Bosch Dishwasher Error Code E23
The drain pump is not emptying the machine as expected, and Bosch treats E23 as a pump-side fault rather than a simple filter blockage. A jam from a shard of glass or a seed is still worth checking for under the pump cover, since that part is user-accessible. If the pump area is clear and the code stays, the pump motor itself has likely failed.
Also shown as: E6101
Common causes
- Debris jammed in the drain pump impeller
- Failed drain pump motor (winding fault)
- Loose or missing drain pump cover
- Wiring fault to the drain pump
What to check, in order
- Clean the filter first, since a blocked filter overloads the pump.
- Remove the filter, take off the pump cover underneath and clear any debris, minding sharp glass.
- Make sure the pump cover clicks back on firmly, then run a drain or short cycle.
- If water still will not pump out, book a technician to test or replace the drain pump.
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 E23, 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
Drain pumpDrain pump coverFilter assembly
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 E23
What does E23 mean on a Bosch dishwasher?
E23 means: Drain pump problem: blocked, clogged or faulty. The drain pump is not emptying the machine as expected, and Bosch treats E23 as a pump-side fault rather than a simple filter blockage. A jam from a shard of glass or a seed is still worth checking for under the pump cover, since that part is user-accessible. If the pump area is clear and the code stays, the pump motor itself has likely failed.
Can I fix Bosch E23 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 E23?
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.