Bosch Washing Machine Error Code E18
E18 is the most common Bosch washer code. The pump could not empty the drum in time, and in most homes the cause is a clogged pump filter rather than a failed pump. Bosch shows the same fault as F18 on some models; E and F codes with the same number are interchangeable.
Also shown as: F18, D02
Common causes
- Pump filter clogged with lint, coins or hair ties
- Drain hose kinked or blocked
- Drain height over about 1 metre making the pump struggle
- Pump impeller jammed or pump failed
What to check, in order
- Switch off and unplug. Open the service flap, place a tray underneath, and drain the water via the emergency hose.
- Unscrew the pump filter and remove all debris, then check the impeller behind it turns freely.
- Straighten the drain hose and flush it through; keep the drain height within the manual's limit.
- Refit the filter firmly and run a drain or spin programme to test.
Clear the code and test
- Fix what the checks above found first — a filter cleaned, a hose straightened, taps opened. Clearing the code without fixing the cause only brings it back.
- Close the door, plug the machine back in and restore the water supply.
- Run a short rinse and spin, or the shortest wash programme, and watch the stage where the code appeared before (filling, washing, draining or spinning).
- If the cycle finishes with no code, the fault is cleared. If the code returns at the same stage, write down the code and that stage 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 E18, 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 pumpPump filter
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 E18
What does E18 mean on a Bosch washing machine?
E18 means: Drain pump time exceeded: water is not draining. E18 is the most common Bosch washer code. The pump could not empty the drum in time, and in most homes the cause is a clogged pump filter rather than a failed pump. Bosch shows the same fault as F18 on some models; E and F codes with the same number are interchangeable.
Can I fix Bosch E18 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 E18?
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.