The Bosch 500 Series dishwashers are sleek, powerful, and whisper quiet. They’re built to last—but that doesn’t mean they never run into trouble. If your Bosch dishwasher is acting up, you’re not alone. Whether it won’t start, isn’t drying properly, or keeps beeping at you, we’ve got easy fixes you can try before calling for help.
This guide breaks down the most common Bosch 500 Series dishwasher problems and how to fix them step by step—without needing fancy tools or a repair manual.
1. Dishwasher Won’t Start
If your Bosch won’t turn on or start the wash cycle, try this simple checklist:
- Door not closed properly: The door must be fully shut and latched. Try opening and closing it again firmly.
- Child Lock is on: If you see a small key symbol on the screen, the control lock is active. Hold the “Start” button for 3–5 seconds to unlock it.
- Power issue: Make sure the dishwasher is plugged in and that the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped. Test the outlet with another device.
- Delay Start is activated: Some Bosch models have a delayed start feature. If it’s set, the dishwasher won’t run until the timer counts down. Press “Cancel” to reset it.
If none of these work, the control panel or door latch sensor might be faulty.
2. Dishes Aren’t Drying
It’s annoying to pull out wet dishes after a cycle. If your Bosch 500 Series dishwasher isn’t drying properly, here’s what to check:
- Use rinse aid: Bosch dishwashers rely on rinse aid to dry effectively. Make sure the rinse aid dispenser is filled and turned on.
- Drying setting: Enable the “Extra Dry” option if available. Bosch models use condensation drying, which works better with this setting.
- Open the door after the cycle: Letting out the steam right after the wash can help dishes dry faster.
- Plastic items: These don’t dry as well because they don’t hold heat like glass or ceramic. Place them on the top rack and let them air dry.
Still wet? Check if the heating element is working. If it’s not, you may need a technician.
3. Water Not Draining
If you open your dishwasher and find standing water, try these steps before calling for help:
- Clogged filter: Remove the filter at the bottom of the tub and clean out any food debris or gunk.
- Drain hose: Check that the hose isn’t kinked, crushed, or clogged. It’s usually located under the sink.
- Garbage disposal: If your dishwasher drains through the garbage disposal, run it to clear out any clogs.
- Pump issue: If you hear humming but no water movement, the drain pump might be stuck. That usually requires service.
Always cut power before cleaning inside the dishwasher or checking the drain hose.
4. Beeping or Flashing Lights
Your dishwasher beeping at you nonstop? It’s trying to tell you something. Here’s what the sounds might mean:
- End of cycle beep: Normal. Press any button to silence it.
- Door open during cycle: If the door was opened mid-cycle, it may beep until it’s closed again.
- Leak detected: Bosch dishwashers have an internal leak sensor. If water leaks into the base, it will beep and stop working. Shut off power and call support.
- Error codes: If lights flash along with beeping, look up the code in your manual or check the Bosch support website. Codes like E15 or E24 indicate specific problems.
Beeping without a visible problem? Try unplugging the dishwasher for 5 minutes to reset it.
5. Dishwasher Smells Bad
Bad smells usually mean food or grease is stuck somewhere inside. Here’s how to freshen things up:
- Clean the filter: Take out the filter (at the base of the tub) and rinse it thoroughly under hot water.
- Wipe down the door seals: Use a damp cloth to clean around the edges and bottom of the door where gunk can build up.
- Run a cleaning cycle: Use dishwasher cleaner or a cup of white vinegar on the top rack and run the hottest cycle.
- Leave the door open: After each wash, leave the door slightly open so moisture doesn’t build up inside.
Regular cleaning keeps your Bosch running and smelling like new.
6. Not Washing Dishes Properly
Are your dishes coming out dirty or still covered in food? Here’s what could be going wrong:
- Spray arms are clogged: Take off the spray arms and rinse them under water. Use a toothpick to clear blocked holes.
- Poor loading: Overloading or blocking the spray arms can stop water from reaching all the dishes. Make sure nothing is stacked too tightly.
- Wrong detergent: Use high-quality detergent, and make sure the detergent door opens during the cycle.
- Low water pressure: If the incoming water is weak, cleaning may suffer. Make sure your home’s water pressure is steady.
Try running a cycle with no dishes and just detergent to see if the system is working properly.
7. Error Code E15
This is one of the most common Bosch errors. E15 means there’s water in the base of the dishwasher.
- Unplug the unit: Turn off power and water to the dishwasher immediately.
- Tilt it: If you’re comfortable doing so, gently tilt the dishwasher back to let the water drain out of the base tray. Have towels ready—it may leak water.
- Let it dry: Leave the unit off for at least 24 hours. If it starts working again, monitor it closely on the next run.
If it happens again, a hose might be leaking internally. You’ll need service support.
8. Buttons Not Responding
If you press the buttons on your control panel and nothing happens:
- Control lock is on: Hold the “Start” button for 3–5 seconds to turn off the child lock.
- Moisture or grime: Wipe down the buttons and panel with a soft cloth. Wet hands or steam can interfere with controls.
- Control panel error: Unplug the unit for 5–10 minutes and plug it back in to reset the board.
If some buttons work and others don’t, the touchpad or control board may need replacing.
9. Dishwasher Is Loud or Makes Weird Noises
Bosch dishwashers are known for being super quiet, so if yours is making strange sounds, it might be something simple:
- Utensils hitting spray arms: Make sure nothing is sticking down into the path of the arms.
- Pump noise: A light humming or whooshing is normal during water fill or drain. Loud grinding is not—check the pump for stuck food or debris.
- Vibrations: Make sure the dishwasher is level and secured. If it rocks or wobbles, it can make more noise than usual.
A quiet dishwasher shouldn’t sound like a blender. Clean it up, level it out, and listen closely.
10. Dishwasher Leaking Water
Water leaks can be scary, but many have simple causes:
- Door seal issue: If the rubber gasket is cracked or dirty, it won’t seal properly. Clean it or replace if needed.
- Too much detergent: Using the wrong detergent—or too much of it—can cause foaming that leaks from the door.
- Loose hoses: Check under the sink and behind the dishwasher for dripping hoses or loose clamps.
- Internal leak: If water is in the base (E15 error), the leak may be inside the machine, and a tech should inspect it.
Wipe up any water quickly and unplug the unit before investigating further.
Final Thoughts
The Bosch 500 Series dishwasher is a powerful appliance, but even the best machines need help sometimes. Most problems—like poor drying, strange beeps, or dirty dishes—can be solved with a few simple steps.
Keep your dishwasher clean, use the right settings and detergent, and check the filter and spray arms often. And if something more serious happens, Bosch customer support is usually fast and helpful.
Your dishwasher wants to help—sometimes it just needs a little help too.