Bosch's operating instructions for the SHXM4AY55N give two things that behave like a control lock. The first is the protection against unintentional operation: after you set the dishwasher, the door has to be closed within 4 seconds of pressing Start, otherwise the operation pauses and the panel signals you to press Start again. This cannot be deactivated. The second is the child lock and Delay start, which the troubleshooting table lists as reasons a wash cycle cannot be selected: reset them, and if the previous cycle did not finish, reset the dishwasher by holding Start for at least three seconds.
Differential
Likely causes of “Bosch dishwasher controls are locked or buttons do not respond”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
The door was not closed within 4 seconds of Start
What separates it The operation pauses and a signal asks you to press Start again
How to confirm Close the door and press Start again within 4 seconds
- 2
Delay start or the child lock is active
What separates it You cannot select a wash cycle because Delay start or the child lock is active
How to confirm Clear Delay start; reset the dishwasher by holding Start for at least three seconds
- 3
The previous wash cycle did not finish
What separates it The dishwasher will not accept a new cycle selection
How to confirm Reset by pressing and holding Start for about three seconds until the display reads 0:01, wait a minute while it drains
- 4
The door was closed without selecting a wash cycle
What separates it The dishwasher does not start because the door was closed without selecting a wash cycle
How to confirm Select a wash cycle and close the door
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Whether the display shows a delay time or a lock symbol
- Whether the previous cycle finished before you started
- Whether the door was closed within 4 seconds of pressing Start
Try in this order
0 of 5 completedClose the door quickly
ReversibleAfter pressing Start, close the door within 4 seconds. The protection function pauses the operation otherwise and a signal advises you to press Start and close the door again.
Reset a stuck cycle
ReversiblePress and hold Start for approximately three seconds until the display reads 0:01, wait about a minute while the dishwasher drains, then press On/Off. You can then begin a new cycle.
Clear Delay start
ReversibleTo cancel Delay start press the Delay button until 0:00 is shown on the display and press Start to save.
Select a cycle before closing the door
ReversibleSelect a wash cycle and any options, press Start and close the door. The AUTO cycle is preset each time the dishwasher starts.
Check power
ReversibleIf the display does not light, check that the fuse has not blown or the breaker tripped and the door is closed and latched.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Protection against unintentional operation
- The function is intended to prevent unintentional operation, for example by children. It applies when you press Start to begin a cycle, set a delay and press Start, open the door while a delay is active or open the door during a wash cycle, and it cannot be deactivated. The Bosch manual notes that the door must be closed within 4 seconds each time.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit models SHE3AEM5N, SHE53B75UC, SHS43CF5N, SHP65CM5N, SHP865WD5N, SHP78CM5N, SHX78CM5N, SHV9PCM3N.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If the dishwasher will not accept a cycle after a reset and clearing Delay start, contact Bosch Customer Support on 1-800-944-2904
- !If the display never lights, check the fuse or breaker first
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Bosch's own list of dishwasher error codes with the fixes for E15, E18, E22, E24, E25 and E27.
Bosch's own owner-support articles for a dishwasher that will not drain, will not dry or smells.
Bosch's own specification sheet for this model.
Exact questions
Common questions
Why does the dishwasher pause after Start?+
The door was not closed within 4 seconds. Close it and press Start again.
Can I turn off the 4 second protection?+
No. Bosch says this function cannot be deactivated.
When does the protection apply?+
When pressing Start to begin a cycle, setting a delay time and pressing Start, opening the door while Delay time is active and opening the door during a cycle.
How do I reset the dishwasher?+
Hold Start for about three seconds until the display reads 0:01, wait about a minute while it drains, then press On/Off.
Can I change a cycle after Start?+
Not directly. Terminate the cycle with the reset first.
How do I cancel Delay start?+
Press Delay until 0:00 is shown and press Start to save.
Is the display lit with the door closed?+
On models with controls on the top of the door the display only lights when the door is open and the controls are visible.
What if a cycle is interrupted?+
Press On/Off; the wash cycle is saved. Close the door and press On/Off again to continue.