Error E24 on a Bosch dishwasher is not a death sentence for the most important household appliances in any modern home. And although normal functioning with such a defect is no longer possible, there is no reason to panic. We just need to put into practice some of the knowledge that the experience of other owners of such units gives us.
How is the E24 code deciphered?
It is possible to understand what is being said even if the instructions for the washing mashine are lost and forgotten (and this happens very often). Decoding the E24 code is simple - there are problems with draining. And there are not too many options here, the simplest of which is a kinked or clogged drain hose. But it is possible that the problem is more serious, and then you will have to tinker.
Reasons for error E24
In the operating instructions for the Bosch dishwasher (PMM) the manufacturer indicated that in this case it would be enough to correct the hose or get rid of the blockage in this hose for everything to return to normal. But not everything is so rosy. We know from experience that such advice is useless. And where does the bend suddenly come from if the owner cannot get to the PMM hoses? Error E24 appears on the display immediately after starting any program, that is, at a time when the system is not yet filled with water, not to mention the drain, which is far away.
Therefore, it is logical to assume that this error occurs for completely different reasons, namely due to a defect in a sensor, a failure of the drain pump, or a serious error in the software block.
How to troubleshoot E24?
The manufacturer has clearly determined that the occurrence of this error indicates problems with the drain, which means, first of all, you need to deal with it specifically.
In the instructions for the machine or freely available on specialized websites, you can easily figure out how to clean the drain filter. If you remove all unnecessary technical details, the process looks like this:
- You need to find a filter at the bottom of the washing hopper.
- Next, carefully unscrew the lid.
- Using a special cable or spiral, clean the drain hose.
- After this, you need to remove the plug covering the drain pump gear.
- The next step is to remove and remove all debris: remaining powder and food waste, splinters, etc.
A blockage in the system may also appear in the place where the drain hose connects to the sewer outlet. So you will have to examine this area as well.
It is also possible that the pump itself becomes clogged, which also leads to the pumping of water stopping, after which error E24 appears on the display. Finding the pump will be a little more difficult: you first need to turn the PMM over so that the bottom is on top, dismantle the panels on the back and sides, unscrew the bar in front to which the bottom is attached, and remove it. After all this, an impressive plastic case with outlets for pipes will become visible - this is a flow-through water heater. There is a pump attached to the side of it, which needs to be turned slightly clockwise and pulled slightly.
And it is important not to forget to disconnect sensors and electrical wiring from all parts in advance!
Now you need to carefully inspect the pump blades - debris often gets on them. After inspecting and cleaning the entire system, you can reassemble all parts and pieces of the machine in reverse order and activate a test run.
If the error goes away, the problem is solved. If not, then it’s time to try some more methods, namely:
- blowing the drain hose with a washing vacuum cleaner;
- cleaning the rotor and the walls of the bushing, followed by lubricating it from the inside;
- turning the machine on and off repeatedly.
When it's time to call a professional
Expert opinion is that attempts to reset the error are generally inappropriate. In essence, this removes the symptoms of the problem, but the cause of the defect does not disappear. If the E24 code disappears, then this only leads to the fact that the machine begins to work at the limit of its capabilities, and the inevitable result of this attitude towards it is final breakdown. And then there is only one way out - calling a specialist or going to a service center.
How to temporarily remove error E24
But it is quite possible to completely bypass the E24 error and at least finish the wash that has already begun - if the cause of the code was a worn-out circulation pump. To do this, you just need to open and close the door of the PMM at the moment when the serviceability is tested and the water remaining from the previous wash is drained, that is, at the very beginning of the program before the water arrives for a new wash. To reset the error, this must be done during silence, at the very end of the first stage of testing (starting the drain pump, followed by the circulation pump), but before the second stage begins. The machine then stops testing and begins drawing water.
But this is only a temporary way out of the situation, a kind of deception of Bosch electronics, which does not eliminate the need for repairs. The real problem will not solve itself.Sooner or later there will come a time when this trick will no longer work, because a critically worn circulation pump will make itself felt.
Summing up
There are a number of methods for overcoming problems and even deceiving equipment when the dishwasher starts showing code E24. It is better to avoid advice from supposed “experts” and follow the instructions of real professionals. Eliminating a defect is always better than simply resetting the error, because only then will the machine work properly for a long time.