Bosch Dishwasher Error E24

Quick Answer

Error E24 is usually caused by a blocked drain pump or a loose pump cover. Check the filter for debris and ensure the white plastic pump cover is snapped firmly into place to restore suction.

Ignore this code and you'll end up with mold growing in the spray arms and door gasket from standing water, and eventually the pump motor burns out trying to push through a blocked impeller. When I show up for an E24 call, I'm usually out in 20 minutes. The bad ones are always the customers who ran it another 50 cycles with the code flashing and just kept hitting reset.

BoschDishwasherSeverity: moderateDifficulty: intermediate92% DIY Success

Time to Fix

15–40 min

Difficulty

intermediate

Parts Cost

—

Tools Needed

Phillips #2 screwdriver, Torx T20 screwdriver

What Does the E24 Code Mean?

Nine times out of ten, this code pops up because something small like a popcorn kernel or a piece of broken glass is jamming the pump impeller. It can also trigger if the drain hose is kinked behind the unit. Unlike other brands, Bosch dishwashers perform a drain check early in the cycle, which is why you often see this error just minutes after hitting start.

Most Likely Causes

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

Loose pump cover45%

Debris in pump30%

Drain hose issues15%

Failed drain pump motor10%

Symptoms You May Notice

Standing water in the bottom of the tub after the cycle ends, anywhere from a thin puddle to a full inch or two of dirty water just sitting there.
You hear the motor humming for about 60 seconds and then the machine beeps and stops dead.
Cycle cuts off within the first two minutes before the wash even really starts, because Bosch runs its drain check early in every cycle.
E24 showing solid or flashing on the display panel.
Sour smell coming from the tub because standing water's been sitting in the sump for hours.

Can you reset a Bosch dishwasher to clear the E24 code?

Hold the Start button for three to five seconds until the display flips to 0:01. Close the door and let it run that short drain cycle out. If the water's gone and the code cleared, you're good. If E24 comes right back, unplug the unit or trip the breaker for a full ten minutes, then power it back on and run a new cycle.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

Phillips #2 screwdriverTorx T20 screwdriverNeedle-nose pliersSmall flathead screwdriverSponge or old towelSmall bucket or shallow panSoft brush or old toothbrushFlashlight

Diagnostic Checklist

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Bosch dishwasher start and then stop with E24?

Bosch's control software runs a drain pump test right at the beginning of every cycle, before it even starts heating water. If the sensors pick up water resistance or no suction, it kills the cycle immediately to protect your floor from a potential flood. That's why you see E24 within the first two minutes of hitting Start. Most brands don't catch drain problems until water's actively overflowing. Bosch stops early and throws the code so you can fix the actual problem before anything gets worse. It's annoying in the moment but it's honestly a smart design feature.

Can a new garbage disposal cause an E24 error?

Yes, and this is one of the most common calls I get after someone installs a new disposal. Every new disposal ships from the factory with a plastic knockout plug already inserted in the dishwasher drain nipple on the side. If you don't knock it out before connecting the drain hose, that connection is completely blocked. The dishwasher tries to pump and hits a dead end. You'll get E24 or E25 almost immediately. Fix is easy: disconnect the drain hose, grab a flathead and a hammer, knock the plug into the disposal cavity, fish it out through the top, reconnect everything.

Does E24 mean I need a new drain pump?

Usually not. In 15 years of doing this, I'd say E24 gets fixed without replacing the pump about 85% of the time. Clean the filter, reseat the pump cover, clear the impeller, and you're usually done. You'd actually need a new pump if the motor's getting power but won't spin after you've cleared every possible obstruction. You can confirm that by checking for 120V at the pump terminals during a drain cycle while the motor sits dead. That's a failed pump. But don't buy the part until you've ruled everything else out first, because new Bosch drain pumps aren't cheap.

How do I reset the E24 code on my Bosch?

Hold the Start button for three to five seconds. The display should switch to 0:01 and start counting down. Close the door and let it run out that short drain cycle. If the pump clears the water and there's no blockage, the code will be gone when it finishes. If E24 comes right back, the underlying problem's still there. At that point unplug the machine or trip the breaker for a full 10 minutes to clear the board's memory, then try again after you've gone through the diagnostic steps. Resetting without fixing the cause is just kicking the can down the road.

What is the difference between E24 and E25?

They're closely related and I treat them almost the same way on a service call. E24 is a drain timeout, meaning the board waited for water to drain and it didn't happen within the time limit. E25 is more specifically a pump blockage code, where the board detects the pump motor straining against a physical obstruction. But the fix is basically the same either way: clean the filter, check the pump cover, clear the impeller, inspect the hose. Start with those four things and you'll solve it about 90% of the time regardless of whether it says E24 or E25.

How often should I clean the Bosch dishwasher filter to prevent E24?

Every month if you're running it daily. Every two months if you use it more occasionally. Honestly this is the single best thing you can do to keep E24 from ever coming back. Bosch's filter system traps all the debris because there's no hard food disposer grinding it up, which is why the machine runs so quietly but it also means maintenance falls on you. Good news is it takes two minutes: twist it out, rinse under the faucet, scrub the mesh with an old toothbrush, snap it back in. Way cheaper than a service call.

Models Known to Experience E24 Errors

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

SHPM88Z75N, SHPM65Z55N, SHE68T55UC, SHEM63W55N, SHP865WD5N, SHX878WD5N, SHE3AR75UC

Written by

Mike Sullivan

Lead Appliance Repair Technician · 20 years experience

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 17, 2026