Bosch Dishwasher Error E14 – Flow Meter / Water Fill Error
The flow meter counted the wrong amount of incoming water, so the Bosch stopped filling to protect itself.
At a glance
Severity: Low
- Meaning
- Flow Meter / Water Fill Error
- System
- Bosch · Dishwasher
- Typical repair cost
- $0–$450
- DIY difficulty
- Moderate
Bosch describes E:14 as a flow meter failure or a problem with water flowing into the dishwasher. As the tub fills, a small turbine in the fill path spins and sends pulses to the control; the board converts those pulses into a volume and compares it with the time the fill valve has been open. Too few pulses (weak supply, clogged screen, stuck valve) or pulses when the valve should be closed (a valve that seeps, a sensor sending junk) both end in E:14. In US kitchens the supply side is the first suspect: a partly closed hot-water stop under the sink, a kinked braided line, or thread tape and debris lodged in the valve inlet after installation.
How it looks on the display
Model families & display variants
| Model family | Shows | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 100, 300 and 500 Series | E:14 | Shown on the display at the top of the door on fully integrated controls. |
| 800 Series and Benchmark | E:14 | Same code; some models also light a water-supply symbol. |
| Older Bosch models | E14 | Same meaning without the colon. |
Safety first · Consult a professional
Shut the hot-water stop under the sink and switch off the dishwasher's breaker before removing the toe kick; the fill valve and its wiring sit right next to the water connection.
- Unplug the appliance or switch off the breaker before opening any panel. Mains voltage can kill.
- Water and electricity: unplug first, keep towels ready and never stand in water while the appliance is connected.
Symptoms
- E:14 on the display shortly after a cycle starts
- No hiss of incoming water, or a weak trickling sound
- Error began right after the dishwasher was installed or the supply line replaced
- Faucet symbol or water-supply indicator lit on some models
- Occasionally the tub has more water than usual before the code appears
Possible causes
Ranked by how often each cause is behind this code (editorial estimate).
- Hot-water stop valve under the sink partly closed or corroded
- Inlet screen in the fill valve clogged with sediment or thread tape from installation
- Braided supply line kinked behind the unit when it was pushed in
- Flow meter in the fill path scaled up or its sensor connector loose
- Fill valve weak, stuck, or seeping when it should be closed
- House pressure outside the range in the installation instructions
Fix it step by step
Open the stop valve fully
Under the sink, turn the dishwasher's hot-water valve fully off, then fully on. Old multi-turn valves often stick partly closed and pass only a trickle.
Tools: Flashlight
Check the supply with a bucket
Close the valve, disconnect the braided line at the dishwasher end behind the toe kick, point it into a bucket and open the valve. You want a strong, steady stream; a gallon should fill in well under 30 seconds.
Tools: Towels & shallow pan, Screwdriver
Inspect the fill valve inlet
With the line off, look into the valve inlet with a flashlight. Bits of PTFE tape, pipe dope or sand sitting on the screen are common after installation and can be picked out carefully.
Tools: Flashlight, Pliers
Look for kinks and crushed lines
Pull the dishwasher forward a few inches and follow the supply line from the valve to the unit. Lines that run under the tub or around the leveling legs can be pinched flat.
Tools: Flashlight
Test the valve coil
With the breaker off, unplug the fill valve and measure across its terminals. A 120 V dishwasher valve usually reads roughly 500 to 1,500 ohms; an open reading means the valve needs replacing.
Tools: Multimeter, Screwdriver
Leave the flow meter to service
If the supply and valve check out, the flow meter or its wiring is the remaining suspect. It is built into the fill path inside the unit and is replaced by a technician.
How to reset E14
- Press and hold Start for about 3 seconds to cancel the cycle.
- Turn off the breaker for 30 seconds, then restore power.
- Start a new cycle and listen: water should rush in steadily within a few seconds.
Where the parts are
- 1Door lock
- 2Water inlet valve
- 3Filter
- 4Circulation pump
- 5Heating element
- 6Drain pump
- 7Float switch
- 8Temperature sensor
- 9Water level sensor
Repair options & costs
| Repair | DIY? | Estimated cost |
|---|---|---|
| Open valve, clear inlet screen, straighten line | Yes | $0–$10 |
| New braided supply line | Yes | $12–$30 |
| Replace under-sink stop valve (plumber) | No | $120–$250 |
| Replace fill valve | No | $180–$330 |
| Replace flow meter / water pocket assembly | No | $250–$450 |
Rough US estimates; technician call-out fees vary by region. Not a quote.
When to call a technician
Call Bosch service or an appliance technician when the supply line delivers a strong stream, the valve screen is clean and E:14 still returns. Bosch notes that a repeating E:14 points to an internal fault in the fill system, and the flow meter sits inside the unit.
Frequently asked questions
My new Bosch shows E14 on the first cycle. Did the installer mess up?
Often yes, in a small way: the stop valve was left partly closed, the line was kinked when the unit slid in, or tape and debris ended up in the valve inlet. Check those before assuming a defect.
Can I connect a Bosch to the cold water line to fix E14?
Bosch dishwashers in the US are designed for the hot-water supply, and switching lines doesn't solve a flow problem. Fix the restriction instead.
Does a whole-house filter or softener cause E14?
It can if a clogged cartridge drops the flow. Compare the stream at the kitchen faucet with and without the filter bypassed.
Is E14 the same as E15?
No. E:14 is about how water enters the unit; E:15 means water has reached the base pan. Both stop the cycle, but the fixes are different.
Sources
- Official Bosch user documentation and support pages (facts only; wording is our own)
- Methodology: How We Build Code Pages · Data Sources We Use · Editorial Policy