Question 1

the cycle time keeps adding hours, it said 2 hours left and now it says 3. why is it doing this on auto cycle?

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS This is normal operation for the Auto cycle. The dishwasher is using its AquaSensor to continuously monitor water turbidity and adjust the cycle length and temperature accordingly. FIX No fix is needed. The displayed time is an estimate. If the sensor detects heavily soiled water, it will add extra wash or rinse phases. The time display will count up to reflect this. Let the cycle complete. The total run time can vary from under 2 hours to over 4 hours based on soil level. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK If the cycle seems excessively long (e.g., over 5 hours) or gets stuck on one phase, perform a reset. Press and hold the Start button for at least 5 seconds to cancel. Then restart with a different cycle like Heavy to test. HEADS UP The Auto cycle's variable time is a feature, not a bug. For predictable cycle lengths, use a fixed program like 1 Hour Wash or Heavy. The Auto cycle is designed for efficiency, not speed.

Question 2

the control panel on my bosch 800 is completely dead, no lights, no display, nothing. checked the breaker and it's on.

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS A completely dead panel indicates a lack of power to the control unit. This points to the in-line fuse on the main control board or a wiring fault. FIX Disconnect power at the circuit breaker. Remove the lower kick plate. Locate the main control board (typically on the right side behind the panel). Visually inspect the small, clear 5-amp fuse on the board. If the metal filament inside is broken, the fuse is blown. Replace it with an identical 5-amp, 250-volt ceramic fuse. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK The issue may be at the power terminal block. With power OFF, check that the 120V line (black) and neutral (white) wires are securely connected to the terminal block at the bottom of the dishwasher. HEADS UP A blown fuse is usually a symptom, not the root cause. Common triggers are a power surge or a short in the control panel wiring. If the new fuse blows immediately, a professional diagnosis is required.

Question 3

my bosch dishwasher door won't stay closed, it just pops open an inch right after i latch it.

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS The door latch is not engaging. This is usually caused by an obstruction in the latch mechanism or misalignment of the door. FIX Inspect the latch hook on the door and the strike plate on the tub frame. Remove any food debris, broken plastic, or foreign objects with a flashlight and tweezers. Check the rubber door gasket for folds or displacement that might block closure. Clean all surfaces. Close the door firmly until you hear a distinct click. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK The door springs may be over-tensioned, pulling the door open. This requires a mechanical adjustment of the spring tension on the door hinges, which is a precise procedure outlined in the installation manual. HEADS UP Do not force the door closed. The latch mechanism contains a door switch that must engage for the dishwasher to run. Forcing it can damage the switch or the latch assembly.

Question 4

dishes are still wet and sometimes have a white film at the end of the cycle, especially on the top rack.

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS Incomplete drying and residue are linked. The most common cause is use of rinse aid in combination with the AutoDry door-opening feature being disabled or malfunctioning. FIX First, ensure the AutoDry function is active. The setting is controlled by the button with a fan icon. The indicator light should be ON. Second, confirm rinse aid dispenser is filled. Third, load dishes so water can sheet off; plastic items on the bottom rack block heat rise. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK The mineral content (hardness) of your water may be very high. The film is likely mineral deposits. Adjust the rinse aid dispenser setting to a higher number (more aggressive). If set to maximum (6) and problem persists, consider a water softener. HEADS UP The Extra Dry option only extends the fan time. It does not increase heat. For best drying, always use a rinse aid and ensure AutoDry is enabled to allow moist air to escape.

Question 5

i keep getting an e15 error code on my bosch 800. what does that mean and how do i clear it?

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS Error code E15 indicates a water leak has been detected. The leak sensor (float switch) in the base of the tub has been triggered. FIX Immediately cancel the cycle and disconnect power. Remove the bottom rack. Inspect the entire tub interior, door seal, and base for standing water. Use towels to dry everything thoroughly. Check the drain hose connection under the sink for tightness. Clear any debris from around the door gasket. After everything is dry, restore power. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK The leak sensor itself may be stuck in the triggered position. Locate the white plastic sensor housing in the base of the tub (under the filter). Gently press down on the float to ensure it moves freely and is not obstructed. HEADS UP The E15 code is a safety feature. The dishwasher will not operate until the sensor is dry and the error is cleared by a power cycle. Persistent E15 without visible water points to a sensor fault.

Question 6

the sanitize light never comes on at the end of a cycle on my shp78cm5n, even on the sanitize setting. is it broken?

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS The sanitize indicator illuminates only when the final rinse water reaches 162°F. Failure to light indicates the water did not reach that temperature. FIX Ensure you are using a cycle that includes sanitize, like Auto, Heavy, or Sanitize. Check your home's water heater setting. It must be set to at least 120°F to allow the dishwasher's booster heater to reach 162°F. Run a hot water tap near the dishwasher before starting a cycle to clear cool water from the line. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK The internal booster heater or its temperature sensor may be faulty. A diagnostic test cycle can check heater function, but this requires a specific button sequence detailed in the technical documentation. HEADS UP Using the Eco or Rinse Only cycles will not activate the sanitize function, regardless of water temperature. The light is designed not to illuminate on those cycles.

Question 7

why is my bosch dishwasher making a high-pitched humming or whining noise during the cycle? it's not the normal sound.

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS A high-pitched noise during wash cycles typically originates from the circulation pump. Debris or a worn pump impeller are the primary suspects. FIX First, check for a clog. Remove the lower spray arm and the filter assembly (the fine mesh and flat filters). Inspect the pump sump area underneath for glass, bone, or other debris. Clear any obstructions. Reassemble and run a test cycle. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK The circulation pump itself may be failing. Listen closely; if the noise is metallic and correlates directly with the pump's operation, the pump motor or impeller shaft is likely worn. HEADS UP Running the dishwasher with this noise can cause further damage. Avoid using heavy soil or sanitize cycles until the issue is resolved, as they run the pump at maximum speed.

Question 8

my bosch 800 series dishwasher just shows three dashes "---" on the display and won't start, what's that about?

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS The display is showing the default state or a communication error. The most common cause is a power interruption or a control board reset. FIX Perform a hard reset. Unplug the dishwasher from the wall outlet or turn off its dedicated circuit breaker for 5 minutes. Restore power. The display should show the time of day. If it does, reprogram the clock. The unit should now respond to commands. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK The control panel or main control board may have a fault. Check for any visible moisture behind the control panel. If present, dry thoroughly before attempting another reset. HEADS UP After any power outage, you must reset the clock. The dishwasher will not run until the clock is set, even if the display appears normal.

Bosch SHP78CM5N 800 Series Dishwasher

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