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Bosch E22 Error: Why Your Dishes Aren't Getting Clean

Quick Answer

Bosch E22 is a dirty turbidity sensor or severely clogged filter. Start with a deep filter clean: soak all three filter components in hot water with vinegar for 15 minutes and scrub the fine mesh microfilter with a brush. If E22 returns, locate the small cylindrical turbidity sensor in the sump area and wipe its lens clean. Persistent E22 after cleaning means the sensor has failed and needs replacing.

Bosch E22 typically appears when the filter system is so clogged it is affecting the turbidity sensor's readings, or when the turbidity sensor itself has failed. If your dishes have been coming out with residue or cloudiness before E22 appeared, a deep filter and sensor cleaning is the fix. Start with a thorough filter clean including rinsing the fine mesh under running water. If E22 returns after cleaning, the turbidity sensor may need replacement.

BoschDishwasherSeverity: moderate75% DIY Success
Time to Fix
10–60 min
Difficulty
beginner
Parts Cost
$15 – $55
Tools Needed
Soft brush, White vinegar
Wrong code?

Not seeing E22 on your display?

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

drain blockage overlap with dirty filter
E24
dishes not clean, no heat
E09
water clarity sensor fault
MieleF14

What Does the E22 Code Mean?

The turbidity sensor is a small optical sensor in the sump area of the dishwasher that measures how dirty the wash water is. It uses a light beam passing through the water to determine soil level and adjusts cycle length accordingly. When the filter is heavily clogged, dirty water recirculates into the sensor area and the sensor either reads constant high turbidity (cycle runs too long) or fails entirely. E22 can also appear when the sensor's lens is coated with hard water mineral deposits.

Most Likely Causes

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

Severely clogged fine mesh filter reducing water clarity for sensor40%
Hard water mineral deposits coating turbidity sensor lens24%
Food debris coating sensor lens directly22%
Failed turbidity sensor (optical sensor failure)14%

Symptoms You May Notice

  • E22 displayed during or after wash cycle
  • Dishes coming out with food residue or cloudiness before E22 appeared
  • Wash cycles running unusually long before error appears
  • E22 with visible sludge buildup in filter area

Can you reset a Bosch dishwasher to clear the E22 code?

After cleaning the filter and sensor, hold Start/Reset for 3-5 seconds to clear the error and run a short drain cycle. Run a test wash cycle to confirm E22 does not return.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

Soft brushWhite vinegarMultimeter (if testing sensor)

Diagnostic Checklist

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

1

Deep clean the entire filter system

Remove all three filter components: cylindrical mesh, flat mesh, and the coarse filter frame. Soak them in hot water with a small amount of white vinegar for 15 minutes. Scrub the fine mesh microfilter with a soft brush under running water - a clogged microfilter is the most common cause of E22. Reinstall all components securely.

2

Locate and clean the turbidity sensor

3

Run a descaling cycle

4

Test the turbidity sensor electrically

ComponentComponent Under Test
Expected Range1000–5000 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
Turbidity Sensor00611209 · $25–$55
Fine Mesh Microfilter00701754 · $15–$30

Repair vs. Replace Calculator

Appliance Age (Years)7 Yrs
Labor Approach
Our Verdict
REPAIR
Estimated Cost: $35 (Parts) vs $650 (New Machine)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is E22 just a dirty filter?
In the majority of cases, yes. The turbidity sensor operates in the same area as the filter, and when the filter is heavily loaded with debris, the sensor cannot read water clarity accurately. A thorough filter cleaning including soaking the fine mesh in vinegar resolves E22 roughly 70% of the time without replacing any parts.
Where is the turbidity sensor on a Bosch dishwasher?
The turbidity sensor is located in the sump area at the bottom of the dishwasher, below the filter assembly. After removing the filters, look for a small cylindrical component mounted in the sump wall or floor. It will have a 2-3 wire connector and a translucent lens window that can become coated with hard water deposits.
Can I run a cycle with E22 showing?
E22 will typically prevent the cycle from completing normally. The dishwasher may stop mid-cycle or at the wash phase. Running partial cycles does not damage the appliance, but your dishes will not be cleaned properly. Resolve E22 before running full loads.
How often should I clean the Bosch filter to prevent E22?
Bosch recommends cleaning the filter every month for households running the dishwasher daily. In hard water areas, monthly cleaning should include soaking the fine mesh in white vinegar or a descaler to prevent mineral buildup on both the filter and the turbidity sensor. An annual full descaling cycle (dishwasher descaler product) is also recommended.

Related Bosch Dishwasher Error Codes

Code: E24Bosch E24 Error: Drain Problem SolvedCode: E09Bosch E09: Heating Element Not WorkingCode: HUBBosch Dishwasher Error Codes: Complete List

Same Fix on Other Brands

Miele dishwasherF14: Miele Dishwasher F14: Water Intake Issue

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 E22 Errors

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

SHPM88Z75N, SHPM88Z55N, SHPK7ZL55N, SHE3AR75UC, SHEM63W55N, SHPM65Z55N, SHE3AR72UC, SHDF78Z55N, SHEM78ZH5N, SHPM98Z75N

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 14, 2026