Bosch Dishwasher: indicator light on

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

If your Bosch dishwasher's indicator light is on or blinking, you may be experiencing a common issue. This could be due to low rinse aid or salt levels, an error condition, or a door latch fault. Understanding these symptoms can help you troubleshoot effectively.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Bosch Models

  • Bosch models use specific indicator lights (InfoLight, rinse aid, salt) and blinking patterns to signal errors; consult manual for model‑specific code meanings.

Possible Causes

Normal operational indicator (steady lights)

How to Identify: Light is steady and corresponds to a normal cycle indication (power, rinse aid, salt, wash stage without errors or functional problems.

Part: Control/display panel

Low rinse aid or salt level triggering indicator

How to Identify: Indicator light for rinse aid or salt is illuminated; refill rinse aid or salt resolves light.

Part: Rinse aid/salt indicator sensor

Error or fault condition indicated by blinking lights

How to Identify: Lights blink or flash in specific patterns or persist outside normal cycle, often accompanied by stall or no start; may correlate with error codes.

Part: Various (control board, sensors)

Door latch/sensor fault

How to Identify: Dishwasher won’t start, door appears closed but latch switch fails continuity; blinking light persists until door latch issue is fixed.

Part: Door latch/micro switch

DIY Solutions

Refill rinse aid and salt reservoirs

Easy 5–10 minutes
  1. Locate and open rinse aid compartment next to detergent dispenser
  2. Refill to appropriate level indicated in manual
  3. If equipped, refill dishwasher salt reservoir per manual instructions
  4. Close compartments and restart dishwasher
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure dishwasher is off when refilling to avoid splashing rinse aid

Reset dishwasher to clear temporary error

Easy 5 minutes
Tools Needed: None
  1. Turn off dishwasher power using control panel
  2. Unplug dishwasher or flip breaker controlling it for ~1 minute
  3. Restore power and attempt normal start
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power is fully off before resetting

Clean door latch area and check closure

Easy 10 minutes
Tools Needed: Soft cloth
  1. Open dishwasher door
  2. Inspect latch area for debris or obstruction
  3. Clean latch surface and door striker with cloth
  4. Close door firmly and ensure click engages
⚠️ Safety First: Do not force door closed

Professional Repairs

Replace door latch/micro switch assembly

Estimated Cost: $30–$80

Replace control board or display panel

Estimated Cost: $120–$350

When to Call a Professional

Indicator lights blink in error patterns and DIY resets fail
Dishwasher won’t start and door latch inspection and cleaning do not fix
Control panel unresponsive or erratic despite resets

Preventive Maintenance

  • Check rinse aid and salt levels regularly: Avoid rinse aid/salt indicator lights and maintains wash performance
    Frequency: monthly
  • Clean door latch area: Prevents misreads by latch sensor leading to false error lights
    Frequency: monthly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Bosch Dishwasher indicator light on?
The light may indicate low rinse aid, salt levels, an error condition, or a door latch issue.
How do I fix Bosch Dishwasher indicator light on myself?
Refill rinse aid and salt, reset the dishwasher, or clean the door latch area.
How much does it cost to fix indicator light on?
Replacing the door latch costs $30–$80, while a control board can range from $120–$350.
When should I call a technician for indicator light on?
If DIY solutions don't resolve the issue or if the problem persists, contact a technician.

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

75%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Flawed installation causing door not to shut properly
  • Blocked or clogged filter preventing proper operation
  • Faulty door latch or switch preventing the dishwasher from recognizing the door is closed

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Inspect the door latch and screws. Ensure the door closes properly by adjusting screws if needed. Test the door latch for proper function.

  2. Check and clean the dishwasher filter. Remove any debris or buildup that could block water flow.

  3. Test the door latch switch for continuity using a multimeter. Replace the switch if it is faulty.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. [Dishwasher] Bosch Serie 6 'Machine Care' light - How to ove...

Community Discussions

Machine Care light flashing

Flawed installation causing door not to shut properly; technician adjusted screws.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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