PartsCompat UK

E03

Error code

medium severity Bosch

E03: Water Fill Issue

Your Bosch dishwasher has displayed an E03 error code on its display panel, which means the appliance isn't filling with water properly during its cycle. This is a medium-severity fault that prevents your dishwasher from operating normally, but the good news is that many E03 errors can be resolved without calling out an engineer.

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Diagnostic Steps

  1. 1

    Step 1

    Check the water inlet valve is open

  2. 2

    Step 2

    Inspect the inlet hose for kinks or blockages

  3. 3

    Step 3

    Test the water inlet valve solenoid with a multimeter

  4. 4

    Step 4

    Check the flow meter (water quantity sensor)

  5. 5

    Step 5

    Replace the inlet valve if it is not opening correctly

⚠️ Always disconnect your appliance from mains power before starting any repair. If in doubt, consult a qualified engineer.

Parts to Check in order of probability

1
valve medium

Water Inlet Valve

OEM: 00263086

Water Inlet Valve for Bosch & Siemens Dishwashers If your dishwasher isn't filling with water properly or is leaking around the inlet area, a faulty water inlet valve is likely the culprit. Over time, these valves wear out and lose their ability to control water flow effectively, leaving you with poor wash results or water damage. This genuine OEM part, reference 00263086, is designed specifically for Bosch and Siemens dishwashers and restores proper water intake function. Replacing it is straightforward enough for a confident DIYer, with an installation difficulty rating of just 2 out of 10. When fitting the new valve, remember to turn off both the water supply and electrical power to your appliance first. This simple precaution makes the job safer and prevents accidental flooding. The valve itself typically sits behind the kick plate at the front of your dishwasher, so access is relatively easy. Before ordering, take a moment to verify your dishwasher's E-Nr model number, which you'll find on the inside of the door frame. This ensures you're getting the correct part for your specific machine and avoids any compatibility issues.
2
hose medium

Aquastop Safety Inlet Hose

OEM: 00263690

Aquastop Safety Inlet Hose Water leaks around your dishwasher's inlet connection are a sign that the hose has worn out or failed. The Aquastop Safety Inlet Hose (OEM reference 00263690) is the replacement you need to stop pooling water and restore reliable operation to your Bosch or Siemens dishwasher. This safety hose features built-in protection that automatically shuts off water flow if a leak is detected, giving you extra peace of mind against water damage. Over time, hoses can deteriorate from repeated pressure cycles, temperature changes and mineral deposits, making replacement a straightforward maintenance job. Installation difficulty is rated at 2 out of 5, so most confident DIY homeowners can tackle this themselves. When fitting the new hose, make sure both connection points are fully tightened but avoid over-tightening, which can damage the fittings. Give each connection a gentle tug once installed to confirm they're secure. Before ordering, verify your dishwasher's E-Nr model number, which you'll find on the appliance's information label. This ensures complete compatibility and hassle-free fitting.
3
sensor medium

Flow Meter (Water Quantity Sensor)

OEM: 00631199

Flow Meter (Water Quantity Sensor) Your dishwasher not filling properly or running through cycles without dispensing the correct amount of water? The flow meter may have failed. This sensor tells your machine exactly how much water to use, and when it wears out, your dishwasher loses its ability to regulate water levels accurately. This genuine OEM replacement flow meter, reference 00631199, is designed for Bosch and Siemens dishwashers and restores proper water management to your appliance. Installation is straightforward—rated difficulty level 2—making it an achievable DIY job for most homeowners. The key to a smooth installation is disconnecting the water supply completely before you begin work. This prevents accidental spillage and keeps you safe whilst handling the sensor connections. Take a photo of the wire placement before disconnecting anything, as this simple step makes reassembly far less stressful. Flow meters typically fail gradually through normal wear and tear, so replacing yours should resolve water-related issues immediately. Before ordering, please verify your dishwasher's E-Nr model number on the appliance documentation to ensure this part is compatible with your specific machine.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the E03 error mean on a Bosch dishwasher?↓
Your Bosch dishwasher has displayed an E03 error code on its display panel, which means the appliance isn't filling with water properly during its cycle. This is a medium-severity fault that prevents your dishwasher from operating normally, but the good news is that many E03 errors can be resolved without calling out an engineer. The problem typically stems from one of three components in your water supply system. The water inlet valve, which controls water flow into the machine, is the most common culprit—it may be blocked, faulty, or stuck closed. Your Aquastop safety inlet hose could also be compromised, either kinked, pinched, or defective. Less commonly, the flow meter (also called the water quantity sensor) may have failed, preventing the dishwasher from detecting adequate water levels. Before you worry about expensive repairs, check that your water supply tap is turned on fully and that the inlet hose isn't kinked behind your appliance. If those basics check out, the issue likely requires further investigation of these components. This guide will help you diagnose and potentially resolve your E03 fault.
Can I fix the E03 error myself?↓
Many E03 faults can be resolved by a competent DIYer. Always disconnect from mains power first. If unsure, consult a qualified engineer.

Quick Summary

Code
E03
Brand
Bosch
Parts to check
3