Bosch identifies E18 as a water-flow condition in which the dishwasher water level is too low.
What E18 means
Bosch identifies E18 as a water-flow condition in which the dishwasher water level is too low.
What you may notice
- The display or status light shows E18
- The dishwasher does not fill normally
- The cycle pauses near the start
- Little water reaches the tub
Most likely causes
- 01The supply valve is closed
- 02The inlet hose is kinked
- 03Household flow is low
- 04A safety device interrupted filling
- 05A flow meter, valve, or control needs service
Safe checks, in order
Start with the simplest non-invasive check. Stop as soon as the error clears; repeated resets can hide a condition without correcting it.
Check the supply
Confirm the dishwasher water valve is fully open.
Inspect the accessible hose
Look for a tight bend or damage without pulling out the machine.
Check household flow
Verify the nearby sink has normal water pressure.
Restart once
After correcting an obvious issue, reset power for the interval stated by the manufacturer.
Know where to stop
Turn off the circuit and water supply before reaching beneath the dishwasher. Do not move a hardwired unit while energized.
When to call a technician or support
Request service if supply and hose conditions are normal but the fill code returns.
When you call, have the exact product model, the complete code or light pattern, and when it appeared.
Where this information came from
We use the manufacturer's current published guidance as the starting point, then organize it into a safer, beginner-friendly sequence.
Bosch Owner Support — dishwasher error codes Source last checked August 18, 2026. Manufacturer instructions and model manuals take priority over this independent summary.