Bosch Dishwasher Troubleshooting
Bosch dishwashers combine sleek design with advanced technology, making them welcome additions to home kitchens. While these units are known for their dependability, issues may still occur on occasion. If your machine isn’t working like it should, this Bosch dishwasher troubleshooting guide will help you identify and resolve problems so you can improve your equipment’s performance and extend its lifespan.
This information is for Ascenta models, such as the SHE3AR72UC/06, as well as 500 Series units, like the SHPM65Z55N/01.
Dishwasher Not Starting
- Unit isn’t turned on - Turn the unit on by pressing the On/Off button.
- Machine isn’t plugged in - Plug the power cord into an electrical outlet.
- Water supply isn’t turned on - Connect the machine to a water supply.
- Door isn’t closed completely - Shut the door firmly.
- Door was closed without selecting a cycle - Open the door, choose a cycle and then close the door again to start a new cycle.
- Door latch is faulty - Schedule a service call with an authorized technician to solve the problem.
- Unit wasn’t reset - Refer to the user’s manual for instructions on how to reset the unit.
- Previous cycle wasn’t completed - Allow the previous cycle to finish.
- “Delay Start” or “Child Lock” is engaged - Cancel the “Delay Start” or “Child Lock” setting. If needed, see the owner’s manual for information on how to change settings.
- Circuit breaker is off or tripped/fuse is blown - Turn the circuit breaker on. If issues persist, contact a licensed electrician for assistance.
Machine Stops Mid-Cycle
- Door came open during the cycle - Close the door firmly.
- Door latch is faulty - Make an appointment with a licensed technician to correct the issue.
- Power was interrupted - Ensure the unit is plugged in and that the circuit breaker isn’t tripped.
- Vent is clogged, causing the door to open - Clear the obstruction and then close the door.
- Dishes are pushing against the door - Rearrange wares so that they don’t come in contact with the door.
Display Not Lighting Up
- Door isn’t closed firmly - Make sure the door is closed and latched properly.
- Circuit breaker is off or tripped/fuse is blown - Turn the circuit breaker on. If issues persist, contact an authorized electrician to remedy the issue.
Unit Runs Too Long
- Incoming water isn’t warm enough - Run the hot water faucet at the sink closest to the unit before starting a cycle to ensure that hot water is available immediately.
- Wares are exceptionally dirty - Cycle length will vary based on the soil level of dishes.
- Rinse agent dispenser is dirty - Add rinse agent to the dispenser.
- Unit is connected to a cold water supply - Ensure the unit has access to a hot water supply.
Dishwasher Not Draining
- Filter or water pump is clogged with food debris - Clean the filter or remove the obstruction in the water pump. If issues persist, seek the assistance of an authorized technician to correct the issue.
Machine Not Cleaning Dishes
- Spray arms are obstructed - Remove any dishes, plates or other items blocking the spray arms.
- Spray arm nozzles are clogged - Clean the spray arms.
- Too much or too little detergent is used - Increase or decrease detergent use based on water hardness. Refer to the operator's manual for more detailed information.
- Filters are dirty - Clean the filters.
- Dishes are placed too close together - Load items properly by placing them farther apart so that spray can reach all wares. See the owner’s manual for step-by-step instructions on how to load your machine properly.
- Wash cycle is incorrect for the soil level - Choose the correct cycle for the amount of residues on the wares.
- Detergent is less effective due to hard water - Install a water softener or select cycle for a greater degree of soil.
Unit Not Drying Dishes
- Rinse aid dispenser is empty - Fill the dispenser with rinse aid.
- Incorrect amount of rinse aid is being used - Use the correct amount of rinse aid. For more details, consult the user’s manual.
- Dishes are stacked on top of each other - Load dishes properly so that excess water can drip or drain away easily.
- Silverware is grouped together - Separate pieces of silverware so that they can dry thoroughly.
- Chosen cycle doesn’t include drying - Select a cycle that includes drying.
- “Extra Dry Heat” isn’t activated - Choose the “Extra Dry Heat” option to improve drying performance.
- Plastic items don’t dry as easily - It’s normal for plastics to not dry as well. Use a more intense wash cycle or activate the “Extra Dry Heat” option for better results.
Glassware/Silverware Has Spots or Streaks
- Incorrect amount of rinse aid is being used - Use less rinse aid to reduce streaking and more rinse aid to minimize spotting.
- Hard water is leaving mineral deposits - Set up a water softening system to remove minerals from the water.
- Water is dripping from upper racks onto other items when the unit is unloaded - Remove wares from the lower racks first in order to avoid dripping.
Unit Has an Odor
- Food residues are stuck at the bottom of the unit - Wipe up food residues at the bottom of the tub with a clean cloth.
- Food particles are stuck in the filters and/or door seals - Clean the filters and/or door seals.
- Soiled dishes sat in the machine for too long - Run a wash cycle shortly after loading the unit.
- No rinse aid/detergent is being used - Use the correct amount of cleaning chemicals.
- Residual water is present at the bottom of the unit from the last cycle - Ensure the unit can fully complete the last cycle in order to drain the residual water.
- Drain hose is kinked - Straighten out the drain hose.
- Drain hose is blocked - Unclog the drain hose. If odors persist, pour 8 OZ (236.6ML) of white vinegar into a cup, set it in the top rack and then run a cycle.
Machine Not Filling with Water
- Water valve is closed - Open the valve.
- Water supply line is kinked or clogged - Make sure that the supply line is straight; if the line is clogged, remove the obstruction.
- Previous wash cycle wasn’t completed/current cycle was interrupted - Allow the cycle to finish or reset the machine. Check the user’s manual for information on how to reset the unit.
- “Delay Start” or “Child Lock” is active - Reset the “Delay Start” or “Child Lock” functions, or wait until the “Delay Start” is complete. Check the operator’s manual for guidance on how to reset the unit or change the settings.
- Household water supply is turned off - Turn on the household water supply.
- Household water supply line is obstructed - Remove the clog from the household water supply line.
Water Is Leaking From the Tub/Around the Door
- Excessive sudsing from using too much rinse aid - Reduce the amount of rinse aid.
- Excessive sudsing from using the incorrect detergent - Use the correct detergent. If oversudsing persists, put 1 Tablespoon of vegetable oil into the bottom of the dishwasher and then run the desired cycle.
- Door seal is misaligned/pulled away from the track - Check to make sure the seal is inserted into the track.
- Condensation vent is blocked - Clean out the vent, and then remove any large objects near the vent.
- Machine wasn’t installed properly - Call a licensed technician to address the issue.
Fascia Panel Is Discolored or Marked
- Panel was cleaned with bleach-based wipes or abrasive scouring pads - Wash the panel with warm water, mild detergent and a soft cloth.
Wash Cycle is Noisy
- Dishes hit each other and/or the spray arms during the wash cycle - Load dishes into the machine properly so that they don’t rattle during operation. See the owner’s manual for more specific instructions.
Detergent Dispenser Cover Won’t Shut
- Cover guides are blocked by detergent residue - Clean detergent residue.
- Detergent cover is being used incorrectly - Open and close the dispenser correctly.
- Previous cycle hasn’t finished or was interrupted - Allow the previous cycle to finish.
Can’t Select Desired Cycle
- Prior cycle hasn’t finished - Let the prior cycle come to an end before initiating another one.
White Limescale on Unit Drum, Dishes and Other Items
- Water is hard - Use dishwasher cleaner every few months, following the manufacturer’s directions, to remove scale buildup. Also, consider installing a water softener; if you already have one, increase the setting.
- Hard water makes detergent ineffective - Switch to a different detergent that’s suitable for hard water.
- Detergent is underdosed or weak - Increase the amount of detergent use, or switch to a stronger version.
- Rinse temperature is too low - Select wash cycles with higher rinse temperatures.
Metal Stains on Machine Interior
- Silverware is in contact with the tub walls - Arrange silverware so that it doesn’t touch the sides of the unit’s tub.
AutoAir® Not Opening Door Automatically (500 Series Units Only)
- Space between the top of the unit and countertop is too small - Be sure there’s a gap of at least 6MM (0.04”) above the machine; if not, relocate the dishwasher.
- Machine isn’t slanted forward - Adjust the angle of the unit so that it leans forward slightly.
- Door and door seal are dirty - Clean the door and seal with warm water, mild detergent and a soft cloth.
- Unit isn’t level - Make sure the machine is balanced correctly.
Auto-Close Door Not Closing Properly (Ascenta Units Only)
- Unit isn’t installed correctly - Check the alignment of the dishwasher frame to make sure it’s level; if not, balance it properly.
If you found this article helpful, be sure to take a look at the large collection of Bosch manuals and diagrams on our site.