What E18 means on your Bosch washer
Error code E18 is one of the most common Bosch washer codes. It means the drain pump has been running but hasn’t emptied the drum within the expected time limit. The board expects the drum to be empty within a few minutes of starting the drain cycle. If water remains, E18 is triggered and the cycle stops.
Symptoms
- Water remains in the drum after the cycle stops
- The washer won’t spin because it can’t drain first
- Clothes come out soaking wet
- E18 appears during the drain phase before the spin cycle
Common causes
- Clogged coin trap filter — this is the cause in the majority of E18 cases. The filter catches coins, buttons, hair ties, and other small objects. Located at the front lower-right of most Bosch washers behind a small panel.
- Kinked drain hose — the flexible drain hose is pinched behind or under the washer
- Blocked standpipe or trap — the plumbing the washer drains into is clogged
- Failed drain pump — the pump motor burns out or the impeller is damaged
Troubleshooting steps you can try
- Clean the coin trap — locate the access panel at the front lower-right. Place towels and a shallow pan below it. Open the small drain hose first to release water slowly, then unscrew the filter cap and remove any debris. This resolves E18 in most cases.
- Check the drain hose — pull the washer out slightly and verify the hose isn’t kinked. Check the standpipe or sink connection for clogs.
- Run a Drain/Spin cycle — after cleaning the filter, select Drain/Spin to test.
When to call a technician
If cleaning the coin trap and checking the hose doesn’t resolve E18, the drain pump may need replacement. A technician can also check for blockages in the internal drain path between the tub and pump. Bosch recommends cleaning the coin trap monthly to prevent E18. Codes may vary by model generation and series.
Need help? Schedule Bosch Washer repair with a certified technician, or contact our team for a free diagnosis consultation.
