Does this guide apply to your appliance?

Match the brand, device type and complete display code. The same code can mean something different on another product family or market; a series name does not confirm every model in that series.

No exact model number is recorded here. Confirm the code in your appliance manual before following a check.

Likely causes

  • Kinked, crushed, or damaged dishwasher inlet hose
  • Household water-supply valve is not fully open
  • Restricted household water supply or flow below approximately 10 L/min
  • Blocked or calcified inlet-hose supply filter
  • Internal fill-system or pump fault requiring professional diagnosis

What to try

Check the inlet hose and water valve

Easy
  1. Stop the dishwasher and inspect the visible inlet/supply hose.
  2. Make sure the hose is not kinked, crushed, or damaged.
  3. Confirm the household water-supply valve serving the dishwasher is fully open.
  4. Run the dishwasher again. If E18 returns, continue with the next check or contact Bosch service.

Source for this check: www.bosch-home.com

Verify the available water flow

Moderate
  1. Turn off the dishwasher and follow the model manual’s instructions for checking the supply.
  2. Confirm that the supply can deliver approximately 10 L/min.
  3. If the flow is clearly restricted, have the household supply or plumbing checked rather than continuing to operate the dishwasher.
  4. Restore the connection only as instructed by the manual and check carefully for leaks.

This step is marked caution. Stop if you are not qualified to continue.

Source for this check: www.bosch-home.com

Inspect the accessible inlet filter only if the model manual permits it

Moderate
  1. Find the dishwasher’s exact E-Nr. and consult its manual, because filter access varies by model.
  2. Turn off the water supply and disconnect electrical power before disconnecting or inspecting the inlet connection.
  3. If the manual identifies an owner-accessible inlet filter, check it for blockage or calcification and clean it as directed.
  4. Reconnect everything exactly as specified, restore the water supply, and check for leaks before restoring power.
  5. If E18 remains, there is no water entering, or a leak is present, stop using the dishwasher and contact a qualified Bosch technician.

This step is marked caution. Stop if you are not qualified to continue.

Source for this check: www.bosch-home.com

The code returned or the check did not help?

Avoid repeated resets and do not select a replacement part from the code alone. Record the exact code, full model number, when it appeared, and the checks you tried with their results. Share these details with the manufacturer or service technician.

Disconnecting power does not establish that internal components are safe to touch. This guide does not authorize opening electrical components or bypassing safety devices.

Related error codes

Bosch E09Troubleshooting Bosch Dishwasher Error Code E09 (Heating Circuit Failure) Bosch E12Bosch Dishwasher Error Code E12: Limescale Build-up Bosch E14Bosch Dishwasher Error Code E14: Water Inflow/Flow Meter Issue Bosch E15Troubleshooting Bosch Dishwasher Error Code E15 Bosch E16Troubleshooting Bosch Dishwasher Error Code E16 Bosch E17Troubleshooting Bosch Dishwasher Error Code E17

Useful guides

Water left in the dishwasher: safe checks and when to call for serviceA small amount of clean water near the filter may be normal. Water across the tub floor, dirty standing water,... Dishwasher Not Drying? Check Settings, Loading, and Safe MaintenanceUse these owner-safe checks to improve drying, understand what moisture is normal, and know when to call a tec... Dishwasher Filter Care: What You Can Clean—and When to Call a TechnicianLearn how to identify a removable dishwasher filter, clean it safely, and recognize when a pump problem needs...

References