Bosch Dishwasher Error Code 16

Error code 16 on a Bosch dishwasher means the control board has detected a fault with the water switch, the sensor that monitors whether water has properly entered the tub. The dishwasher stops the cycle because it cannot confirm the fill status. The fault may be in the switch itself, its wiring, or a blockage preventing the switch from reading water pressure correctly.

You should not continue running the dishwasher with error 16 active. The water switch is a safety component, and without a reliable signal from it, the control board cannot regulate the fill cycle correctly. Running the machine in this condition risks either dry operation that can damage the pump or an unchecked overfill. Resolve the fault before resuming use.

Error 16 can appear intermittently if the water switch connection is loose or the switch is borderline failing, so it may seem to clear after a power reset. However, a reset only clears the stored code and does not fix the underlying fault. If the code returns after resetting, the water switch or its wiring needs physical inspection and repair rather than repeated resets.

Start by checking the wiring harness connected to the water switch for loose connectors, broken wires, or corrosion, as these are often the cause and require no parts. Next, inspect the water switch port for mineral or debris buildup and clean it if blocked. If the wiring and port are clear, test the water switch for continuity with a multimeter; a reading outside normal range means the switch needs replacement. If replacing the switch does not clear error 16, the main control board may need to be evaluated.

If the fix is a wiring connector issue or cleaning a blocked switch port, the repair costs nothing beyond your time. A replacement water switch typically costs between $15 and $50 for the part. If a technician is needed, expect a service call fee of $80 to $150 plus labor, bringing the total to roughly $100 to $250 depending on your area. A control board replacement, if it comes to that, is significantly more expensive and may exceed $200 to $400 in parts alone.