Resetting the program on a Bosch dishwasher
Even the most affordable Bosch dishwashers are built to a high standard, so they rarely break down. However, sometimes they malfunction, freezing mid-cycle. This can be caused by a power surge or even a blockage inside the dishwasher.
What should you do if your dishwasher freezes? How do you reset a Bosch dishwasher? Can you prevent the problem? Let's explore the details.
Resetting the dishwasher to factory settings
To restore a frozen dishwasher, you'll need to reset it to factory settings. This requires a specific sequence of steps. It's important to strictly follow the sequence, otherwise, the dishwasher won't restart.
First, open the dishwasher door slightly to access the buttons on the control panel. Bosch dishwashers will not stop working after this, so be careful not to spill water on the floor. Also, be aware that hot steam will begin escaping from the hopper, so avoid leaning too close to your dishwasher.
The further algorithm of actions will be as follows:
- press the “Start” button and hold it until the “Active” indicator goes out (if you need to stop the program, do not release the button until the LED indicating that the dishwasher is on goes out);
- wait a few minutes – during this time the water from the system will drain into the sewer;
- Press and hold the "Start" button for another 3 seconds. Some Bosch dishwasher models may have a separate "Reset" button, in which case you should use it;

- wait until the dishwasher display shows 00:00, this will indicate the end of the cycle;
- turn off the machine by unplugging the power cord from the socket;
- wait a minute;
- plug the power cord into the socket;
- Press the start and power keys simultaneously.
These steps will reset your Bosch dishwasher and clear all errors from its memory. You can then restart the desired program. If the buttons on the control panel do not respond to pressing, the dishwasher can be restarted in another way. We'll tell you what to do in this case.
Removing a program when buttons don't work
Sometimes the machine freezes while running a program and refuses to respond to user commands. The control panel becomes unresponsive to input. In this case, you'll need to take a different approach.
First, you need to turn off the power to the dishwasher. Before unplugging the power cord, make sure it's dry. If the cord is wet, never touch it, as this can cause an electric shock. Turn off the power by tripping the fuses on the panel.
After unplugging the dishwasher, move it away from the wall or remove it from the cabinet. Inspect the back of the cabinet and hoses. All components should be dry. Next, make sure there is no standing water behind the dishwasher.
After this, leave the machine to “stand” for 20-30 minutes. Emergency disconnection of the dishwasher from the power supply will reset the settings stored in the dishwasher's memory. Next, you can set new cycle parameters.
If there is no malfunction, then after rebooting the dishwasher will again respond to key presses.
Bosch dishwashers often stop responding when the E15 error code appears on the display. This code indicates water has entered the sensor located in the dishwasher's tray. A quick system reset can resolve the issue. The procedure is as follows:
- disconnect the dishwasher from the power supply;
- check the integrity of the dishwasher hoses and pipes;
- make sure there are no leaks;
- tilt the machine towards the wall for 15-20 seconds;
- Plug the dishwasher back into the power supply.
This way, you can restore the functionality of your Bosch dishwasher. If, after all these steps, the machine still fails to unlock, you'll need to contact a professional. A specialist will perform a thorough diagnosis and determine the cause of your dishwasher's behavior. The problem may lie in a damaged control module.
It's better to prevent a software failure
It's better to prevent any problem than to solve it later. This also applies to dishwashers. Following basic recommendations and operating instructions will help prevent malfunctions and breakdowns in your dishwasher.
Be sure to read the instructions for your Bosch dishwasher; it contains the basic rules for operating the equipment.
Bosch dishwasher manufacturer recommends:
- Monitor the quality of the tap water entering the appliance. If it's too hard, it will affect the condition of the dishwasher's internal components. The parts will become coated with scale, significantly reducing the dishwasher's lifespan;
- periodically clean the filter unit from accumulated debris, and also remove dirt from the rocker arms that spray water;

- Use only high-quality dishwashing detergents. When choosing 3-in-1 or 5-in-1 tablets, first make sure your dishwasher is designed for this type of detergent.
- Do not exceed the dosage of detergents, adding the compositions in the quantity provided by the device;
- Carefully read the instructions for the equipment before using the machine. It's important to understand how to properly load dishes, where to add salt, and how to add rinse aid;
- Connect the dishwasher to the power grid through a voltage stabilizer. This device will protect the machine from power surges, spikes, and other faults, which are often the cause of dishwasher freeze-ups.
- periodically clean the inside of the dishwasher by running it on a high-temperature cycle with a special cleaning agent;
- Regularly ventilate the dishwasher to prevent the formation of unpleasant odors and to protect the bin from corrosion;
- After each use, wipe the walls of the dishwasher wash chamber dry;
- Clean the dishwasher drain hose periodically.
Following basic rules will help extend the life of your dishwasher and protect it from system failures. Be sure to connect the dishwasher to the power supply via a stabilizer. The electronic module is quite sensitive to voltage fluctuations and may fail if the power in the house is suddenly cut off.
Common causes of Bosch dishwasher failures
Restarting your Bosch dishwasher can help clear a random system error. If the issue is genuine, restarting it will either not resolve the problem or will only temporarily suppress it. In this case, you'll need to run a diagnostic to identify the problem and repair it.
Most often, Bosch dishwashers stop working due to:
- sharp voltage surges in the electrical network;
- clogging of the waste filter, drain hose or internal pipes;
- lack of water in the pipes;
- clogged sewer riser;
- incorrect position of the inlet or drain hose.
If the dishwasher freezes for one of these reasons, a reboot will "revive" the dishwasher. Afterward, the user will need to fix the problem, such as cleaning the debris filter or properly positioning the drain hose. Then the dishwasher will function again.
In some cases, a professional repairman may be required. These are more serious issues:
- breakdown of the inlet valve responsible for supplying water to the system;
- damage to the circulation pump;

- failure of the heating element;
- failure of the pressure switch;
- malfunctions in the operation of the main control module.
Bosch dishwashers often freeze when the Aquastop system is activated. Therefore, inspect the dishwasher's inlet hose; if its indicator changes color, there's a leak. It can't be repaired; the element will need to be replaced.
Most Bosch dishwasher problems can be resolved independently. For example, following the instructions, it's easy to replace the inlet valve, circulation pump, heating element, or hoses. Most often, a repairman's help is needed when the electronic unit is damaged—repairing the module requires specific knowledge, skills, and experience.
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