain: As you tilt the dishwasher, any excess water in the base will start to drain out. Keep tilting until all the water is gone.

6. Check for Blockages: While the dishwasher is tilted, take a peek inside the base and around it for any visible debris or objects that might be blocking the drainage or causing the error. If you find any, remove them.

7. Secure the Base Panel: Once the excess water is gone and there are no more obstructions, securely screw the base panel back in place.

8. Gently Bring It Back: Carefully lower the dishwasher back to its original position, making sure it’s level and aligned properly with the surrounding cabinetry.

Step 3: Reach the Safety Switch

To fix the E15 error code, you need to access and reset the dishwasher’s water level safety switch. 

If you’re new to this, you might be wondering, “Where Is The Safety Switch On A Bosch Dishwasher?”

The safety switch is usually located in the center basin of the dishwasher, beneath a plastic cover and a polystyrene disk.

Follow these steps to get there:

1. Disconnect Power and Water: Double-check that the dishwasher is disconnected from the power by unplugging it or switching off the circuit breaker. Also, turn off the water supply to the dishwasher.

2. Open It: Fully open the dishwasher door and lay it flat.

3. Remove Inner Door Screws: Locate and unscrew the screws that hold the inner and outer door panels together. You might need a regular screwdriver or a Torx screwdriver, depending on your dishwasher model.

4. Bring the Door Up: Carefully lift the dishwasher door back to its upright position, making sure it’s securely in place.

5. Take Off the Outer Door Panel: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to remove the outer door panel. This may involve unscrewing more screws or releasing some clips, depending on your specific model.

6. Access the Kickplate: Find the kickplate or bottom access panel at the base of the dishwasher. 

7. Remove It: Unscrew the screws holding it in place so you can access the dishwasher’s base area.

Step 4: Reset the Safety Switch

Now that you’ve accessed the safety switch, let’s reset it to clear the E15 error code. 

“How To Reset Safety Switch On Bosch Dishwasher?” you ask? Just follow these steps:

1. Pull The Switch: Locate the safety switch positioned above the polystyrene disk and basin. Give it a gentle twist and pull it out to remove it.

2. Take Off The Disk: Carefully detach the polystyrene disk from the basin, being extra cautious not to damage it.

3. Dry Up the Basin: Grab a towel or cloth and mop up any remaining water in the basin, making sure it’s completely dry.

4. Inspect the Basin: Take a good look inside the basin to ensure there’s nothing in there that could interfere with the safety switch, like wires, insects, or food debris. If you find anything, remove it.

5. Reinstall the Disk: Place the polystyrene disk back into the basin, ensuring it fits snugly.

6. Bring Back the Safety Switch: Align the safety switch above the polystyrene disk and basin, then push it back in and give it a twist to secure it.

7. Check the Wiring: Take a quick look at the wiring in the dishwasher’s base area to make sure there’s no damage or loose connections. If you spot any issues, it’s best to have a trained technician replace the wiring.

8. Inspect for Leaks or Damage: Thoroughly examine the dishwasher’s internal components, including hoses, seals, and connections, for any signs of leaks or damage. If you notice anything amiss, repair or replace the faulty parts.

9. Put It All Back Together: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to reattach the outer dishwasher door panel and secure it firmly.

10. Make Sure It’s Cleared: Reconnect the power supply to the dishwasher and turn it on. The E15 error code should now be cleared.

Bosch Dishwasher E15 Repair Cost Breakdown

Okay, let’s talk money – fixing that E15 error might cost you a bit. Here’s a rough idea of what you might be looking at:

Detergent Adjustment

This one’s easy-peasy. If it’s just a detergent issue, you won’t be spending much. 

Just switch to the right detergent or adjust the dosage. 

Shouldn’t cost you more than a few bucks.

Spray Arm Cleaning or Replacement

Depending on your dishwasher’s model, getting new spray arms might set you back around $20 to $50. 

Sump Basin Leak Repair

Fixing a leak can be a bit trickier. It may involve replacing gaskets, seals, or other components. 

The cost can range from $50 to $150, depending on the extent of the damage and the necessary parts.

But hey, it’s worth it for a leak-free dishwasher!

Hose Replacement

If it’s those pesky hoses that are causing the trouble, a new one might cost you between $20 to $80, depending on the type and length.

Water Tank Repair or Replacement

Now, this one can be a bit more expensive. Repairing or replacing a water tank might set you back around $100 to $200, including labor and parts.

Note: These are just estimates, and the actual cost can vary based on where you live and your specific dishwasher model.

Maintenance Tips to Avoid E15 Error on Bosch Dishwashers

Nobody wants to deal with the E15 error code popping up on their Bosch dishwasher. 

Follow these maintenance tips to keep that error at bay.

• Use Recommended Detergent: Stick to the dishwasher detergent recommended for your Bosch dishwasher. It’s like finding the perfect dance partner—they’re made for each other!
• Measure Detergent Correctly: Follow the dosage instructions and avoid going overboard with the detergent. Just the right amount will keep your dishes sparkling without causing sudsy surprises.

• Clear Out Those Spray Arms: Take a moment every now and then to inspect and clean the spray arms. Remove any gunk or debris to keep the water flowing in the right direction.

• Leak Check-Ups: Keep an eye on the sump basin, hoses, and water tank for any leaks. If you spot any, fix them promptly to avoid bigger headaches down the line.

• Load Smartly: When loading your dishwasher, make sure nothing blocks the spray arms or disrupts the water flow. Give your dishes a little dance space!

FAQs

Do Bosch dishwashers have a float switch? 

Yes, Bosch dishwashers are equipped with a float switch that helps prevent overflow by detecting water levels.

Can Bosch Customer support help me fix the E15 Error code? 

Absolutely! If you’re facing the E15 Error code, Bosch Customer support is ready to assist you with troubleshooting and finding a solution.

What is the error code for Bosch washing machine not draining?

If your Bosch washing machine is having trouble draining, it might display the E24 error code. It means there’s a problem getting rid of the water properly. Another code you might see is E25, which usually means there’s a blockage in the drain pump, issues with the drain, a clogged filter, or a jammed impeller.

What are the error codes for a Bosch dishwasher? 

Bosch dishwashers may display various error codes to indicate specific issues. There are 30 of these codes, which you can know about by learning about the Bosch diagnostic mode.

What is the lifespan of Bosch dishwashers? 

On average, Bosch dishwashers have a lifespan of about 10 to 15 years. Proper maintenance and care can help prolong their longevity.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it—your guide to tackling the Bosch dishwasher E15 error. Don’t let this minor hiccup dampen your mood. 

Armed with the knowledge of why it comes up and the steps to resolve it, you can swiftly get back to enjoying hassle-free dishwashing. 

You can finally go back to having sparkling clean dishes without putting in too much work – and the best part? 

You’ll likely be saving yourself from big headaches further down the line, if the cause of the error was something more serious like the water tank leaking.