Bosch Dishwasher Error Code E16 — Water Intake Fault (Cold Intake)

What Does This Error Mean?

E16 on a Bosch dishwasher means the machine detected water entering unexpectedly — outside of a normal fill cycle. This is different from a 'not enough water' error. Instead, water is coming in when it shouldn't be, suggesting the water inlet valve is not fully closing. The dishwasher stops the cycle as a safety precaution to prevent overfilling. A faulty or stuck-open inlet valve is the most common cause.

Affected Models

SMS46GI01A
SMS68MI02G
SPV6ZMX23E
SMS8YCI01E
Most Bosch Series 2, 4, and 6 dishwashers

Common Causes

Water inlet valve not closing fully — mineral deposits or debris preventing the valve seal from seating
Stuck-open inlet valve solenoid that continues to allow water flow after the fill phase ends
Faulty water level pressure sensor telling the machine to keep filling when it shouldn't
Control board fault incorrectly signaling the inlet valve to open during non-fill phases
AquaStop safety hose triggered, disrupting normal valve operation

How to Fix It

Turn off the water supply to the dishwasher immediately. The shut-off valve is usually under the kitchen sink on the hot water supply line. This stops any uncontrolled water intake while you diagnose the problem.

With the water supply off, E16 may clear on its own. If it does, that confirms the valve is leaking — it stops when there's no water pressure behind it.
Unplug the dishwasher and wait 10-15 minutes. Reconnect power and restore the water supply. Run a short cycle and watch for E16. If the error returns quickly after the fill phase, the inlet valve is the suspect.

A one-time E16 that never repeats may be a temporary sensor glitch. A code that returns on every cycle is a real valve issue.
Check the water level in the tub after the E16 error. If the water is noticeably higher than the heating element at the bottom (it should just barely cover the element), the valve is admitting too much water. This is a strong indicator of a valve or water level sensor fault.

Normal Bosch fill level is just enough to cover the heating element at the tub bottom — approximately 1-2 inches deep.
Inspect the AquaStop hose. Bosch dishwashers use a safety hose with a built-in valve that shuts off water if the outer jacket detects leakage. If AquaStop has partially triggered, it can cause inconsistent valve behavior. Inspect the hose for moisture or trigger indicators, and replace it if needed.

AquaStop hoses are a safety item — don't attempt to reset a triggered AquaStop. Replace the hose assembly.
If all checks point to a faulty inlet valve, replace it. The valve is accessed through the bottom panel of the dishwasher. Disconnect the water supply, remove the panel, disconnect the solenoid wires and hose clamps, and swap in the new valve.

Always flush the new hose connection briefly (into a bucket) before reconnecting to blow out any installation debris.

When to Call a Professional

A leaking or stuck-open inlet valve requires replacement. Bosch inlet valves cost $30-$70 for the part. If the valve is accessible from the bottom or side panel, this can be a DIY repair. A Bosch-certified technician charges $150-$280 for valve replacement. Never ignore E16 — continuous water intake can eventually overflow the machine.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is E16 different from E14 or E15 on Bosch dishwashers?

E14 is a flow meter error — the sensor that measures how much water flowed in isn't working. E15 means water has leaked into the base pan and triggered the AquaStop float. E16 means water is entering the tub during a phase when it shouldn't be — outside of the normal fill window. Each has a different root cause and fix.

Can hard water deposits cause E16?

Yes — mineral scale from hard water can coat the inlet valve's rubber seal and prevent it from closing completely. A partially open valve drips water continuously. Regular use of rinse aid and dishwasher salt (in Bosch models with a salt compartment) helps prevent scale buildup. Descaling the machine every few months also helps.

Is E16 dangerous? Could the dishwasher flood?

E16 is designed to stop the cycle before flooding occurs. The machine detects the abnormal intake and halts as a safety precaution. However, if you repeatedly override the error and restart, the trickle of water from a leaking valve will eventually fill the base pan and trigger E15 or even flood the floor. Fix E16 promptly.