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Error code reference

Bosch Dishwasher Error Code F15

Water intake fault

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What the F15 error code actually means

Your dishwasher's F15 error means the water coming into the machine is not hot enough when it starts an energy-saving cycle. The dishwasher expects warm water from your home's hot water supply, and something is preventing that from happening. You may need a plumber or appliance technician to check your hot water connection and water heater settings.

Diagnostic procedure

The full F15 procedure

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1
First diagnostic step
On-site water supply should be checked by a specialist.
More steps, wiring diagram references, and verified part numbers
Includes expected resistance and voltage values, connector pinouts, and supersession notes for replacement parts.
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Most common causes of F15

Ranked by how often they cause this code
  1. 1Hot water heater set too low
  2. 2Cold water purge not completed before cycle start
  3. 3Dishwasher connected to cold water supply
  4. 4Kinked or restricted inlet hose
  5. 5Faulty water inlet valve

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Questions people ask about F15

What does F15 mean on a Bosch dishwasher?
F15 on a Bosch dishwasher indicates a water intake fault where the incoming water temperature has dropped below 100°F during an energy saving program cycle. The dishwasher requires sufficiently hot water at the inlet to run this cycle efficiently. When that threshold is not met, the machine stops and displays the F15 code. The fault is typically related to the home's hot water supply rather than a failed internal component.
Is it safe to keep using the dishwasher when F15 is showing?
The F15 error will typically interrupt or prevent the cycle from completing, so the dishwasher is not operating normally when this code appears. Continuing to attempt cycles without resolving the underlying supply temperature issue will not damage the machine in most cases, but the dishwasher will not clean effectively without adequate hot water. Addressing the root cause before running further cycles is the recommended approach.
Will resetting the dishwasher clear the F15 error code?
Resetting the dishwasher may clear the F15 code temporarily, but the error will return as soon as the machine runs an energy saving cycle and again detects incoming water below 100°F. A reset does not address the underlying supply temperature problem. To permanently resolve F15, the hot water supply conditions must be corrected so that adequately heated water reaches the dishwasher at the start of the cycle.
Can I fix the F15 error myself, or do I need a technician?
Some causes of F15 can be addressed without a technician, such as raising the water heater temperature setting or running a nearby hot water tap before starting a cycle to flush cold water from the supply line. However, if the issue involves incorrect plumbing connections, a faulty inlet valve, or unclear supply conditions, a qualified specialist should inspect the setup. Bosch specifically recommends having the on-site water supply checked by a professional as the first diagnostic step.
How much does it cost to repair an F15 error on a Bosch dishwasher?
Repair costs vary depending on the cause. If the fix is simply adjusting the water heater thermostat, there may be no parts cost at all, though a technician call fee could range from $75 to $150. If the inlet valve needs replacement, parts and labor together could range from $100 to $250. Incorrect plumbing connections that require rerouting supply lines would depend on the complexity of the work and local plumbing rates.

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