Bosch Dishwasher E04 Error — Flow Meter Fault

What Does This Error Mean?

E04 on a Bosch dishwasher means the flow meter has measured an abnormal water flow rate during fill — too slow, too fast, or interrupted. Check the inlet hose for kinks, clean the inlet filter, and make sure the water tap is fully open.

Affected Models

Bosch SHPM88Z75N
Bosch SHEM63W55N
Bosch SGV68U53UC
Bosch SHX9PCM5N
Bosch SMV68IX02E

Common Causes

Inlet hose kinked or partially crushed behind the dishwasher
Inlet filter (at the tap end of the hose) clogged with sediment
Water supply pressure too low (under 0.5 bar / 7 PSI)
Failed flow meter sensor (less common)

How to Fix It

Confirm the water tap is fully open.

Check the isolation valve under the sink — turn it fully anticlockwise. A partially closed valve is a common cause of E04.
Pull the dishwasher out and inspect the inlet hose.

Carefully ease the dishwasher forward. Look at the inlet hose route — kinks, twists, or hose pinched against the cabinet wall all reduce flow. Straighten any kinks.
Clean the inlet filter.

Turn off the water at the tap. Disconnect the inlet hose at the tap end and look inside the connector for a small mesh filter. Rinse it under the tap to remove sediment. Reconnect and turn the water back on.
Check water pressure.

Bosch dishwashers need a minimum 0.5 bar (7 PSI) inlet pressure. If your house has low water pressure, especially during peak hours, E04 may appear at certain times. Run a tap nearby and feel if pressure is unusually low.
Restart the cycle.

Press Reset (typically holding Start for 3–5 seconds) to clear E04. Start a short rinse cycle to verify the fix. If E04 returns immediately, the flow meter sensor itself may be faulty — book service.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Bosch E04 and E15?

E04 is a flow rate fault detected by the flow meter (water filling too slowly, too fast, or pulsing). E15 is the Aquastop water leak detection. Both involve water but the cause is different — E04 is supply-side; E15 is leak detection.

How do I clean the Bosch inlet filter?

Turn off the water at the tap. Unscrew the hose connector. Inside is a mesh filter — pull it out with needle-nose pliers (or it may stay in the connector and rinse out). Rinse under the tap until clean. Refit and tighten the connector by hand.