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.

Model and family references in this record:

F18

Likely causes

  • Drain hose is kinked or obstructed.
  • Debris or another blockage is preventing water from draining through the hose or pump.
  • The drain pump may be defective, particularly if the code returns after safe checks.

What to try

Check the drain hose

Easy
  1. Switch off the washer and unplug it.
  2. Check the accessible drain hose for a visible kink or obstruction.
  3. If the hose is kinked, reposition it without damaging or stretching it.
  4. Plug the washer back in and check whether it drains. If E18 returns, stop and arrange service.

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

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

Clean the pump only if your model manual permits it

Moderate
  1. Switch off and unplug the washer.
  2. Find the manual for the washer using its E-Nr. and confirm that owner pump cleaning is permitted for your model.
  3. Follow the manual’s pump-cleaning instructions exactly; use caution because trapped water may be hot.
  4. If you cannot safely complete the procedure, or the code remains, contact Bosch or an authorized servicer.

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

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

Arrange service if the washer still will not drain

Professional

This is a service referral, not a do-it-yourself repair procedure.

  1. Contact Bosch or an authorized servicer if E18 returns after the owner-safe checks or the washer still will not drain.
  2. Provide the washer’s E-Nr. and describe the checks already completed.
  3. Have a qualified technician assess the pump or other internal parts; do not attempt internal repairs yourself.

This step is marked professional. 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 E17Bosch Washing Machine E17: Check the Water Supply Bosch E34Bosch washer E34: check that the door is closed and locked Bosch F29Bosch washing machine F29 error: check the water supply Bosch E32Bosch washing machine E32 error: unbalanced laundry load Bosch E33Bosch Washing Machine E33 Error: Excess Foam Detected Bosch E80Bosch Washing Machine Error Code E80

Useful guides

Washing Machine Will Not Drain: Safe Checks Before Booking a TechnicianA blocked filter, kinked hose, plumbing restriction, unbalanced load, or excess suds can stop a washer from dr... Why Your Washing Machine Shakes or Moves—and Safe Leveling ChecksShaking can come from an uneven load, shipping bolts left in place, or an unstable floor. Try these safe check... Too Much Foam in Your Washer: Safe Steps to TakeExcess suds can lengthen a cycle, interfere with spinning and leave laundry wet or poorly rinsed. Check your d...

References