Bosch Dishwasher Error Code E16
The filling system reports that water is not getting into the machine as it should, so the cycle cannot start or continue. E16 is often an external supply problem, such as a tap that is barely open or a kinked hose, rather than a failed part. If the supply checks all pass, the inlet valve is the next suspect.
Also shown as: E3300
Common causes
- Supply tap partly or fully closed
- Kinked or crushed inlet hose
- Blocked inlet filter screen
- Faulty water inlet valve
What to check, in order
- Confirm the supply tap is fully open.
- Pull the machine out only if safe, and check the inlet hose runs without kinks.
- With the tap off, remove the inlet hose and clean the filter screen at the connection.
- Run a cycle; if it still will not fill, book a technician to test the inlet valve.
Clear the code and test
- Fix what the checks above found first — a filter cleaned, a hose straightened, the spray arms freed. Clearing the code without fixing the cause only brings it back.
- Close the door, plug the dishwasher back in (or restore its breaker) and make sure the water tap is open.
- Run the shortest programme and stay nearby for the first minutes, watching for leaks and listening for the drain pump.
- If the programme finishes with no code, the fault is cleared. If the code returns, write down the code and when it appeared before calling a technician — it speeds up the diagnosis.
When to call a professional
Most cases are solved by the checks above. Book a technician if any of these apply:
- The code comes back after you have run the checks and a test cycle.
- You smell burning, see sparks or scorch marks, or the breaker trips.
- Water is leaking and you cannot stop it at the tap.
- The fix needs panels opened beyond what your manual describes, or a part tested with a meter, and you are not set up for that.
When you call, give the brand, the code E16, your model number (on a label inside the door or on the back) and the checks you already ran. It shortens the visit.
Parts that may be involved
Water inlet valveInlet hose and filter screenAquaStop hose
Parts are model-specific. Find your model number first — usually on a label inside the door, on the door frame or on the back — and match the part to that number before ordering.
Questions people ask about E16
What does E16 mean on a Bosch dishwasher?
E16 means: Water is not flowing into the dishwasher properly. The filling system reports that water is not getting into the machine as it should, so the cycle cannot start or continue. E16 is often an external supply problem, such as a tap that is barely open or a kinked hose, rather than a failed part. If the supply checks all pass, the inlet valve is the next suspect.
Can I fix Bosch E16 myself?
Start yourself: the checks on this page cover the causes you can reach without opening the machine up. If they point to a faulty part, testing or replacing it is usually a technician job.
How do I clear Bosch E16?
Fix the cause first — clearing the code on its own brings it straight back. Then restore power and water, run the shortest programme, and watch the stage where the code appeared. If the programme finishes with no code, it is cleared.
Sources checked
- Bosch Home (US) owner support: dishwasher error codes
- Coolblue advice: Bosch and Siemens washing machine errors
The meaning and checks for this code were checked against the sources above in November 2026. Codes vary by model and region; if your manual lists a different meaning for your exact model, follow the manual.