Symptoms
• Dishwasher stops mid-cycle and displays E18 error code on the control panel
• No water fills the wash tub despite cycle running
• Partial water fill followed by error code appearance
• Cycle fails to start when E18 is present
• Control panel beeps and error code persists after power reset
Possible Causes
• Clogged or kinked inlet water supply hose restricting 120V fill valve operation
• Water pressure below minimum threshold (Bosch USA models require 20-116 psi)
• Faulty water inlet valve solenoid not opening properly at 120V/60Hz
• Mineral deposits or debris blocking the inlet valve screen filter
• Disconnected or damaged water inlet hose connection at dishwasher port
• Failed inlet valve assembly requiring replacement
• Tripped home circuit breaker cutting power to the fill valve
• Water shut-off valve under the sink not fully open or turned off
Safety Checks You Can Do
• Check your home circuit breaker panel to confirm the dishwasher breaker is in the ON position and reset if necessary
• Verify the water shut-off valve located under the sink or behind the dishwasher is fully turned counterclockwise to the OPEN position
• Inspect both the hot and cold water inlet hoses for kinks, bends, or visible damage along their entire length
• Disconnect the inlet hoses at the back of the dishwasher and check for mineral buildup or debris in the connection ports
• Run water through the supply hoses into a bucket to test for adequate water pressure and flow before reconnecting
• Ensure inlet hoses are not pinched between the dishwasher and cabinetry or wall
• Check that water supply valves have not been accidentally closed at the home plumbing shut-off points
• Power cycle the dishwasher by turning off the circuit breaker for 5 minutes, then turning it back on to reset the control board
• Look inside the dishwasher tub with the door open to confirm water is not present from a previous cycle, then attempt a new cycle
• Listen for the fill valve solenoid clicking sound during the fill cycle initiation (indicates valve is attempting to open)
Safety First
Always disconnect the appliance from power before performing any checks. If you are unsure about any step, please contact a qualified technician.