How to Enter Diagnostic Mode on a Bosch Washing Machine

Bosch compact washers show E-codes on the display; the drain pump filter and inlet screens cover the two most common code families.

Step-by-Step: Bosch Washing Machine Diagnostics

1
Read the E-code (E18 drain, E17 inlet…).
2
E18: open the small door at the lower right, place towels, and unscrew the drain pump filter — coins and lint collect here. Spin the visible impeller; it should turn with slight detents.
3
E17: close-check both inlet taps, then unscrew the inlet hoses and clean the mesh screens.
4
Service program entry varies by series (typically a knob-position + button-hold combination at power-on, printed in the service docs).

💡 Good to know: These 24-inch compacts are often installed in tight closets — confirm the drain hose isn't kinked behind the unit before opening anything.

Found a Code? Look It Up

Once diagnostics shows you a stored code, find its meaning and fix guide in the full Bosch washing machine code list. These are the highest-priority codes on this platform:

E18

Drain time exceeded — water not draining within expected time

⚠ High Severity

E04

Anti-flood device activated — water detected in base

⚠ High Severity

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the drain filter on a Bosch compact washer? +

Behind the small access door at the lower right of the front panel. Put towels down — a full drum's worth of water can be behind it. Unscrew counterclockwise slowly.

How to Reset a Bosch Washing Machine → ← All Bosch Washing Machine Error Codes