How to Fix a Bosch Dishwasher E15 Error Code

It’s always an unpleasant surprise when your dishwasher suddenly displays an error code – particularly when you have a full load of dirty dishes. If your Bosch dishwasher is displaying an E15 error code, this indicates an issue with the water level.

An E 15 error code can be due to a few reasons, including a blockage, a plumbing issue, and even using the wrong detergent. While Bosch recommends calling in a professional if you encounter this issue, there are a few DIY solutions you can try before paying a technician.

This guide applies to all popular Bosch dishwasher models, including:

GM926710

SHE43P25UC/64

SHE45M05UC/50

SHE45M06UC/50

SHE4AP06UC/06

SHE55M12UC/64

SHE55M15UC/64

SHE55M16UC/64

SHE58C05UC/48

SHI4302

SHI4306

SHI6802

SHI6805

SHI6806

SHU9915UC/11

SHX43C05UC/46

SHX45M05UC/50

Check your detergent brand

One simple fix for this error is to check whether you’re using the correct dish detergent. Bosch recommends using Finish in their dishwashers, but any high-quality detergent should be fine.

A good detergent will produce fewer suds and the suds will disperse quicker than with a cheaper detergent. A lower-quality detergent can lead to a high volume of suds building up inside your dishwasher. Your dishwasher will detect the excess suds, which can trigger the E15 error code.

If you’ve recently changed to a different detergent brand, this is likely to be the culprit. A good way to check is to open the dishwasher as soon as the E15 error code shows up. If you can see excess suds, then try a different detergent.

Try a reset

Sometimes an error code will occur due to a power surge or software glitch, which doesn’t actually indicate a serious problem. Performing a reset is a great way to clear any error codes – if the issue is legitimate, the error code will recur the next time you use the machine. Here’s what to do:

Disconnect your dishwasher from the power source.
Leave it disconnected for five minutes.
Plug your dishwasher back in.
Run a short cycle. If the error code recurs, you’ll need to investigate further. If the cycle runs as normal, the code was likely due to a glitch and your dishwasher should be good to go.

Tilt your dishwasher

Tilting your dishwasher is a good way to clear the E15 error code, but it won’t do anything to fix an underlying issue. However, it is helpful to troubleshoot the issue and clear the water so you can take additional steps, such as cleaning the filter. Here’s how to do it:

Disconnect your dishwasher from the power.
Move and tilt your dishwasher backward at a 45-degree angle. Find something to put underneath the dishwasher at the front so you don’t have to keep holding it while it drains.
Wait until the water has fully drained from the bottom of the machine. This should clear the error code. You can then take further steps to investigate the issue or try running another cycle to see if the problem recurs or not.

Clean the filter

A severely clogged filter can cause water to pool in the bottom of your Bosch dishwasher, which can trigger the E15 error code. Ideally, a filter should be cleaned regularly to ensure optimal cleaning, but if it’s been a while since your last clean the filter could be your culprit.

A clogged filter doesn’t happen all at once, so if this is your issue you probably will have noticed a decline in washing performance and increasing water pooling in your dishwasher in the leadup to the error code. To fix it:

Remove the bottom rack of your dishwasher to access the filter.
Remove the filter cover and unscrew the filter counterclockwise. It is essential that you complete the tilt-to-drain step before doing this, as otherwise, your filter will be underwater!
Remove all debris from the filter and rinse it thoroughly under running water. Use a brush and detergent to scrub away any stubborn grime.
Replace the filter in its housing, put the cover back on, and then run a test cycle to see if the error code recurs.

Check the drain hose

Another common culprit behind a Bosch dishwasher E15 error code is an incorrectly placed drain hose. If you’ve recently moved your dishwasher, this is probably the issue.

A drain hose needs to have a high loop in order to drain efficiently – basically, this means that the hose needs to be elevated before it connects to the sink drain. This allows the dishwasher to drain properly and prevents water flowing back into your dishwasher. Without a high loop, you’re at risk of drainage issues and standing water, which can trigger the E15 error code. Here’s what to do:

Locate the point at which the dishwasher drain joins to your sink drain.
Check to make sure the drain hose is elevated before it joins the drain. If not, adjust its positioning.
Secure the hose so it stays in position. You can use a zip tie or a bracket to hold it in place.
Once installed, run a test cycle to ensure that the error code has been resolved.

Reset the water safety switch

If you’ve ruled out drainage issues, and you’re certain there are no leaks, you can clear the error by resetting the water safety switch. This is a little more difficult than some of the other steps in this guide, so only attempt it if you’re confident in your DIY skills.

Unplug your dishwasher and turn off the water supply.
Remove the dishwasher door panel and kickplate.
Locate the water safety switch. It will be behind a plastic cover, and there will be a polystyrene disk under the switch. Consult your Bosch manual for information about your specific model.
Carefully twist and pull on the safety switch to remove and take out the polystyrene disk.
Thoroughly dry any residual water in the area.
Place the disk and the switch back into position, ensuring they are secured correctly.
Replace the door panel and kickplate.
Restore power to the dishwasher and turn the water back on. Then run a test cycle to make sure the error doesn’t come back.

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