Bosch dishwasher — Error Code E24

What it means

The Bosch E24 error code indicates a drain error. Specifically, the main control board detects that water is not evacuating from the sump within the allotted time during the drain cycle. Bosch dishwashers are unique because they do not use a traditional mechanical float switch for water level sensing. Instead, they monitor the electrical load and RPM of the heat pump (circulation pump) or the drain pump. If the motor draws too much current or detects resistance indicative of standing water, the E24 code triggers and halts the cycle to prevent flooding. This fault is typically caused by physical blockages in the drain path, such as a clogged micro-filter, an obstructed corrugated drain hose, or a jammed drain pump impeller. However, if the entire drain path is completely clear and the code persists, an E24 can also be a false positive. This happens when failing bearings in the heat pump or a malfunctioning drain pump motor cause abnormal electrical resistance, tricking the control board into thinking the tub is still full of water.

Likely Causes

1. 1
   Clogged Sump Filter

   Food debris, grease, or labels can block the micro-filter assembly in the bottom of the tub, preventing water from reaching the drain pump.
2. 2
   Jammed Drain Pump Impeller

   Small hard objects like glass shards, fruit pits, or bone fragments can bypass the filter and physically bind the drain pump impeller blades.
3. 3
   Loose Drain Pump Cover

   Bosch dishwashers have a white plastic cover over the drain pump inside the sump. If this cover is not clicked firmly into place, the pump loses its vacuum seal and cannot pull water.
4. 4
   Blocked Drain Hose or Air Gap

   A kinked corrugated drain hose, a clogged sink air gap, or a blockage at the garbage disposal inlet will create back-pressure, triggering the drain fault.
5. 5
   Failing Heat Pump or Drain Pump

   Worn bearings or electrical degradation in either the drain pump or the main heat pump can cause abnormal motor load readings, tricking the control board into an E24 error even if the tub is empty.

How to clear / reset

To clear the E24 code, you must first resolve the underlying drainage issue. Start by removing the bottom rack, taking out the cylinder filter, and bailing out any standing water. Remove the white plastic drain pump cover (using a spoon to pry it if necessary) and clear any debris from the impeller. Ensure the cover clicks firmly back into place—the pump will not generate suction without it. Once cleared, reset the dishwasher by pressing and holding the 'Start' button for 3 to 5 seconds until the display reads '0:01'. Close the door, wait about 60 seconds for the drain cycle to complete, and turn the unit off. If the code returns, a hard reset (unplugging for 5 minutes) will not bypass a faulty pump.

Common replacement parts

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