Bosch Dryer Error Code E03
E03 means condensed water cannot get away because the drain hose is blocked or kinked, so the dryer interrupts the cycle. Check the hose run for kinks first, then disconnect it at the siphon and clean both the hose and the spigot.
Common causes
- Condensation drain hose kinked or trapped behind the machine
- Drain hose blocked with lint sludge
- Siphon spigot blocked where the hose connects
- Condensate pump obstructed by wet lint (models plumbed into a drain)
What to check, in order
- If your dryer drains into the condensate container instead of a hose, empty the container and check its filter is clean.
- Follow the drain hose from the dryer to the siphon and straighten out any kinks or trapped sections.
- Loosen the hose clip on the siphon, carefully pull the hose off, and clean out the hose and the siphon spigot.
- Refit the hose securely and run a short programme; if E03 returns with a clear hose, book a service visit for the pump.
Clear the code and test
- Fix what the checks above found first. Clearing the code without fixing the cause only brings it back.
- Plug the appliance back in and restore its water supply if it has one.
- Run the shortest programme and watch the point where the code appeared before.
- If the programme finishes with no code, the fault is cleared. If the code returns, write it down 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 E03, 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
Condensation drain hoseCondensate pumpCondensate container
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 E03
What does E03 mean on a Bosch dryer?
E03 means: Condensation drain hose blocked or kinked: condensate cannot drain away. E03 means condensed water cannot get away because the drain hose is blocked or kinked, so the dryer interrupts the cycle. Check the hose run for kinks first, then disconnect it at the siphon and clean both the hose and the spigot.
Can I fix Bosch E03 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 E03?
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.