Bosch · Dishwasher
Bosch Dishwasher E05 Error Code
Wash arm diverter circuit fault
What this error means
E05 indicates a wash arm diverter circuit fault at the main control board—the motor that switches water between upper and lower spray arms did not respond. Poor wash performance on one rack may precede E05 on AutoAir and PowerControl models.
How E05 is detected
When E05 appears on a Bosch dishwasher, the control board has confirmed that water did not leave the machine within the programmed drain window. On Bosch SHPM88Z75N, Bosch SHPM65Z55N, and similar variants, the drain pump runs for a fixed interval—often three to seven minutes on washers and dishwashers—while a pressure switch or turbidity sensor verifies the tub or sump is empty. If water remains, the cycle stops to prevent spin with a full tub or overflow on the next fill.
Most E05 calls are resolved without parts: reset breaker thirty seconds per bosch procedure. Restricted drain paths mimic pump failure because the impeller spins against a blocked hose or filter. Document whether the pump hums audibly during the drain step; a humming pump with no water movement points to a clogged filter or kinked hose, while silence may indicate a failed pump motor or loose wiring at the harness.
After clearing blockages, run a short cycle and listen at the drain hose for steady water flow. If E05 returns on the next load with a clean filter and straight hose, measure resistance at the pump motor connector per the service manual for your model before ordering a replacement pump assembly.
Common causes
- Diverter motor jammed by food debris in the sump
- Failed diverter motor windings
- Control board driver circuit for the diverter
- Loose wiring at the diverter plug under the tub
Step-by-step fixes
- 1Reset breaker thirty seconds per Bosch procedure
- 2Remove and clean the filter—check the sump area below for seeds or glass
- 3Run a Normal cycle and listen for a brief diverter click at cycle start
- 4Avoid PowerControl lower-rack-only programs until E05 clears
When to call a technician
E05 after filter cleaning and reset requires diverter motor or power module replacement inside the tub base.
Affected models
- Bosch SHPM88Z75N
- Bosch SHPM65Z55N
- Bosch SHX878ZD5N
Prevention & maintenance
- Clean drain filters and hose terminations monthly on high-use dishwashers to prevent E05 from lint and food debris buildup.
- Record when E05 appears in the cycle and whether it clears after a 60-second power reset on your Bosch dishwasher—that detail speeds diagnosis if you call service.
- Keep the model and serial number from the rating plate when ordering parts for E05; Bosch uses multiple revisions with different harness lengths and board firmware.
- Photograph wiring connector orientation before disconnecting any component while troubleshooting E05; reversed plugs on pumps and valves cause immediate repeat faults.