Bosch Dishwasher Error Code E23 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Bosch dishwasher error E23 means the drain pump has been detected as faulty or is not running correctly. The dishwasher cannot complete a cycle if it cannot drain the used water from the tub. E23 specifically points to a problem with the drain pump itself — not just a blocked drain hose.

Affected Models

Bosch 300 Series
Bosch 500 Series
Bosch 800 Series
Bosch SHPM88Z75N
Bosch SHEM63W55N

Common Causes

The drain pump impeller is jammed by a food particle, broken glass, or debris from inside the tub
The drain pump motor has burned out or seized and can no longer spin the impeller
The wire connector to the drain pump has come loose or corroded, cutting power to the pump
The drain hose is kinked or blocked, creating backpressure that prevents the pump from expelling water and eventually overloads the motor
The main control board has a fault and is not sending the drain command signal to the pump

How to Fix It

Turn the dishwasher off and switch off the circuit breaker or unplug it from the wall. Open the door and bail out any standing water in the tub using a cup and sponge.

Do not reach into the water until the dishwasher is confirmed powered off.
Remove the lower rack, then lift out the spray arm and filter assembly from the bottom of the tub. Look down into the sump opening for any foreign objects — glass, food debris, or other items that may be jamming the pump impeller.

Use a torch to get a clear view. Tweezers or needle-nose pliers are helpful for removing small objects safely.
With your finger, try turning the drain pump impeller — visible through the sump opening after removing the filter. It should spin freely. If it is stiff or completely stuck, debris is present inside the pump housing.

Never force the impeller — if something is jammed inside, use tweezers to remove it rather than forcing the impeller to spin.
Check the drain hose at the back of the dishwasher. Pull the machine out and look for any kinks or bends in the hose. The hose connection at the sink drain or garbage disposal should also be secure and clear.

On new installations, check that the plastic knockout plug inside the garbage disposal inlet has been removed — a missing knockout removal is a common cause of drain pump overload.
Reassemble the filter, restore power, and run a rinse-only cycle. If E23 persists, the drain pump motor needs professional testing. A technician can confirm whether the pump needs replacing or if the control board is the cause.

Bosch drain pump replacements typically cost $50–$100 in parts. A technician will add labour charges on top of this.

When to Call a Professional

If clearing debris from the pump area does not resolve E23, the drain pump motor needs testing or replacement. Replacing the drain pump requires removing the sump assembly — contact a Bosch-certified technician if you are not comfortable with this level of repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between E23, E24, and E25 on a Bosch dishwasher?

All three are drain-related errors, but they point to different causes. E23 indicates the drain pump itself has a fault. E24 means water is not draining — usually a blocked drain hose or standpipe. E25 specifically means the pump filter or pump area is blocked. E23 is generally the most serious of the three and most often requires a technician.

Can I still run a wash cycle when E23 is showing?

No. If the drain pump is not working, water from the previous cycle will remain in the tub. Running another wash cycle on top of standing water is not recommended and may overflow the tub.

How do I prevent E23 from happening again?

The most effective prevention is scraping dishes before loading them — remove large food scraps, bones, and debris before putting dishes in the machine. Also clean the filter assembly at least once a month. This keeps the pump impeller clear and prevents the most common cause of E23.