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ErrBase

Bosch E20 Error: Wash Motor Not Starting Up

Quick Answer

Bosch E20 means the wash motor failed to start or hit its RPM target. On models made before 2014, check the start capacitor first - a $12-28 part (OEM 00631200) that is often the real culprit. Test motor windings with a multimeter: 3-8 ohms is healthy, open circuit means the motor is dead. Also check the sump for debris jamming the impeller before ordering any parts.

E20 means the main wash motor failed to start or could not reach its target RPM during a cycle. On older Bosch models with a start capacitor, this is often a cheap fix - a replacement capacitor runs $12-28 and takes about 30 minutes to swap. On newer brushless EcoSilence motor models, the motor itself has failed and costs $150-280 to replace. Test the motor windings with a multimeter: you should read 3-8 ohms. An open circuit reading means the motor is dead. Bosch, Siemens, and Thermador dishwashers share most error codes as all three are manufactured by BSH Group. The same fixes generally apply to Siemens and Thermador units.

BoschDishwasherSeverity: highDifficulty: advanced55% DIY Success
Time to Fix
60–240 min
Difficulty
advanced
Parts Cost
$12 – $280
Tools Needed
Multimeter with resistance and capacitance modes, Torx T20 screwdriver
Wrong code?

Not seeing E20 on your display?

Select what your appliance is actually doing and we'll take you to the right guide.

Motor electrical fault detected during run
E01
Heater circuit open or shorted
E09
Motor starts but cannot reach target RPM
E21

What Does the E20 Code Mean?

E20 means the main wash motor is not running properly. This is usually a significant repair. On older units a failed start capacitor is the first thing to test before condemning the motor itself.

Most Likely Causes

Based on aggregated repair data, here is the probability breakdown for this error code:

Failed wash motor windings (open or shorted circuit)40%
Burned-out start capacitor on older motor models24%
Control board not delivering correct voltage to motor14%
Seized motor bearings preventing spinup12%
Motor thermal overload tripped from running hot10%

Symptoms You May Notice

  • Dishwasher fills with water but wash action never begins
  • Loud hum for a few seconds followed by E20 code
  • Cycle starts, pauses, then displays E20 after 60-90 seconds
  • No spray arm movement visible during wash phase
  • Motor makes no sound at all when cycle should be running

Can you reset a Bosch dishwasher to clear the E20 code?

After repairing the wash motor or capacitor, reset the dishwasher by opening the door and holding the Start/Reset button for 5 seconds. Close the door and allow the machine to drain any residual water. Then run a short rinse cycle to confirm the E20 is resolved before running a full wash.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

Multimeter with resistance and capacitance modesTorx T20 screwdriverPhillips #2 screwdriverNeedle-nose pliersFlashlight

Diagnostic Checklist

Follow these steps in order. We start with the easiest external fixes before opening up the machine.

1

Listen for motor hum on startup

Start a normal wash cycle and listen carefully during the first 60-90 seconds after the door closes. A healthy motor will either start quietly (brushless models) or make a brief hum and then transition into wash noise. If you hear a loud sustained hum followed by the machine stopping, that is a seized motor or failed start capacitor. If you hear absolutely nothing from the wash motor area (bottom of tub), the motor is not receiving power or is completely open-circuit. Note exactly what sound you hear before proceeding to electrical tests.

2

Test motor winding resistance

3

Check for physical blockage in impeller

4

Test start capacitor on older models

ComponentComponent Under Test
Expected Range3–8 ohms
ConditionIf Open (OL) or infinite, replace component.

Replacement Parts

If your diagnostic testing proves the component has failed, you will need a replacement. We recommend OEM parts over aftermarket for water-handling components.

Part Name
Wash motor and circulation pump assembly00654575 · $150–$280
Motor start capacitor (older models pre-2014)00631200 · $12–$28

Repair vs. Replace Calculator

Appliance Age (Years)7 Yrs
Labor Approach
Our Verdict
BORDERLINE
Estimated Cost: $146 (Parts) vs $650 (New Machine)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Bosch E20 and E01?
E20 means the wash motor failed to start or never reached its target RPM - it is a startup failure. E01 is an electrical fault detected while the motor is running, typically a short or open circuit in the winding during operation. If the motor spins briefly then stops and throws E01, suspect a winding fault. If the motor never spins at all, E20 is the code. The distinction matters because E20 on older models can be a capacitor issue, while E01 almost always means the motor itself has failed.
How much does it cost to replace a Bosch dishwasher wash motor?
The OEM wash motor assembly (part 00654575) costs $150-280 depending on retailer. Add $100-200 for professional labor if you do not do it yourself, bringing the total to $250-480. Given that a new mid-range Bosch dishwasher costs $500-800, the repair is borderline on units over 8-10 years old. If the unit is under 6 years old, replacing the motor almost always makes sense.
Is a Bosch E20 error worth repairing?
It depends on the model age and the root cause. If you have an older model (pre-2014) and the start capacitor is the cause, absolutely repair it - a $15-28 part fixes it. If the motor itself has failed on a unit under 7 years old, repair makes sense. On units over 10 years old with a failed motor, the repair-vs-replace math often favors replacement, especially if the motor costs $200+ and labor is involved.
Can a start capacitor really fix Bosch E20?
Yes, on older Bosch models (roughly pre-2014) that use an induction motor with a start capacitor. The capacitor provides the initial torque burst needed to spin the motor from rest. When it fails, the motor hums but cannot start rotating - which triggers E20. The capacitor (OEM 00631200) costs $12-28 and is a straightforward replacement. Newer models with brushless EcoSilence motors do not use start capacitors, so this fix only applies to older units.
Can a power surge cause Bosch E20?
Yes. A voltage spike can damage the motor windings directly, or more commonly damage the control board's motor drive circuit so it cannot deliver the correct waveform to the motor. After a power surge, test the motor windings first (3-8 ohms expected). If the motor tests good but E20 persists, the control board's motor output stage may have been damaged by the surge and the board requires replacement.

Related Bosch Dishwasher Error Codes

Code: E01Bosch E01 Error: Wash Motor Electrical FaultCode: E09Bosch E09 Error: Heating Element FaultCode: E21Bosch E21 Code: Wash Motor Running Slow or Stuck

Same Fix Works on These Brands

Bosch shares the same hardware platform with these brands. The diagnosis and repair steps are identical.

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Models Known to Experience E20 Errors

This repair applies to most Bosch dishwashers with this error code. Common model numbers include:

SHPM88Z75N, SHPM88Z55N, SHEM63W55N, SHPM65Z55N, SHE3AR75UC, SHDF78Z55N, SHEM78ZH5N, SHSM63W55N, SHEM78W55N, SHX878ZD5N

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 14, 2026