Thermador Dishwasher Error Codes: DWHD and Sapphire Series

Quick Answer

Thermador dishwashers use the BSH E-series error code system, shared with Bosch and Siemens dishwashers. The most critical code is E15 (AquaStop water protection), which requires physically draining the base pan before the machine will restart.

I've worked on probably 40+ of these Thermador dishwashers over the years, and honestly most calls come down to the same handful of codes. E15 is the one that panics people, and it should, because ignoring it means water's sitting in that base pan possibly warping your kitchen floor. The E22, E24, and E25 codes though? Usually just a dirty filter. Clean it and you're done in 10 minutes.

ThermadorDishwasher

About These Thermador Dishwasher Error Codes

OK here's the deal with Thermador dishwashers. These are premium machines, but they're built on the same BSH platform as Bosch and Siemens, so the error code system is basically identical across all three brands. That's actually good news because parts are way more available and cheaper than you'd expect for a dishwasher that costs $1,500+. Most codes you'll see are filter or drain related and totally fixable without calling a tech.

Most Common Error Codes

Clogged triple filter (E22, E24, E25)40%

Water leak into base pan (E15)24%

Blocked drain pump impeller (E25)14%

Low salt or rinse aid levels (SA/NL indicators)12%

Failed heating element or NTC sensor (E09)10%

Symptoms You May Notice

An error code is frozen on the display and the machine stopped mid-cycle, sometimes with standing water still in the bottom of the tub.
There's a puddle under the door or moisture around the kick plate at the bottom of the machine.
Dishes are coming out with food still stuck on them, or there's a white chalky film that doesn't wipe off even after a hot cycle.
You can hear the drain pump running and running at the end of the cycle but the water level isn't dropping at all.
The rinse aid indicator is blinking and dishes are coming out spotted and wet even on the heated dry setting.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

Phillips #2 screwdriverFlat head screwdriverDigital multimeterOld toothbrush for filter cleaningFlashlight or headlampOld towels for E15 base pan drainNeedle-nose pliers for impeller debris removal

How to Identify Your Error Code

ComponentComponent Under Test

Expected Range20–40 ohms

ConditionIf Open (OL) or infinite, replace component.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Thermador dishwashers use the same error codes as Bosch?

Yeah, they're basically the same machine internally. Thermador is owned by BSH Group, same parent company as Bosch and Siemens. They run the identical E-series diagnostic system and a ton of internal parts cross-reference directly between brands. So if you look up E24 on a Bosch 800 series and your Thermador DWHD640ZFP is throwing E24, the fix is the same. Even better, Bosch parts are usually 20-30% cheaper than the Thermador-branded versions of the same BSH component.

How do I enter diagnostic mode on a Thermador dishwasher?

Hold the Start button for about 5 seconds. The display will cycle through any stored fault codes from recent cycles. It's more of a fault memory recall than a live diagnostic mode. Write down every code it shows before it clears because it doesn't stay up long. If you want live sensor readings, that requires a BSH service tool that most homeowners won't have. For most situations though, the stored codes from the button hold tell you exactly what you need to know.

Which Thermador dishwasher error code is the most serious?

E15, no question. That code means the AquaStop flood protection triggered because water leaked into the base pan. The machine physically won't run again until you drain that pan. And you really shouldn't run it again until you figure out where the leak came from. Ignoring E15 is how you end up with water damage to your kitchen floor and cabinets. The repair can be as cheap as a $15 door boot seal or as expensive as a new pump, but finding the source comes first.

Can I reset a Thermador dishwasher error code by unplugging it?

For most codes, yeah. Unplug for 60 seconds and that clears the fault memory and lets the machine start fresh. Works for E22, E24, E25, E09, pretty much everything. E15 is the exception because there's a physical float switch in the base pan. Even if you unplug and replug, that float is still up, the machine still knows there's water in there, and it won't start. You've got to physically drain the pan first, then the normal reset works fine.

How often should I clean the filter on my Thermador dishwasher?

Once a month is the real answer if you're running it daily. I know almost nobody actually does that, but that's what the machine needs. If you're seeing E22 or E24 codes regularly, your cleaning schedule needs to go way up. The DWHD triple filter system works really well, but it does need maintenance. Takes about 3 minutes to pull it, rinse it, scrub it, and drop it back in. Way less annoying than a service call.

Can I use Bosch replacement parts in my Thermador dishwasher?

A lot of them, yes. The drain pump, NTC sensor, door boot seal, spray arms, and filter assemblies on most DWHD models share part numbers with Bosch 500 and 800 series machines. Always pull the model number sticker from inside your door frame first and cross-reference the part number before ordering. Search both the Bosch and Thermador part numbers and buy whichever is cheaper. BSH parts diagrams are online and pretty easy to navigate.

Related Thermador Dishwasher Error Codes

Code: E15Thermador Dishwasher E15 Error Code: AquaStop Water Protection Activated Code: E24Thermador Dishwasher E24 Error Code: Drain Fault Code: E22Thermador Dishwasher E22 Error Code: Filter Blocked Code: E25Thermador Dishwasher E25 Error Code: Drain Pump Blocked Code: E09Thermador Dishwasher E09 Error Code: Heating Fault Code: RESETHow to Reset a Thermador Dishwasher and Clear Error Codes Code: SA-NLThermador Dishwasher SA NL Indicator: Salt and Rinse Aid Refill

Same Fix on Other Brands

Bosch dishwasherBosch Dishwasher Error Codes

Same Fix Works on These Brands

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

Bosch dishwasherHow to Reset a Bosch Dishwasher (Every Method)Bosch dishwasherBosch E09: Heating Element Not Working Bosch dishwasherBosch E17 Error: Too Much Water Coming In Bosch dishwasherBosch E11 Error: Temperature Sensor (NTC) Fault Bosch dishwasherBosch Dishwasher Troubleshooting: 15 Problems, Fixed Bosch dishwasherBosch E92 Error: Control Board Communication Fix

Models Known to Experience HUB Errors

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

DWHD440MFP, DWHD640JFP, DWHD640ZFP, DWHD660ZFP, DWHD771WFP, DWHD630ZFP, DWHD860ZFP, DWHD441JFP

Written by

Mike Sullivan

Lead Appliance Repair Technician · 20 years experience

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 14, 2026