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E518Bosch Dishwasher

Bosch Dishwasher Error E518 – Meaning, Causes & How to Fix

The appliance control system detected a condition indicating drain system failure – water cannot remove water properly.

Medium Severity
Low
Medium
High
Critical

Expert Verified

Reviewed by a Certified Electrical Engineer & Licensed Technician

Official Meaning

The appliance control system detected a condition indicating drain system failure – water cannot remove water properly.

Real-World Causes

  • 1Low water pressure in the plumbing system
  • 2Water supply faucets are not fully open
  • 3Blocked drain hose or pump filter
  • 4Clogged inlet filter screens
  • 5Faulty inlet valve solenoid

Symptoms

Look for these signs to confirm error E518 on your Bosch Dishwasher:

  • Very slow filling or draining behavior
  • Appliance stops mid-cycle
  • Error displayed at the start of a cycle
  • Unusual clicking sounds as relays activate

DIY Fix (Safe)

  1. 1Verify household water and power supply conditions
  2. 2Inspect hoses and filters for blockages
  3. 3Restart appliance after disconnecting power for 5 minutes
  4. 4Clean filters and sensors if accessible
  5. 5Run diagnostic mode if available

Professional Action Required

  1. 1Test valves, sensors, and motors with a multimeter
  2. 2Inspect wiring harness and connectors
  3. 3Replace defective pumps, motors, sensors, or valves
  4. 4Inspect control board relays
  5. 5Replace electronic control board if failure is confirmed

Additional Context

Load Type
Any load type
Drain Related
Depends on cycle stage
Sensor Issues
Sensors may give incorrect readings if hoses are blocked

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Bosch Dishwasher error E518 mean?
The appliance control system detected a condition indicating drain system failure – water cannot remove water properly.
What causes Bosch Dishwasher E518 error?
Common causes include: Low water pressure in the plumbing system, Water supply faucets are not fully open, Blocked drain hose or pump filter.
How do you fix Bosch Dishwasher error E518?
Start with these DIY steps: Verify household water and power supply conditions. Inspect hoses and filters for blockages. If the error persists, professional service may be needed.

Related Error Codes

Other Bosch Dishwasher Errors

E640The appliance control system detected a condition indicating heater circuit fault – heating element is not operating correctly
E50The appliance control system detected a condition indicating communication error – internal control boards lost connection
E598The appliance control system detected a condition indicating temperature sensor fault – thermistor readings are outside expected range
E495The appliance control system detected a condition indicating communication error – internal control boards lost connection
E271The appliance control system detected a condition indicating drain system failure – water cannot remove water properly
E53The appliance control system detected a condition indicating drain system failure – water cannot remove water properly
E860The appliance control system detected a condition indicating drain system failure – water cannot remove water properly
E896The appliance control system detected a condition indicating drain system failure – water cannot remove water properly

About the Author

Technical Review Team

Reviewed by certified technicians with 10+ years of Bosch repair experience. Every error code is verified against manufacturer service manuals and real-world repair data.