How to Fix the Bosch Washing Machine E18 Error Code

ID: 218144

Description: [youtubevideo|qYjn8xnW3Pc]The E18 code on a...

Steps:

  1. Read the E18 code as a drainage fault, usually caused by a blocked drain pump filter.
  2. Remove the wet laundry if the door is already unlocked.
  3. Don't force a locked door, because trapped water can keep the door locked until the washer drains.
  4. Unplug the washer before working near the drain pump to avoid electric shock.
  5. Turn off the power supply cold water feed before opening the drain pump filter area.
  6. Find the small plastic access panel at the lower-right front corner of the washer.
  7. Press the top clip down and pull the panel off.
  8. Place a small tray below the drain hose.
  9. Pull the drain hose out a little, unclip the small cap, and let the water drain into the tray.
  10. This hose removes most of the water from the pump filter housing, but water may still spill when the filter opens.
  11. Refit the cap securely after the hose stops draining.
  12. Push the capped hose back into the access area.
  13. Leaving the cap loose will dump water onto the floor during the next wash.
  14. Place the small tray under the pump filter opening.
  15. Turn the filter counterclockwise slowly until water begins draining.
  16. Don't fully remove the filter while water is flowing.
  17. Tighten the filter if the tray fills too fast.
  18. Empty the tray and loosen the filter again until the water stops flowing.
  19. Lay a towel on the floor in front of the filter.
  20. Turn the filter counterclockwise slowly and pull it out.
  21. Listen and feel for loose objects in the filter housing.
  22. Remove coins, hair clips, and any other blockage from the filter and the opening.
  23. Look inside the opening to make sure nothing else is stuck inside.
  24. Use a flat-blade screwdriver to gently turn the small pump impeller inside the filter opening.
  25. The impeller should turn freely.
  26. Stop using the washer if the impeller is jammed, damaged, or making unusual noise after the blockage is cleared.
  27. Inspect the pump filter.
  28. Leave the filter as is if it is clean and in good condition.
  29. Rinse a gunky or dirty filter under hot water until the debris is gone.
  30. Insert the pump filter into the housing.
  31. Turn the filter clockwise until it locks with the handle in the upright position.
  32. Leave the front access panel off for the first test wash so you can check the filter for leaks.
  33. Turn the cold water feed back on slowly.
  34. Dry your hands completely.
  35. Plug the washer back in or switch the plug socket on.
  36. Don't touch the plug, socket, or control panel with wet fingers.
  37. Load the washer, close the door, and start a short cycle.
  38. Use a short program such as a Super Quick 30 minute wash if the washer has one.
  39. Watch the open filter area while the machine starts and drains.
  40. Stop the cycle and turn the power off if water leaks from the filter.
  41. Confirm there are no leaks around the pump filter.
  42. Clip the lower front access panel back into place.
  43. Stop the cycle and clean the filter right away if you hear unusual noise near the pump filter.
  44. Check the drain hose for a blockage if the filter is clear and the E18 code stays.
  45. Check the sink U-bend or waste connection for a blockage.
  46. The pump may need service if the filter, drain hose, and U-bend are clear but the washer still won't drain.
  47. Check pockets before each wash, because coins and hair clips commonly block the filter.
  48. Clean the pump filter about once a year to keep drainage working well.
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