Bosch dishwashers are known for their reliability and performance, but sometimes they can encounter issues like the E15 error code. The E15 error indicates water accumulation at the bottom of the dishwasher, triggering a safety feature to prevent flooding. This safety feature prevents potential flooding in your kitchen, but it can be frustrating when the error keeps appearing.
What is Error 15 on a Bosch Dishwasher?
Error E15 on a Bosch dishwasher indicates that there is water collected at the bottom of the unit, triggering a safety feature to prevent flooding in your kitchen. The dishwasher’s inlet pump disables any additional water from entering the unit when it detects water accumulation at the base.
The E15 error typically occurs due to water leakage or seepage through the rubber seals in the dishwasher. When water reaches the bottom of the unit, a floating Styrofoam disc activates a sensor, leading to the error code.
What Causes the E15 Error?
Before we dive into the solution, let’s understand why the E15 error occurs. Typically, the E15 error is triggered when there’s water at the bottom of the dishwasher. This happens when water leaks or seeps through the rubber seals, accumulating in the unit. A floating Styrofoam disc with a sensor detects the water, leading to the error code to avoid potential water damage in your kitchen.
Fixing the E15 Error:
Here’s a comprehensive guide to resolving the E15 error on your Bosch dishwasher:
Step 1: Preparation
- Turn off the power to your dishwasher to ensure safety during the repair process.
Step 2: Accessing the Front Panel
- Remove the screws holding the front plate in place using a Torx bit (T5 or T20, depending on the model).
- Carefully detach the front cover by pulling it out around the bottom and then pulling it down.
- Remove any screws on the bottom plate to gain access to the interior.
Step 3: Identifying the Styrofoam Disc
- Look for a white Styrofoam disc with a sensor positioned towards the center of the unit, underneath the bottom plate. This is where the water accumulates and triggers the error.
Step 4: Clearing the Float and Sensor
- Disconnect the sensor switch (blue and pink wires) located above the Styrofoam disc.
- Gently remove the Styrofoam disc from its position and clean any water or debris around it.
- Ensure the disc is seated properly and the switch sits correctly on top of it.
Step 5: Drying the Interior
- Clean and dry the interior thoroughly using towels and a vacuum cleaner to remove any remaining water and debris.
- For complete drying, tilt the dishwasher at a 45-degree angle for a few hours or overnight.
Step 6: Reassembling
- Carefully put back the Styrofoam disc, ensuring it fits snugly in its designated spot.
- Reattach the sensor switch securely on top of the disc.
- Reassemble the dishwasher in the reverse order of disassembly, making sure to tighten the screws evenly.
Step 7: Power On and Test
- Reconnect the power to your Bosch dishwasher and turn it on.
- Check for any leaks or error codes; if the E15 error is gone, you’ve successfully fixed it.
Preventing Future E15 Errors:
To prevent the E15 error from recurring, follow these preventive measures:
- Regularly clean the rubber seals around the door to ensure a tight seal during operation.
- Use a liquid dishwasher detergent to minimize the buildup of residue on the seals.
- Avoid overloading the dishwasher and using excessive detergent, as this can lead to leaks.
- Routinely check for any water leaks in your kitchen that may contribute to the error.
By following these steps and preventive measures, you can keep your Bosch dishwasher running smoothly without encountering the E15 error.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I simply tilt the dishwasher back to fix the E15 error temporarily?
Tilting the dishwasher back may temporarily resolve the E15 error by allowing the accumulated water to drain. However, it’s crucial to address the root cause of the error and fix the issue permanently to prevent further occurrences.
How can I prevent the E15 error from happening again?
To prevent the E15 error, regularly clean the rubber seals around the door, use a liquid detergent, avoid overloading the dishwasher, and check for any water leaks in your kitchen.
Should I seek professional help to fix the E15 error?
If you are unsure or uncomfortable performing the repair yourself, it’s best to contact a professional appliance repair technician to diagnose and fix the issue with your Bosch dishwasher.
Conclusion
Fixing the E15 error on your Bosch dishwasher is achievable with some basic tools and careful attention to detail. By following the steps provided and implementing preventive measures, you can keep your dishwasher running smoothly and avoid the frustration of the E15 error in the future.
Key Notes and Important Points:
- The E15 error on Bosch dishwashers is triggered by water collecting at the bottom of the unit, causing a safety feature to disable extra water from entering and potentially flooding the kitchen.
- To fix the E15 error, you need to remove the front cover, access the Styrofoam disc and sensor, clean and dry the area, and reassemble the dishwasher.
- Preventive measures include regularly cleaning rubber seals, using liquid detergent, avoiding overloading, and checking for water leaks in the kitchen.
- Temporary solutions like tilting the dishwasher back may not address the root cause and should be avoided in favor of permanent fixes.
