5 Common BOSCH Dishwasher Problems

Bosch is one of the best dishwasher brands, but even their dishwashers are prone to breakage every now and then.

Whenever problems arise, it is important to detect and diagnose the problem.

To make the process easier, we have compiled this guide of the 5 most common Bosch dishwasher problems and how to fix them.

Related Read: All Bosch Dishwasher Error Codes – How To Enter Diagnostic Mode?

Bosch Dishwasher Problems

Here are the 5 most common Bosch dishwasher problems, as well as advice on how to fix them:

1.     Dishwasher Fills Up With Clean Water By Itself

One of the most common problems associated with Bosch dishwashers is that the dishwasher fills up with clean water by itself.

It is important to fix this problem or else you may be wasting water, which can add up quickly.

This also causes water to spill onto the floor, potentially causing water damage.

The reason for this problem is that the water inlet valve gets stuck in the open position.

A water inlet valve that is stuck in the open position causes water to get into the tub, even when the dishwasher is turned off.

Normally, water inlet valves get stuck in the open position whenever the solenoids got jammed by calcium build-up due to hard water.

Even if its small amount of water siping through the valve, in a couple of hours or on the next day you will see water level raised above fine filter mesh.

Just want to repeat, if its clear water it is 100% problem with inlet valve and it needs to be replaced.

There is no way to clean the valve, only replacement.

2.     Dishwasher Fills Up With Dirty Water

Another problem similar to the first is that your Bosch dishwasher fills up with dirty water.

This is extremely unsanitary, and it also causes leaking, which can result in costly water damage.

Obviously, you will know this problem is occurring whenever dirty water fills the dishwasher.

Most likely, the reason for a dishwasher that fills up with dirty water is that the check valve is damaged.

The point of the check valve is to allow the water to flow in one direction only, preventing dirty water from flowing back into the dishwasher from the sink.

If the check valve is damaged, then dirty water will enter the dishwasher.

The check valve will be located by the drain pump inside the dishwasher tub (on some models)

Different type of check valve located underneath the dishwasher (see image below)

Replace the check valve by opening the dishwasher door and removing the lower washer rack.

Lift the lower spray arm up and set it aside. Next, remove the filter screen basket and filter screen.

Reach in and unscrew the cover. Lift the cover up and pull it out of the washer.

Then, use a flathead screwdriver to wiggle the damaged check valve out of the dishwasher.

Place the new check valve where the damaged one was located.

Once it is in the slot, press it in to ensure that it is firmly in place. Reassemble the dishwasher.

3.     Dishwasher Not Draining Properly

Another common problem associated with Bosch dishwashers is at the dishwasher does not drain properly.

When this happens, the dirty water is left at the bottom of your dishwasher.

Read about Drain Error code: Troubleshooting Bosch Dishwasher E24 E25 Error Codes

This is extremely unsanitary, which is why it is imperative to fix this problem immediately. Luckily, this problem is easy to fix.

Begin by removing the filter and drain. If there is a lot of water, you may need to remove the water by using a cup to ladle it out.

Once most of the water is removed, place a dry rag all the way into the washer drain to remove all the water and junk.

Next, loosen and remove the nut using a screwdriver. Then, remove the part to reveal the impeller.

Move the impeller around to see if anything is jamming the impeller. Remove any debris.

Additionally, pull out the rubber check valve and make sure there is no debris.

It is important to note that you should try to make the water backwasher through the impeller and rubber piece.

This will allow you to see any debris that may be getting in your way. It may take you a couple of tries before you are able to find the debris.

4.     Water Not Filling Up Dishwasher

The fourth common problem associated with Bosch dishwashers is that water does not fill up the dishwasher.

This is a problem since it will not allow the dishwasher to properly clean your dishes, which is unsanitary.

It is important to fix this problem right away.

Like many of the other problems on this list, water not filling up the dishwasher is caused by a faulty water inlet valve.

If the valve is defective, it can cause it to close early, which prevents water from fully filling up the dishwasher during the cycle.

To fix this problem, you can replace the water inlet valve. You do this by removing the old valve, which is accessed by the lower access panels.

You will need to detach a wire harness, disconnect the water line, and remove the brass elbow.

Then, remove the old water inlet valve and replace it with the new one. Reassemble your dishwasher and test to make sure it is fixed.

You may also want to test the solenoids of the dishwasher. The solenoids are magnets that allow the water inlet valve to open and close.

You will use a multi-meter to see if there is an issue with the solenoids.

5.     Bosch Dishwasher Not Drying Dishes

Finally, the last common problem associated with Bosch dishwashers is that the dishwasher does not properly dry the dishes.

The reason why your dishwasher does not dry properly is dependent on how your model dries the dishes: either with a vent, vent motor, or heating mechanism.

To fix this problem, you need to check the dishwasher vent and the motor.

You will know that the dishwasher vent is the problem if the vent does not open properly. If you find that the vent is not opening correctly, replace it with an exact replica.

If the vent is opening properly, then you will want to check the vent fan motor.

To determine if your fan motor has failed, test the motor for continuity using a multimeter.

You can also try turning the fan blade by hand to see if there is anything causing it to stick.

Replace the vent fan if the motor is not continuous or if there is an issue with its turning.

Finally, the third reason why your dishwasher may not be drying properly is a defective heating element.

Use a multimeter to test for continuity. If it is not continuous, replace the part that is specific to your model.