Bosch makes high-quality, reliable, and durable dishwashers. Its dishwashers are rated as one of the best in the market. Bosch is the first choice of millions of Americans for a built-in dishwasher. However, like all the other machines, a Bosch dishwasher is also prone to errors and issues. One of the common errors reported by many people is an E24 error.
An E24 error means that the dishwasher is not draining properly because the drain filter on your machine is blocked. There can be more than one reason for your machine to display an E24 error.
Such errors can be a nuisance when you want your machine to work for you. Imagine you are already running late from work, but you have to deal with dishes, and your dishwasher starts to displays errors. Or you wake up in the morning only to find out E24 written on the LED of your Bosch display. The disappointment can be huge. But you don’t need to panic; E24 is an easy fix.
In this article, we will discuss you can fix the E24 error on your Bosch Dishwasher.
Bosch Dishwasher E24 Error Fixing
You may need to perform the following on your machine to fix the E24 error. We suggest you start from the first one. There is no need to go deep into your machine if a simple fix can solve the problem.
Before you begin fixing your dishwasher, it is important to have your manual with you. You can download a copy of the manual for your specific model here.
Safety First
Make sure you unplug your machine before doing any repairs/maintenance or cleaning. Wear safety gloves while working with drainage pipes, pumps, or any other part that may contain sharp objects. Make sure you go through safety instructions in the user manual before fixing your machine.
Auto Drain/Reset Error
Sometimes the error will go away by a simple push and hold of the start button. You can do this by turning on your dishwasher, push the start button once, and then push and hold the start button for 10 seconds. It will reboot the system and try to drain the water automatically. You will hear water draining if it works. If it doesn’t, understand that there is some blockage in your machine.
Sump Restrictions
You will need a shop vacuum to clear out the blockage in the sump. You can do this manually, but it will take a lot of time, and you will be making a mess on your kitchen floor. You can borrow or rent a shop vacuum if you don’t have one. The sump usually gathers below the bottom rack of your Bosch dishwasher.
Remove the bottom rack and suck the gathered sump in the liquid. Now you can access the filter and drainage pump. Skip this step if there is no sump in your dishwasher.
Filter Inspection and Cleaning
The first mechanical fix for getting rid of the E24 error is filter inspection and cleaning. It should be a part of your periodic dishwasher maintenance program. Most Bosch dishwashers have a filter located under the bottom dish rack. Remove the bottom dish rack and spray arm. Turn the filter according to the directions on it to remove it from the machine. You may need to refer to the instruction manual if you can remove the filter easily. When you have the filter removed, clean it with warm soapy water and then rinse thoroughly.
Drain Pump Inspection
If filter cleaning doesn’t fix the error, the drain pump is likely clogged. E24 error can also come due to a loose pump. Most Bosch dishwashers have a pump located under the filter. It is best to clean and check the pump when you have removed the filter. We recommend you wear safety gloves while inspecting the pump because you may find sharp objects in it, like broken glass.
You will need a screwdriver to unclip the pump cover, or you can also use a teaspoon. Once you have removed the cover, check the pipes for any blockages. Sometimes food leftovers can gather and clog the drainage pipes. Make sure that the pump impeller is turning freely. A stuck or hard impeller means something is wrong with your pump and needs to be inspected by a Bosch professional.
In some models, you can also check the drain pump by lifting the float. The float is located near the filter. If there are no mechanical issues with the drain pump, it must be activated by lifting the float, and E24 will disappear. Drain pump test is also performed on Bosch dishwasher.
Kinked Hoses
Kinked/blocked hoses can sometimes be the culprit behind E24 errors. Ensure that the drain hose is not kinked and connected in the same way as shown in the instruction manual. If your drain hose doesn’t have an air connecter, it may be installed with a high loop. Please keep in mind that the high loop configuration is not related to E24. It is used to prevent the wastewater from flowing back into the machine.
So now that you have inspected the hoses, it is time to reboot your machine and check for any errors. If E24 persists, move to the next step.
Air Gap/Disposal/S-Trap
The dishwasher’s drain hose is connected to the plumbing with the help of any air gap/ disposal unit or an S-trap. It is imperative to check the drain hose connection because it is a hotspot for restrictions. The diameter of the pipes here is small, and food particles can gather and clog the openings. You can remove the drain hose with the help of a screwdriver or pliers and check for any obstructions. You may find plastic pieces, broken glass, food leftovers, or grease buildup in the pipes. Once the pipes are cleared, insert them back and check your machine. If E24 persists, move to the next step.
Dishwasher Cleanup
Sometimes it’ll happen that everything is running smoothly, and there are no visible issues with the machine, like a dirty filter, drain pump blockage, or kinked hoses, but your dishwasher will still give E24. In such a situation, it is imperative to give your dishwasher a thorough cleanup.
You can do this by running a washing cycle with cleaning products. Bosch manufactures dishwasher cleaning products that you can use, or vinegar and baking soda to clean any blockages causing E24.
Follow the instructions below if you are using vinegar and baking soda for cleanup.
- Add one cup of distilled white vinegar to a dishwasher-safe bowl and place the bowl on the top rack of the dishwasher. Do not pour vinegar directly into the dishwasher, as it will drain out once the washing cycle starts.
- Run a normal/standard cycle without any dishes/detergent in the dishwasher.
- Sprinkle a cup of baking soda in your dishwasher and run a short hot cycle. Do not remove the vinegar bowl until the short cycle is finished.
Dishwasher cleanup is necessary for clearing oil buildup in the pipes. Vinegar and baking soda are known for their cleaning properties and work effectively against removing clogged oil.
For other codes detail of Bosch dishwasher, click here.
Final Words: Run the Auto Drain Cycle
Now you need to run the auto drain cycle once again after performing all of the above steps. Hopefully, E24 will go away now. If the problem persists, it is time to contact Bosch and look for other solutions or a professional inspection. Bosch is known for exceptional customer service, and they will guide you on how to get rid of the E24 error or schedule an inspection for you.