Bosch Dishwasher Won't Turn Off or Stop Running

Quick Answer

A Bosch dishwasher that will not turn off is usually stuck in a drain loop. This happens when the turbidity sensor or pressure switch is telling the control board the tub still has water, so the drain pump keeps running in an attempt to empty it. Another cause is the turbidity sensor keeping the wash cycle running because it detects the water is still dirty. To force a stop, hold Start/Reset for 3-5 seconds to trigger an immediate drain and stop cycle.

BoschDishwasherSeverity: lowDifficulty: intermediate

Time to Fix

5–60 min

Difficulty

intermediate

Parts Cost

—

Tools Needed

None

Wrong code?

Not seeing SYMPTOM on your display?

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

cycle stopping prematurely

SYMPTOM

What Does the SYMPTOM Code Mean?

Bosch dishwasher cycles are not strictly time-based - the control board monitors sensor feedback to advance through cycle phases. If a sensor is stuck reporting a condition that should trigger more cycle time (water present, water still dirty, door not confirmed locked), the dishwasher will keep running indefinitely. The drain pump running continuously is the most common won't-turn-off complaint and is caused by the pressure switch falsely reporting water in the tub.

Most Likely Causes

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

Pressure switch stuck reading water-present even after successful drain40%

Turbidity sensor reporting dirty water and extending wash phase24%

Drain pump unable to fully clear a partial blockage, running in repeated drain attempts14%

Door not confirming locked, keeping cycle running indefinitely12%

Control board stuck in a cycle phase state10%

Symptoms You May Notice

Dishwasher running for more than 3 hours without stopping
Drain pump sound continues after cycle should have ended
Wash pump cycling on and off repeatedly over extended period
Display showing cycle in progress indefinitely

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

Hold Start/Reset for 3-5 seconds to trigger immediate drain and stop. If unresponsive, cut power at the circuit breaker.

Diagnostic Checklist

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

Force stop via Start/Reset button

The first step is always to safely stop the cycle regardless of cause. Hold the Start/Reset button for 3-5 seconds. This command forces the dishwasher into an abort-and-drain sequence: the control board will stop any wash pump activity, run the drain pump for approximately 90 seconds to empty the tub, and then power down to standby. You should hear the wash pump stop, a 90-second drain pump run, and then silence. If the machine does not respond to Start/Reset after 10 seconds of holding, cut power at the circuit breaker. Do not open the door until you are certain the drain has completed, as standing water may be present.

Diagnose and fix the drain loop

Address turbidity sensor keeping wash cycle running

Circuit breaker shutdown for extended operation

Frequently Asked Questions

My Bosch dishwasher has been running for hours - what is happening?

A Bosch cycle extending beyond 2-3 hours almost always indicates a sensor is preventing cycle advancement. The control board waits for sensor confirmation before moving from one phase to the next - if a sensor is stuck (pressure switch falsely showing water present, turbidity sensor showing water still dirty, door lock not confirming), the cycle stays in that phase indefinitely. Hold Start/Reset for 3-5 seconds to force a stop and drain. After the machine stops, clean the filter assembly and check the pressure hose - these are the two most common causes of stuck cycles.

How do I cancel a Bosch cycle while it is running?

Hold the Start/Reset button for 3-5 seconds to cancel a running cycle on any Bosch model. The machine will complete a drain sequence (approximately 90 seconds of drain pump running) and then power down to standby. You can then open the door safely. Do not attempt to open the door during the drain sequence as some water is moving through the pump. On older Bosch models without a touch panel, pressing and holding the On/Off button achieves the same result.

The drain pump on my Bosch keeps running after the cycle ends - what is the fix?

A drain pump that runs continuously or in repeated bursts after the cycle ends points to the pressure switch sending a false water-present signal. The pressure switch reads a small dome of air pressure that changes as water fills or drains. If the rubber hose connecting that dome to the switch is blocked with mineral scale or detergent residue, the switch cannot detect that the tub has drained and keeps the drain pump running. Clean the pressure hose (a thin rubber tube at the bottom of the tub) with vinegar and a pipe cleaner.

Is it safe to cut power during a running Bosch dishwasher cycle?

Yes, it is safe to cut power at the circuit breaker. When power is restored, the dishwasher will return to standby mode rather than resuming the interrupted cycle. Any water remaining in the tub will stay there until you initiate a new cycle or manually remove it. The only caution is timing: cutting power while the pump is running is fine electrically, but if you then open the door immediately after, water may be present. Wait 30 seconds after cutting power before opening the door.

What is a drain loop on a Bosch dishwasher?

A drain loop on a Bosch dishwasher is when the drain pump runs in repeated cycles because the pressure switch falsely reports water remaining in the tub after a completed drain. The pump runs for 30-60 seconds, pauses, the control board rechecks the pressure switch, still sees water-present, and runs the pump again. This loop can continue indefinitely. The cause is almost always a blocked pressure hose preventing the pressure switch from detecting the empty tub. Cleaning the pressure hose resolves the loop.

Related Bosch Dishwasher Error Codes

Code: E24Bosch Dishwasher E24 Error Code: Drain Issue Code: E22Bosch E22 Error: Filter Blocked Code: GUIDEHow to Reset a Bosch Dishwasher Code: SYMPTOMBosch Dishwasher Stops Mid Cycle: Causes and Solutions

Same Fix Works on These Brands

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

Bosch dishwasherBosch Dishwasher E15: Fix the Anti-Flood Alert Fast Bosch dishwasherBosch Dishwasher Error Codes: Complete List + Fixes Bosch dishwasherHow to Reset a Bosch Dishwasher (Every Method)Bosch dishwasherBosch E24 Error: Drain Problem Solved Step by Step Bosch dishwasherBosch E25 Code: Drain Pump Fix Without a Technician Bosch dishwasherBosch Dishwasher Not Draining: Every Cause Covered

Models Known to Experience SYMPTOM 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