Thermador Dishwasher Error Codes: What They Mean and How to Fix Them

Last updated: October 5, 2026 · Applies to Thermador Star Sapphire, Sapphire, Emerald and Topaz dishwashers (two-digit codes on most models; four-digit codes on newer models) · Sources

Thermador dishwashers are built by BSH, the same group as Bosch, and use the same style of E codes. Older and current models show two-digit codes such as E15 or E24; newer models show four-digit codes such as E3100 or E6103 for the same faults. This guide covers 19 Thermador dishwasher codes from Thermador’s own error-code list, with the two-digit and four-digit versions side by side.

Thermador dishwasher error code table

Switch off power at the breaker before removing the filter or pump cover. If you see water on the floor, turn off the water supply too.

Don’t see your code? Thermador says codes not on its list may need a technician. Call Thermador Customer Support at 1-800-735-4328, or check your owner’s manual.

Troubleshooting without an error code

No code on the display, but something’s not right? Work through these safe checks for the most common dishwasher problems, in order. They apply to most Thermador dishwashers. Switch off power to the dishwasher (unplug it or turn off its breaker) before removing the filter or touching anything under the sink.

Dishwasher won’t start

1. Check the door is fully latched — a tall item, a rack that isn’t pushed all the way in, or a utensil poking through the basket can stop it closing.
2. Check the power: reset the breaker, and if the dishwasher is plugged in under the sink, make sure the plug is seated. Some installations are controlled by a wall switch (often next to the garbage-disposal switch) — make sure it’s on.
3. Look for a lock icon or “CL” on the display — Control/Child Lock may be on. Your manual shows which button to hold to turn it off.
4. Check whether Delay Start is set (a countdown or an “h” on the display); cancel it if you want the cycle to run now.
5. On many models you press Start and then must close the door within a few seconds, or the cycle won’t begin.

Dishwasher won’t drain (standing water in the bottom)

1. Remove the lower rack and take out the filter. Clean it under running water with a soft brush — a clogged filter is the most common cause of standing water.
2. If the dishwasher drains into a garbage disposal, run the disposal to clear it. On a new installation or a new disposal, make sure the disposal’s knockout plug was removed.
3. If you have an air gap on the countertop (a small chrome cap by the faucet), pull off the cover and clear any debris.
4. Check the drain hose under the sink for kinks or crushed sections, especially if items are stored under the sink.
5. Run a drain or Cancel/Drain cycle (see your manual) to check whether it drains at all.
6. On Thermador models, also check the drain pump cover under the filter is seated — a loose cover triggers E24/E25.

Dishes aren’t getting clean

1. Run the hot water at the kitchen sink until it’s hot before starting a cycle, so the dishwasher fills with hot water from the start.
2. Clean the filter, and check that the spray arms spin freely and their holes aren’t blocked by food or hard-water deposits.
3. Load so nothing blocks the spray arms or stops the detergent dispenser opening — tall pans and cutting boards are common culprits.
4. Use fresh automatic-dishwasher detergent (old powder clumps) and keep the rinse aid topped up, especially with hard water.
5. Scrape off large food scraps, but you don’t need to pre-rinse — many detergents work best with some soil to act on.
6. Choose a heavier cycle for very dirty loads and avoid overcrowding.
7. Keep the softener salt topped up if your model has a water softener — hard water leaves film and can trigger E12.

Dishwasher is leaking

1. Turn off the dishwasher (and its power at the breaker) before investigating, and mop up any water.
2. Use only automatic-dishwasher detergent. Hand dish soap or laundry detergent makes suds that can push water out under the door.
3. Check the door gasket for food, tears or gaps, and make sure nothing is sticking out and holding the door slightly open.
4. Check the dishwasher is level — if it tilts forward, water can reach the door seal.
5. If water comes from underneath with no obvious cause, turn off the water supply valve under the sink and call a technician.

Dishes are still wet at the end

1. Fill the rinse aid dispenser — rinse aid makes water sheet off instead of beading, and many modern dishwashers rely on it for drying.
2. Select a heated-dry or extra-dry option if your model has one.
3. Plastics hold less heat than glass and china, so they often stay damp — that’s normal.
4. Unload the bottom rack first so water from cupped items on the top rack doesn’t drip onto dry dishes.
5. Don’t overload — items need space for air and water to drain away.

Dishwasher smells bad

1. Clean the filter and the area around it — trapped food is the usual source of odors.
2. Wipe the door gasket and the bottom edge of the door, where grime collects out of the spray’s reach.
3. Run an empty hot cycle with a dishwasher cleaner (follow the product label).
4. If the dishwasher drains into a disposal, run the disposal regularly so waste doesn’t sit in the drain line.
5. Leave the door slightly open between loads so the tub can dry out.

Common mistakes

Many “faults” are caused by how the dishwasher is loaded, installed or maintained. Avoid these and you’ll see far fewer codes:

• Using hand dish soap. Regular dish soap or laundry detergent creates suds that can overflow, leak under the door and trigger leak or suds codes. Use only automatic-dishwasher detergent.
• Never cleaning the filter. Many modern dishwashers use a manual-clean filter. A clogged filter causes standing water, drain codes, poor cleaning and odors.
• Blocking the spray arms or dispenser. Tall items, pan handles and cutting boards can stop the spray arms turning or the detergent door opening.
• Starting with cold water in the line. Dishwashers clean best when they fill with hot water. Run the kitchen tap until it’s hot first.
• Skipping rinse aid. Without rinse aid, many modern dishwashers dry poorly and leave spots, especially with hard water.
• Ignoring the drain path. A kinked hose, a clogged air gap, a full disposal, or a disposal knockout plug that was never removed all cause drain problems.
• Resetting instead of fixing. Cutting the power may clear the code, but not the cause. Do the checks first — and if a leak code appears, turn off the water.

Tips and tricks for Thermador owners

Useful Thermador-specific features and procedures, confirmed from Thermador’s own support pages and manuals. Exact buttons vary by model, so check your manual.

• Two codes, one fault. Newer Thermador models show four-digit codes (E3100, E6103, E9240…) that match the older two-digit codes (E15, E24, E22…). Look for either in the table.
• The spoon trick for E25. Pry the drain-pump cover up with a spoon until it clicks, then lift and pull it forward to check for glass or seeds.
• Check flow rate for E18. Thermador specifies around 10 liters (2.6 gallons) per minute of supply water.
• E27 isn’t the dishwasher’s fault. It means the house voltage is low — an electrician, not an appliance tech, is the right call.
• Use softener salt. If your model has a water softener, keep it topped up with dishwasher salt to prevent limescale (E12/E2060).
• Breaker reset first. For electronic faults, Thermador’s advice is to switch the breaker off for 30 seconds before calling.

Safety note

When to call a pro

The steps above are limited to safe, user-level checks. Call Thermador Customer Support (1-800-735-4328) or a Thermador-authorized technician if:

• E15/E3100 appears — water in the base.
• E04/E0105 or E0110 appears.
• A control-board, heater or CrystalDry code returns after a 30-second breaker reset.
• E23/E6101 persists after the pump area is clear.
• Water reaches the floor, or you notice burning, smoke or sparks.

Frequently asked questions

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