How to troubleshoot an E3 error on a Bosch dishwasher

Are you seeing an E3 error on your Bosch dishwasher? If so, don’t panic. You’ve got this, and we’re here to help you troubleshoot it.

The E3 error usually points to a fault in the dishwasher’s water filling system.

If you find out that you need any replacement parts for your Bosch dishwasher while you’re troubleshooting, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.

Disclaimer: The error code information in this article is based on general service manuals and may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.

What does the E3 error code mean?

The E3 code usually means that the dishwasher control module has detected an issue with the water fill process. Essentially, the required amount of water isn’t entering the dishwasher in the allotted time.

This can be caused by a few different things including:

• Clogged or restricted water supply lines
• A bad water inlet valve
• A faulty float switch
• A broken pressure switch/transducer
• The control module that’s not operating the fill valve
• Draining issues

Read more: How Long Do Dishwashers Last? With 10 Tips to Keep Your Dishwasher in Great Shape

Safety precautions

When working on any appliance, remember to keep safety first. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before you attempt any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by eliminating any risk of electric shock.
• Don’t test live voltage with a multimeter if you’re unfamiliar with how to prevent short-circuiting.
• Turn off the water supply at the outlet before beginning repairs. Keep towels ready to catch any residual water in the system when removing parts.
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down before working on it.
• Take your time while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries. Rushing is the enemy of precision.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can see and access appliance parts.
• Keep your workspace free of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check the user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions related to your appliance or replacement part.
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause personal injury.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts and debris.
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.
• Always take photos or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting them to make reassembly easier.

How to troubleshoot the E3 error code

Let’s find out what’s causing the E3 error to show up on your Bosch dishwasher and how you can fix it.

Step 1: Check the water supply

The very first thing you should do is make sure the dishwasher is getting enough water to run cycles.

• Make sure the house shut-off valve is fully open.
• Run a faucet in the sink to see if you have good water flow and pressure. Look for the minimum system pressure of around 20 psi.
• Make sure the dishwasher’s dedicated water supply line isn’t blocked, kinked or frozen.
• If your home is on a well system, make sure the pump and pressure tank are operating correctly.

If the water supply is good, continue troubleshooting.

Read more: Dishwasher Not Drying Dishes Properly: Top 5 Reasons and Fixes

Step 2: Check tubing, hoses, and fittings

The E3 code may be caused by blocked water lines or malfunctioning water heaters.

• Inspect the plastic tubing that transports water from the valve to the interior tub for cracks or breaks. If you find any damage, replace the tubing.
• Make sure the hoses are properly sealed and free from blockages.
• If your model has an external water heater, check that it’s functioning and that water can flow through.
• Repair any leaks and secure any loose connections.

Step 3: Inspect the water inlet valve

1. Unplug the dishwasher from the power outlet.
2. Remove the access panels to find the water valve.
3. Remove the incoming water supply hose to the valve. Check for any debris or sediment preventing water from entering the valve and clean it as needed. If the hose is damaged, replace it.

If the coils look good, reconnect the wires to the valve terminals and restore power to the dishwasher.

Step 4: Test the water inlet valve

LIVE VOLTAGE WARNING: For this test, the dishwasher needs to be plugged in and powered on. Please be very careful to protect yourself from electric shock, which has the potential to cause serious injuries. Don’t ever test live voltage if you’re uncomfortable using a multimeter.

1. Set your multimeter to VAC.
2. Turn on the dishwasher and start a cycle. Use the meter probes to make sure the water inlet valve is getting 120 Volts during the fill cycle. If voltage is present but the valve doesn’t open, you’ll need to replace the valve.

Step 5: Check the float switch

The float switch provides water level feedback to the control board during the fill process. To test it:

1. Find the float switch on the left side of the tub. Check for any damage to the switch or float mechanism. If you find any cracked or detached parts, replace them as needed.
2. Enter diagnostic test mode on the dishwasher to activate a fill cycle without starting a full wash cycle. Check the service manual to find the sequence to enter test mode.
3. As the tub begins filling with water, keep a close eye on the float. The float should rise up as the water level increases. Make sure the float mechanism moves smoothly without any obstruction or sticking.
4. Check that the float makes full contact with and closes the internal switch circuit when the tub reaches the proper fill level.
5. Set a multimeter to continuity mode and make sure the dishwasher is unplugged.
6. Use the meter probes to test for continuity between the two switch terminals when the float is fully raised. You should get a closed circuit and the meter should make a beeping sound.

If the float switch fails to close the circuit at the full water level, it’ll need to be replaced.

Step 6: Test the pressure switch

If your dishwasher model has a pressure switch instead of a float:

1. Find the air pressure switch mounted on the inner tub wall or on the sump housing. It has a rubber diaphragm and an electrical switch inside.
2. Enter the diagnostic test mode to start a fill cycle. Check the service manual to find the sequence to enter test mode.
3. As the water starts entering the tub, listen near the pressure switch. You should hear a click as the internal switch activates when the air pressure changes from the water filling the tub. If you don’t hear a clicking or switching noise at this point, then the pressure switch is likely faulty.
4. You can also use a multimeter to check for continuity between the two switch wires before and after the fill cycle when the dishwasher is turned off. You should see the circuit open and close as the switch activates with pressure changes once water has reached the normal fill level. When the circuit closes, the meter should make a beeping sound to indicate continuity.

If the pressure switch remains static and doesn’t alternate between open and closed circuits, then it needs to be replaced.

If the pressure switch is good, replace the control board as a last resort.

Read more: How to level a dishwasher

More information

Thank you for reading! We hope this guide helped you get your Bosch dishwasher working again.

If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, don’t hesitate to explore our other troubleshooting guides and videos.

If you need replacement parts or some extra help with ordering them, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com, where you can chat with a pro, read our DIY blog and more.

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