Bosch · Dishwasher Moderate

E04 — Water flow / flow meter fault

Per Bosch's official US error-code page, E04 means the appliance has detected faulty (heater) electronics during its self-test.

Keep using it?
Yes, with caution
DIY difficulty
Moderate
Typical cost
$30-70
Verified against
bosch-home.com ↗

The fix

Flow meter (turbidity/flow sensor)

Water flow sensor / flow meter fault

$30-70 moderate difficulty 60 min Tools: screwdriver, pliers, towel

Diagnose first: Control board not seeing expected pulses from the flow meter; sometimes a debris-jammed impeller.

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How to fix it

  1. Shut off the water and disconnect the inlet hose at the dishwasher.
  2. Clean the inlet screen with a brush and rinse.
  3. Verify hose is not kinked behind the unit during reinstall.
  4. Check house water pressure (should be 20-120 psi).
  5. If flow meter is faulty, replace the inlet hose assembly (AquaStop) or sump flow meter per model.

Why it happens

Typical signs: Cycle pauses early in fill · Display shows E04 · Reduced spray pressure

  • Clogged inlet screen Screen at the inlet valve is blocked with debris from supply line.
  • Low water pressure House pressure below the 20 psi Bosch minimum.
  • Flow meter fault Hall-effect impeller in the AquaStop or sump is stuck or failed.
  • Kinked supply hose Hose pinched behind the unit reducing fill rate.

Other parts sometimes needed

If diagnosis points to a failed part, these are the common replacements. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

  • Bosch AquaStop inlet hose Common replacement
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More Bosch dishwasher codes

E01 E01 — Control board fault E02 E02 — Heating element / NTC sensor fault E03 E03 — Water not heating E05 E05 — Overfill / float switch tripped E06 E06 — Door-Closure or Aqua (Turbidity) Sensor Fault E07 E07 — Drying fan fault

All Bosch codes → All dishwasher codes →

Frequently asked questions

What does the E04 code mean on a Bosch dishwasher?

Per Bosch's official US error-code page, E04 means the appliance has detected faulty (heater) electronics during its self-test.

What causes the E04 code on a Bosch dishwasher?

Clogged inlet screen: Screen at the inlet valve is blocked with debris from supply line. Low water pressure: House pressure below the 20 psi Bosch minimum. Flow meter fault: Hall-effect impeller in the AquaStop or sump is stuck or failed.

Is it safe to keep using a Bosch dishwasher with a E04 error?

Yes, with caution. This is rated a moderate-severity fault.

How do I fix E04 on a Bosch dishwasher?

Shut off the water and disconnect the inlet hose at the dishwasher. Clean the inlet screen with a brush and rinse. Verify hose is not kinked behind the unit during reinstall.

Always unplug an appliance before servicing it. This guide is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for a qualified technician. Verified against manufacturer documentation: bosch-home.com.