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ErrBase

Bosch E23 Code: Drain Motor Failing? Here's What to Do

Quick Answer

Bosch E23 means the drain pump motor itself has failed electrically - not a blockage (that would be E25). Test the motor: disconnect the 2-pin connector at the pump and measure resistance. A working motor reads 200-400 ohms. Open circuit means the windings burned out. The drain pump motor (OEM 00168996) costs $45-95 and is one of the more affordable major Bosch repairs.

E23 is the electrical failure code for the drain pump motor, not a blockage code. If you have already tried the standard E24 and E25 fixes (clearing drain hose, cleaning sump debris) and water is still not draining, E23 means the motor itself cannot run. Test the drain pump motor resistance - you should read 200-400 ohms. An open circuit means the motor windings are burned out. Near-zero ohms means a short. The drain pump motor (OEM 00168996) costs $45-95 and is one of the more affordable major repairs on a Bosch dishwasher. 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: moderateDifficulty: intermediate75% DIY Success
Time to Fix
45–120 min
Difficulty
intermediate
Parts Cost
$45 – $95
Tools Needed
Multimeter with resistance and AC voltage modes, Torx T20 screwdriver

What Does the E23 Code Mean?

E23 is the next step up from E24 and E25. If those drain fixes did not work, you are probably dealing with the pump motor itself. The drain pump is a relatively affordable part and a straightforward repair.

Most Likely Causes

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

Failed drain pump motor windings (open circuit from burnout)40%
Shorted motor windings causing immediate control board shutdown24%
Drain pump impeller jammed by debris causing motor to overheat and fail14%
Corroded or broken drain pump wiring connector12%
Control board not delivering 120V to drain pump terminals10%

Symptoms You May Notice

  • Water remains standing in the bottom of the tub after cycle ends
  • Dishwasher stops mid-cycle and displays E23
  • No sound from drain pump when draining phase should begin
  • Machine fills and washes normally but never drains
  • Error code appears consistently, not intermittently

Can you reset a Bosch dishwasher to clear the E23 code?

After replacing the drain pump, reconnect power and hold Start/Reset for 5 seconds to clear the E23 code. Close the door and allow the machine to run a short rinse cycle to confirm proper draining. The first drain cycle after pump replacement may be slow as air purges from the new pump.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

Multimeter with resistance and AC voltage modesTorx T20 screwdriverPhillips #2 screwdriverBucket and towels for water drainageFlashlightSlip-joint pliers for hose clamps

Diagnostic Checklist

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

ComponentComponent Under Test
Expected Range200–400 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
Drain pump motor assembly00168996 · $45–$95

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my Bosch drain pump motor is completely dead?
The definitive test is resistance measurement at the pump motor terminals (disconnect power first). A dead motor reads open circuit - infinite resistance or OL on your multimeter display. A healthy drain pump motor reads 200-400 ohms. Complete silence during the drain phase is the symptom, but silence alone could also be a wiring connector issue or control board fault. The resistance test confirms the motor itself is the failure.
What resistance should a Bosch dishwasher drain pump motor read?
A healthy Bosch drain pump motor should measure 200-400 ohms across the two motor terminals. This is significantly higher than the wash motor (3-8 ohms) because the drain pump is a smaller motor. An open circuit (infinite ohms) means failed windings. A reading near zero means a shorted winding. Both conditions require pump replacement. Always disconnect power before measuring.
Is it worth repairing a Bosch E23 drain pump failure?
Almost always yes. The drain pump motor assembly (OEM 00168996) costs $45-95, and self-installation takes about 45-90 minutes. Even with professional labor added ($75-100), total repair cost is $120-195. Given that Bosch dishwashers regularly last 12-15 years and cost $500-1,200 new, replacing the drain pump makes financial sense unless the machine has multiple other issues or is over 10 years old with other components showing wear.
Should I buy an OEM Bosch drain pump or is aftermarket okay?
For the drain pump, quality aftermarket pumps from brands like Appli Parts or Exact Replacement Parts are generally reliable and cost less than OEM. The drain pump is not a precision component - it just needs to deliver sufficient flow to clear the tub. OEM is worth the premium for wash motors and control boards where tolerances matter more. That said, if your dishwasher is still within its expected service life and you want to avoid callbacks, OEM is the safest choice.
What is the difference between E23, E24, and E25 on Bosch dishwashers?
These three codes form a hierarchy of drain problems. E24 is a drain path blockage - the hose is kinked, the garbage disposal connection is clogged, or there is debris in the drain filter. E25 is a drain pump impeller blockage - something (often glass or a small bone) is physically jammed in the pump impeller. E23 is motor failure - the drain pump motor itself has burned out or shorted electrically. Always check for E24 and E25 conditions first because they are simpler and cheaper to fix. E23 is the code that remains after you have ruled out both blockage types.

Same Fix on Other Brands

Miele dishwasherF12: Miele F12: Drain Pump Motor Fault

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 E23 Errors

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

SHPM88Z75N, SHPM88Z55N, SHEM63W55N, SHE3AR75UC, SHPM65Z55N, SHX878ZD5N, SHX868WD5N, SHPK7ZL55N, SHEM78ZH5N

MS

Written by

Mike Sullivan

Lead Appliance Repair Technician · 20 years experience

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 14, 2026