Software issues on your Bosch dishwasher can be frustrating, and a good reset will be able to revert things back to normal. So in this guide, we are going to show you how to reset your Bosch dishwasher in the event of a non-responsive display or any other issue that can be easily avoided by resetting the entire Bosh dishwasher.
Methods to Reset
1. Using the Display to Reset Your Dishwasher
The easiest way to reset your Bosch dishwasher is by using the control panel. The following instructions will show you how to do that.
If your Bosch dishwasher model has the control panel on the inside, open the door just enough for you to reach the controls. After that, press the “Start” button for 3-5 seconds until you see the display return to “0.01”. When this has happened, switch off the dishwasher using the “On/Off” button, wait for a couple of seconds and switch it on again.
And voilà! Your Bosch dishwasher is back to normal. You can now pick a cycle and let it do its job.
2. Resetting the Dishwasher Manually
Sometimes, resetting the Bosch dishwasher via the control panel will not fix your problem. In some rare cases, the control panel might not respond at all. So in this type of situation, the best thing you can do is reset the dishwasher manually.
The first step is to disconnect the Bosch dishwasher. If it’s plugged into a wall socket, unplug the dishwasher and give it 2 to 3 minutes before plugging it back in.
But before you do, make sure that the power cord is not wet and that there is no water lying around.
If the dishwasher is hardwired, switch off the appropriate breaker.
When and when not to reset
Typical error codes
E15 is one of the most common error codes that you can easily fix yourself. All you need to do is unplug the dishwasher, check for any leaks in the water inlet section and tilt the dishwasher. Just enough for any water in the bottom to flow out.
After that, do a quick reset, and you’re good to go.
Several other typical error codes are E01: when there’s not enough water for the heating element, E2: A malfunction in the temperature sensor, and E3: when there’s a blockage in the water inlet.
Sometimes these error codes will go away after a good reset. If not, you will have to refer to the manual or call a professional.
Diagnosis mode
There’s also a diagnostics mode on your Bosch dishwasher called the “Test cycle.”
To start a test cycle,
- First, switch off the dishwasher using the power button.
- After that, hold the “Power Scrub Plus” and “Regular Wash” buttons.
- Without letting go of those two buttons, switch on the dishwasher and let go of these two buttons once you release the power button.
- The indicator bulbs above these buttons will start to flash, and the display will read “P0.”
- After that, press the “Quick Wash” button.
- The display will now read “P1”. Now, press the button to the right of the previous “Quick Wash” button.
- The test cycle will start and figure out the error code.
When to Reset
Depending on the model, most Bosch dishwashers will automatically pause when you open the door during a wash cycle. In other cases, the door locks itself, and you will have to reset the dishwasher if you want to open the door.
This is one of the most common scenarios where you will have to reset the dishwasher. There are several other scenarios where you would want to perform a reset. These include:
- Clearing an error message
- Fixing a frozen display
- Change cycles (after you’ve already started)
- Drain the dishwasher
These are the most common issues that can be resolved with a quick reset. However, if a reset does not fix the issue, we recommend calling a professional.
Hard Resets
Most often, you will not need to reset your Bosch dishwasher. The dishwasher will be able to resolve some by itself. However, there are situations where you will have to intervene and perform a hard reset yourself.
Sometimes the software will start to glitch out. In that case, the dishwasher will stop working, and the display will be frozen.
When this happens, it won’t go away by itself. (even if you toggle the power button) You will have to perform a hard reset either through the controls or by disconnecting the power.
When not to reset
During some error codes, it’s best to troubleshoot the issue before you start resetting the dishwasher.
If these errors persist, even after you’ve reset the dishwasher, then it is not a software error. You will have to look up the error code and figure out the root cause of the malfunction.
A few of the most common hardware-related error codes are:
- E3: Not enough water.
- E4: Water blockage.
- E9: Defective heating element.
- E15: Water detected at the bottom of the dishwasher
- E22: Blocked filter
These types of errors will not go away after a reset. If these hardware-related issues are beyond your DIY skill, it’s best to hire a professional
Safety considerations when resetting your dishwasher
If you do not feel confident enough to tackle an issue yourself, always seek a professional. However, if you have the tools and the know-how, it’s best to assume a few safety precautions before you start working on the dishwasher.
First, make sure that the floor is not wet. You don’t want to slip and fall.
If you are going to take a look inside the dishwasher, always remember to disconnect the power, especially when there’s water involved. Never go looking for water leaks or troubleshooting the water supply without turning off the power.
Also, make sure that you have the proper tools for the job.
Seeking professional help
Not everybody is a DIY expert. Most households do not have the proper tools and know-how to diagnose a malfunctioning Bosch dishwasher. If this is the case for you, it’s best to seek a professional.
A skilled technician will be able to figure out what’s wrong with your dishwasher safely and efficiently. They will also be able to acquire the parts needed for any repairs and get your dishwasher back in working order.
If you feel like the safety of you and your loved ones are at risk, don’t hesitate to call a professional.
Conclusion
Resetting your Bosch dishwasher is very easy. You can either do it via the control panel or just disconnect the power and let it sit for a minute or so. However, resetting the dishwasher will not fix hardware issues in your appliance. So if you aren’t skilled enough in DIY, it’s best to play it safe and hire a professional.
