Error E14 on a Bosch dishwasher

Common error E14 prevents your Bosch dishwasher from working. "Home Assistant" freezes a short time after the cycle starts. Let's figure out what causes this fault code, how to fix the problem, what tools and components will be needed during the repair.

Probable cause of the problem

Modern Bosch dishwashers are equipped with a smart self-diagnosis system. If a malfunction occurs, the PMM immediately records the failure and notifies the user about it. Error E14, the dishwasher informs you that the water flow sensor has failed. This element acts as a pressure switch and is installed on devices with flow-through heating elements.

Also, the cause of the error may be an open circuit in the “flow sensor – control module” circuit. Therefore, you will have to check the wiring and integrity of the connections. Another error code may indicate:

• lack of pressure in the system (or, conversely, its excess);
• breakage of the intake valve;
• Damage to the control board.

If error E14 occurs, you will have to check the water flow sensor that supplies its wiring, the intake valve and the electronic control module.

In 90% of cases, this error code is caused by a broken flow sensor. Therefore, the flow meter of the Bosch dishwasher is checked first. We'll tell you how to diagnose and, if necessary, replace the element.

Checking and replacing the flow sensor

Most modern Bosch dishwashers, instead of the usual pressure switch or along with it, are equipped with flow meters. The purpose of the flow sensor is to record the amount of water collected, and also to determine at what pressure the liquid enters the machine. If the pressure is small, or, on the contrary, too strong, the “brain” can also generate error E14.

The flow meter is a plastic part, inside of which there are:

• propeller;
• magnet;
• reed switch (this is a glass bulb with contacts hidden inside).

The operating principle of the flow meter is quite simple. Water passes through the element, the propeller begins to rotate, bringing the magnet to the reed switch. Due to the pulse circuit, the control module sees how much water is poured into the machine and records its volume.

The flow meter protects the dishwasher from water overflow.

For diagnostics, it is not necessary to remove the flow sensor from the dishwasher. It is enough to turn off the power to the machine, disconnect it from communications and remove the side wall of the case. The flow meter is very easy to detect - it is a fairly large plastic part connected by a pipe to the fill valve.

To check the flow sensor you will need a multimeter. The tester must be switched to continuity mode, and then its probes must be applied to the contacts of the part. In this case, the measuring device should display an infinity sign.

Next, you need to bring the magnet to the flow meter. After this, readings should appear on the multimeter screen. In this case, the sensor is working. If the tester still displays an infinity sign, we can talk about a broken part.

To reset the error, you will have to replace the sensor. You can buy a new flow meter in a specialized store or order it online. When choosing components, pay attention to the model and serial number of the Bosch PMM.

Sometimes a working flow meter detects too weak or, conversely, too much water pressure. In such a situation, for safety reasons, the “brain” stops the dishwasher, displaying an error code on the display.Therefore, it is worth checking whether the pressure in the water supply system is normal.

Solving the problem with the valve

Sometimes the problem may not be the flow sensor, but the lack of water supply to the system. This can be caused by a squashed inlet hose, a clogged strainer, or a broken inlet valve. You will have to check every element.

The easiest way to inspect the inlet hose of a Bosch dishwasher. Make sure it is not kinked or crushed by a foreign object. Also feel it for blockages.

Next, check the strainer. It is located at the entrance to the dishwasher, at the connection point of the inlet hose. The mesh becomes clogged with debris, becomes covered with limescale and scale, and therefore stops letting water through. Clean the element and put it back.

Finally, the intake valve is checked. To diagnose it, you will need a special device - a multimeter. To get to the element, you will have to partially disassemble the body of the Bosch dishwasher, so have a screwdriver ready.

What to do next? The instructions will be as follows:

• turn off the power to the dishwasher;
• turn off the water supply to the machine;
• disconnect the device from communications;
• move the PMM to a place where it will be convenient to work with it;
• remove the right side panel of the PMM body by unscrewing the bolts securing it;
• find the solenoid valve.

The inlet valve is located at the bottom of the Bosch dishwasher.

Diagnosis of the element is performed with a multimeter. The tester probes must be applied to the contacts of the part. A working intake valve should produce a resistance of 500 to 1500 ohms.

If the arrow on the multimeter display does not move, we can talk about a broken coil. The solenoid valve cannot be repaired and will need to be replaced.Accessories are purchased for a specific model of Bosch dishwasher. It is recommended to buy original spare parts, not analogues.

Take a photograph of the wiring connection diagram to the valve, and then remove the faulty element. Next, fix the new part in place, connect the pipes and wires to it. Then put back the wall of the PMM housing and run a test wash. If the problem was a malfunction of the solenoid valve, then you will be able to reset the error.

The control board does not see the flow meter

If neither the flow sensor nor the inlet valve is at fault, you will have to check the electronic unit of the dishwasher. Few people can diagnose the control module, let alone repair it. Therefore, in this case, it is better to contact the service center specialists.

The control module is the “brain” of the dishwasher. The electronic unit itself is small in size, but it consists of many tracks, microcircuits, and semiconductors. Usually, not the entire board breaks, but only some area on it. Sometimes you can detect a defect just by looking at the microcontroller. What to do in such a situation?

To inspect the control module of a Bosch dishwasher, you must:

• de-energize the equipment;
• disconnect the machine from the sewerage and water supply;
• open the dishwasher door wide;
• Unscrew the screws located on the inside of the door and on the sides;
• remove the upper part of the PMM door.

The electronic unit is located inside the door. There is no need to disconnect the wiring and remove the board from the machine. It is enough to simply inspect the module for burns, swelling, and rust. If visually everything is in order, you should invite a technician to diagnose.

When the dishwasher is under warranty, you should not even try to find the cause of the problem yourself. It is better to immediately submit the PMM for diagnostics. Service center specialists will check the device and repair the equipment free of charge.

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