Bosch's troubleshooting table for the SHXM4AY55N gives two reasons for rattling or water striking the tub: dishes weren't loaded properly, allowing them to hit each other or the spray arms, and light dishes or lightly loaded racks that allow dishes to move or water sprays to strike the tub walls. The fixes are to load the dishes properly and to load more dishes or distribute them more evenly and securely. Bosch adds that items must not protrude through the bottom of the racks and block the spray arms, and that the upper rack must be pushed all the way in so the spray arm connects to the water supply.
Differential
Likely causes of “Bosch dishwasher makes grinding, humming, knocking or squealing noises”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
Dishes loaded so they hit each other or the spray arms
What separates it A clatter as the arms sweep past loose or nested items
How to confirm Load dishes properly with no nesting and clear movement for the arms
- 2
Light dishes or a lightly loaded rack
What separates it Plastics slide and water strikes the tub walls because of light dishes or a lightly loaded rack
How to confirm Load more dishes or distribute them more evenly and securely
- 3
Items protruding through the bottom of a rack
What separates it There is a knock as the spray arm turns because items protrude through the bottom of a rack
How to confirm Ensure items do not protrude through the bottom of the racks
- 4
The upper rack is not pushed fully in
What separates it The upper spray arm does not connect and noise or poor washing follows
How to confirm Push the rack until it stops against the back of the tub; do not push it using the door
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- The phase of the cycle when it is noisy
- Whether the racks were lightly or heavily loaded
- Whether items protrude below the racks
Try in this order
0 of 5 completedReload properly
ReversibleLoad dishes so the insides of bowls, pots and pans face the spray arms, avoid nesting and contact points and use care not to block the spray arm movement.
Secure light items
ReversibleLight dishes and lightly loaded racks let dishes move. Add more dishes or spread them evenly, and fold the cup shelves down to tilt cups.
Check protruding items
ReversibleEnsure items do not protrude through the bottom of the racks and block the spray arms. Spin the arms by hand to check.
Seat the upper rack
ReversibleWhen pushing the upper rack in, push it until it stops against the back of the tub so the upper rack spray arm connects to the water supply.
Mind the vent
ReversibleDo not block the vent hole with tall baking sheets; load those on the right side of the dishwasher.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Rack and loading notes
- The upper rack, third rack (on some models) and lower rack have flip tines that can be folded, and the cup shelves fold down to give cups an increased angle and reduce water pooling. Place large items in the lower rack, pots, pans and bowls upside down, and do not load paper products, plastic bags or packing materials.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit models SHE3AEM5N, SHE53B75UC, SHS43CF5N, SHP65CM5N, SHP865WD5N, SHP78CM5N, SHV9PCM3N.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If a scrape or grind continues with empty racks, contact Bosch Customer Support on 1-800-944-2904
- !If a code appears, use the error code table
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 do dishes rattle?+
They were not loaded properly or the load is too light and dishes move.
Can a blocked spray arm make noise?+
Yes. Items protruding through the rack bottom can block the spray arms.
How do I seat the upper rack?+
Push it until it stops against the back of the tub. Do not push racks in using the door.
Where do baking sheets go?+
On the right side of the lower rack so they do not block the vent hole.
Can I silence the end-of-cycle beep?+
Yes, set the cycle completion signal to 0 in the menu.
Are gurgles normal?+
Water noises are normal while the cycle runs; wait until they stop before opening the door.
Should I call for service for a rattle?+
Not until loading is corrected; then contact Bosch if it continues.