Troubleshooting a Bosch Dishwasher

Dishwasher Won't Drain

A small amount of water in the bottom of the Bosch dishwasher is expected after it’s completed a cleaning cycle, but enough to actually spill out of the washer when you open the door is not acceptable, and Bosch dishwasher troubleshooting is necessary. Most dishwashers are connected next to sinks to make use of the same drain. If the drain in the sink is plugged, the balance in water pressure would prevent the dishwasher from draining. Remove any plug and use some drain cleaner if necessary. Likewise, look under the sink and make sure none of the drain hoses are kinked. Finally, if the dishwasher still doesn’t drain, the strainer may be clogged. This is located at the base of the sprayer arm inside the washer. Detach the sprayer arm and remove the grate covering the strainer. Depending on the model of Bosch dishwasher, the strainer may or may not be removable. In either case, it needs to be scrubbed clean of any debris that would impede water moving through it. Call a repair person if this doesn’t fix it, as the drain hose or drain valve may need attention and should not be manipulated by persons who don’t know exactly what they’re doing. Sometimes, Bosch dishwasher troubleshooting will require professional assistance.

Dishwasher Is Noisy

Bosch dishwasher troubleshooting for this problem can be tricky. First make sure that the noise isn’t simply being caused by loose dishes or silverware clanging around inside the dishwasher. Likewise, the sprayer arm may be striking against a large plate or platter if it’s placed too close to the center of the machine. Remove the dish racks and look around at the base of the washer to make sure that no silverware, bones or other debris are present. They could easily be thrown around when the washer runs. Should there be no other source, then the noise is likely being caused by the inlet valve as the washer fills. If so, it will need to be replaced, a job best left to professionals.

Dishwasher Won't Fill

Bosch dishwasher troubleshooting for a filling problem usually involves a valve issue. Look under the sink to find the hot water supply valve and make sure that it’s opened all the way. Next, look inside the dishwasher itself. Near the front of the base, beneath the dish rack, should be a small plastic cylinder sticking out of a tube. This is called a "float" and is used by the machine to determine when it’s full of water. Press down on it; it should make a loud clicking noise. If it does not, it may be jammed and require cleaning. Most Bosch dishwasher floats can only be disconnected from their moorings from below, so you will have to remove the base access panel of the dishwasher and unhook it from there before you lift it free. Once it’s removed, rinse it off and make sure the spring that it contains is not clogged or jammed by anything. Reconnect the float and see if the dishwasher fills now. If not, call a repair person.