Won't Start
Bosch Dishwasher
Severity:What Does This Error Mean?
The most common reason a Bosch dishwasher will not start is the door is not fully latched — push the door firmly until you hear a click. If the door is closed, check that the child lock is not active (usually a key symbol on the display). A delayed start set accidentally is also a frequent cause — check the display for a timer countdown.
Affected Models
- Bosch 300 Series Dishwasher
- Bosch 500 Series Dishwasher
- Bosch 800 Series Dishwasher
- Bosch SHPM88Z Series
- Bosch Silence Plus Series
Common Causes
- Door not fully latched — the door interlock switch prevents the cycle from starting if the door is even slightly open
- Child lock activated — all buttons are disabled when child lock is on
- Delayed start set — the dishwasher is waiting for the programmed start time
- No power — circuit breaker tripped or the switch under the sink turned off
- Door latch broken — the latch does not engage even when the door is firmly closed
How to Fix It
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Check the door is fully latched
Push the door closed firmly — it should click into place. On some Bosch models the door needs to be pushed quite hard to engage the latch. If the door spring has weakened, the door may feel closed but the latch switch is not triggered.
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Check for child lock
If a key or lock symbol is showing on the display, the child lock is active. To deactivate: hold the child lock button for 3 seconds (or hold two specified buttons simultaneously — check your model's manual, as the method varies by series).
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Check for a delayed start
Look at the display for a clock icon or a time countdown. If a delayed start was set, cancel it by pressing and holding the Start/Cancel button for 3 seconds.
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Check power supply
Check the circuit breaker for the kitchen. Also check if the dishwasher has an on/off switch under the counter near the sink — these are easy to accidentally switch off. Try unplugging the dishwasher, waiting 30 seconds, and replugging.
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Test the door latch
With the dishwasher empty and powered on, try pushing the door with more force than usual. If it starts, the spring tension on the latch has weakened. A replacement door latch costs $15–35 and takes about 20 minutes to install.
When to Call a Professional
If the door closes fully but pressing Start does nothing and no error code is displayed, the door latch switch or the control board has failed. A Bosch technician can confirm this with a door switch test.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bosch dishwasher beeps but won't start — why?
A beep when pressing Start usually indicates the door is not fully latched. Close the door more firmly. If the beep pattern continues, an error code will appear — check our error code pages for the specific code shown.
Bosch dishwasher display is completely blank — why?
A blank display means no power is reaching the control board. Check the circuit breaker and the power switch under the sink. If power is confirmed but the display stays blank, the control board has failed.
Bosch dishwasher starts but immediately stops — why?
If the cycle starts and stops within a few seconds, the door latch switch is intermittently connecting. The machine detects the door as open mid-cycle and stops. Replace the door latch assembly.