If the Bosch SHXM4AY55N does not fill, Bosch's manual and error-code page point at the water supply. Error code E:18 means there is an issue with water flow into the dishwasher: the water level is too low or water is not being pumped correctly. Check that the supply hose is not kinked or damaged, that the water supply is turned on and that the supply line is not clogged; Bosch quotes a flow rate of 10 liters a minute. The troubleshooting table also lists a previous cycle not completed or interrupted, Delay start or the child lock, and the supply turned off as reasons for no filling.
Differential
Likely causes of “Bosch dishwasher will not fill with water”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
A kinked or damaged supply hose
What separates it E:18 is lit and water barely enters because of a kinked or damaged supply hose
How to confirm Install the supply hose without kinks, and open the water supply
- 2
The water supply is turned off or the line is clogged
What separates it No water enters and the display asks to check the water supply
How to confirm Turn on the water supply and unclog the line
- 3
The previous wash cycle was not completed or was interrupted
What separates it The dishwasher waits and does not fill because the previous wash cycle was not completed or was interrupted
How to confirm Reset the dishwasher by holding Start for about three seconds
- 4
Delay start or the child lock is active
What separates it The dishwasher does not begin the cycle because Delay start or the child lock is active
How to confirm Clear Delay start and check the lock, then start again
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Whether E:18 or another code shows
- Whether the supply hose is kinked and the tap is fully open
- Whether Delay start is active on the display
Try in this order
0 of 5 completedRead the code
ReversibleE:18 means water flow into the dishwasher is a problem: the level is too low or water is not being pumped correctly.
Check the hose
ReversibleCheck the inlet hose is not kinked or damaged and install the supply hose without kinks.
Turn on the water
ReversibleMake sure the water supply is turned on fully. The manual's start step is to turn the water supply on fully before pressing On/Off.
Check the line
ReversibleIf the supply line is clogged, unclog it. Bosch notes the water flow rate should be 10 liters a minute.
Reset and restart
ReversiblePress On/Off, select a cycle, press Start and close the door within 4 seconds. If a cycle was interrupted, reset by holding Start for about three seconds.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Start-up
- Turn the water supply on fully, press On/Off, and the AUTO wash cycle is preset each time the dishwasher starts; it stays selected if no other cycle button is pressed. Select any option, press Start and close the door within 4 seconds. The AquaSensor and EcoSense adjust the water usage automatically.
- Parts for this problem on the SHXM4AY55N (RepairClinic, 2026-09-21)
- gasket-float bowl, part number 281165S, at $5.86; tecumseh fuel line clamp., part number 26460, at $1.75.
- 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 E:18 returns with a clear supply hose and an open tap, turn off the tap, pull out the power plug and call customer service with the code
- !If a different code between E:01 and E:30 shows, note it and call Bosch Customer Support on 1-800-944-2904
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.
Parts and list prices as shown on RepairClinic's parts search for this model number on 2026-09-21.
Exact questions
Common questions
What flow rate is needed?+
Bosch's error-code page gives 10 liters per minute.
Does an interrupted cycle stop filling?+
Yes, the previous cycle not being completed can prevent the next one filling.
Can the child lock stop it?+
Yes, Delay start or the child lock can stop a cycle selection and start.
What if the tap is closed?+
The dishwasher will not fill and the display can show the check water supply message.
What if the hose is kinked at the back?+
Pull the dishwasher forward carefully or have it reinstalled so the hose is not kinked.