Bosch Dishwasher Error Code E24: Causes & Fixes
What causes the Bosch dishwasher error code E24?
E24 is a drain-error fault that fires when the dishwasher’s control board detects standing water at the end of a cycle. The causes below are ranked from the quickest, tool-free fixes to the ones that require a part replacement.
1. Clogged or dirty drain filter (most common)
Food debris and grease collect in the cylindrical filter at the bottom of the tub. A heavily blocked filter restricts water flow enough to trigger E24 almost every time.
- Cancel the cycle and open the door. Remove the lower dish rack.
- Twist the cylindrical filter counter-clockwise and lift it out along with the flat mesh filter beneath it.
- Rinse both parts under hot running water. Use a soft brush to scrub away grease and food particles.
- Reinstall the filters, making sure the cylindrical filter locks with a clockwise click.
- Run a short rinse cycle to confirm the error is cleared.
2. Kinked or blocked drain hose
A pinched or clogged drain hose prevents water from exiting the tub, and the problem often starts after the dishwasher is pushed back into its cabinet space.
- Pull the dishwasher forward slightly (turn off power at the breaker first).
- Inspect the drain hose running from the back of the unit to the sink drain or garbage disposal. Straighten any kinks by hand.
- Disconnect the hose at the disposal or drain tail-piece end and blow through it to check for blockages. Clear any debris with a long bottle brush.
- Confirm the hose has a high-loop or air-gap fitting to prevent back-siphoning, then reconnect and restore power.
- Run a test cycle.
3. Blocked garbage disposal or sink drain connection
If the dishwasher drains into a garbage disposal, a clogged disposal or—on a new installation—a still-intact knock-out plug will stop drainage entirely.
- Run the garbage disposal for 15–20 seconds to clear any standing food waste.
- If the disposal was recently replaced, check that the dishwasher inlet knock-out plug has been removed from the disposal inlet port.
- Check the sink’s drain basket and P-trap for blockages and clear if necessary.
- Restart the dishwasher and check for the E24 error.
4. Faulty or jammed drain pump
The drain pump impeller can jam on broken glass, a fruit pit, or a small utensil—or the pump motor can fail electrically, leaving water sitting in the sump.
- Turn off power at the breaker and disconnect the dishwasher.
- Remove the filters as described in step 1, then feel around the sump opening at the bottom of the tub for any foreign objects. Remove them with needle-nose pliers.
- If the sump is clear but the pump still will not run, use a multimeter to test the drain pump motor for continuity. A reading of OL (open line) indicates a failed motor.
- Replace the drain pump if no continuity is found.
5. Defective drain solenoid or drain valve
Some Bosch models use a drain solenoid valve to open the drain path; if the solenoid coil burns out, the valve stays closed and water cannot leave the tub.
- Disconnect power to the dishwasher.
- Access the solenoid valve (typically located near the pump assembly under the tub) by removing the lower kick panel and tilting the machine forward.
- Test the solenoid coil with a multimeter. You should see measurable resistance; an OL reading means the coil has failed.
- Replace the drain solenoid if it tests open.
6. Faulty control board
If every mechanical and electrical component in the drain circuit checks out, the main control board may be misreading sensor signals or failing to send the drain command at all.
- Perform a hard reset first: turn off power at the breaker for 5 minutes, restore power, and run a cycle. This clears temporary faults.
- If E24 returns immediately and all other causes have been ruled out, inspect the wiring harness connectors to the pump and control board for corrosion or loose pins.
- If connectors are intact, the control board is the likely culprit and should be replaced.
For the official error-code reference and model-specific guidance, visit the Bosch Home Appliances Support page.
Frequently asked questions
Can I reset a Bosch dishwasher error code E24 by turning off the power?
Yes, a hard reset—switching off the circuit breaker for at least 5 minutes—can clear a temporary E24 fault. However, if the underlying drain blockage or part failure is not fixed, the error will return as soon as the dishwasher tries to drain again.
How often should I clean the Bosch dishwasher drain filter to prevent E24?
Bosch recommends inspecting and rinsing the drain filter once a month under normal household use. If you run the dishwasher daily or wash heavily soiled items frequently, a bi-weekly cleaning will reduce the risk of E24 triggering.
Is E24 the same as E25 on a Bosch dishwasher?
They are related but different. E24 indicates that drainage did not complete within the expected time, pointing to a blockage or pump issue. E25 specifically indicates that the drain pump is blocked or the pump cover is loose—so E25 is a more targeted impeller-jam code.
How much does it cost to repair a Bosch dishwasher showing E24?
If a filter cleaning or hose unkinking solves the problem, the cost is zero. A replacement drain pump typically costs $30–$80 for the part; professional labor adds $100–$200 depending on your area. A new control board is the most expensive fix, with parts running $150–$350 plus labor.