Bosch Dishwasher Error Code F12

F12 on a Bosch dishwasher means the machine detected a water intake fault at the start of a cycle step. The control board expected to receive pulse signals from the flow meter indicating water was entering the tub, but received none. This stops the cycle until the underlying cause, such as a closed supply valve, blocked inlet filter, or faulty flow meter reed switch, is resolved.

No. When F12 is active, the dishwasher has halted the cycle because it cannot confirm water is entering the tub correctly. Running the machine in this state is not recommended, as wash performance will be compromised and the heating element could be damaged if it operates without adequate water. Address the fault before resuming normal use.

A reset may temporarily clear the F12 code from the display, but the error will return as soon as the next cycle attempts to fill with water if the underlying fault has not been corrected. Resetting without fixing the root cause, whether that is a supply issue, blocked filter, or failed flow meter, will not resolve the problem.

Start by confirming the household water supply valve is fully open, then inspect the WPS inlet filter for mineral buildup or debris and clean it if blocked. If water supply and filter condition are normal, test the flow meter reed switch for pulse output and check the wiring harness connecting the flow meter to the control board. If the reed switch is confirmed faulty, the flow meter assembly will need to be replaced.

If the fix is simply opening the water supply valve or cleaning the inlet filter, there is no parts cost involved. If the flow meter reed switch has failed and the flow meter assembly needs replacement, parts costs typically range from around $30 to $80 depending on the model, with professional labor adding roughly $80 to $150 on top of that.