Bosch · Dryer
Bosch Dryer E15 Error Code
Condensate collection tank full
What this error means
E15 on Bosch condenser dryers with a removable tank means the condensate reservoir is full—the machine stops to prevent overflow. On plumbed installs, E15 can also appear when condensate cannot reach the drain despite an empty tank symbol.
How E15 is detected
When E15 appears on a Bosch dryer, the control board has confirmed that water did not leave the machine within the programmed drain window. On Bosch WTG86401UC, Bosch WTG865H4UC, 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 E15 calls are resolved without parts: pull the condensate drawer from the upper panel and empty it at a sink. 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 E15 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
- Condensate tank not emptied after several cycles
- Tank seated incorrectly on the drawer rails
- Plumbed drain hose looped too high blocking gravity flow
- Float switch stuck in the tank housing
Step-by-step fixes
- 1Pull the condensate drawer from the upper panel and empty it at a sink
- 2Rinse the tank, dry the float area, and reseat until it clicks
- 3On plumbed models, verify the drain hose has no loop above one meter
- 4Run a short timed cycle and watch whether water enters the tank or wall drain
When to call a technician
E15 with an empty, well-seated tank on a plumbed install may need condensate pump or float switch service.
Affected models
- Bosch WTG86401UC
- Bosch WTG865H4UC
- Bosch WQB245B0UC
Prevention & maintenance
- Clean drain filters and hose terminations monthly on high-use dryers to prevent E15 from lint and food debris buildup.
- Record when E15 appears in the cycle and whether it clears after a 60-second power reset on your Bosch dryer—that detail speeds diagnosis if you call service.
- Keep the model and serial number from the rating plate when ordering parts for E15; Bosch uses multiple revisions with different harness lengths and board firmware.
- Photograph wiring connector orientation before disconnecting any component while troubleshooting E15; reversed plugs on pumps and valves cause immediate repeat faults.