A Bosch 300 Series dishwasher, the SHS43CF5N, that stops in the middle of a cycle, with the lights on or off and the dishes still wet, is usually waiting, protecting itself or interrupted, and the cause is among a few things. First look at the display or the lights. Bosch's dishwashers show a fault by a flashing light or a code; if one shows, note it. The commonest cause is the door: if it was opened, or did not latch fully, the cycle pauses, and it resumes when the door is closed and Start is pressed.
The checks in more detail
Check that nothing blocks the door, that the latch clicks and that the door is not bent by an item sticking out of the rack. A pause also happens if the control senses no water or too much. Water is the next check. If the dishwasher does not fill, it stops, so check that the water supply valve under the sink is open and that the inlet screen is not clogged with grit. If it does not drain, it stops, and it may flash a code for drain trouble;
check that the filter is clean, since the filter at the bottom collects food, and clean it, and that the drain hose is not kinked and the air gap or the sink connection is clear. A garbage disposal that was just installed may have its knockout plug in place, which blocks the drain, and is a classic cause. Run the disposal to clear it. Power interruptions also stop a cycle. A tripped breaker, a power cut or a loose connection pauses it, and it may resume on its own.
A cycle that stops with a hum may have a blocked spray arm or a pump problem. Press Start for a few seconds to resume; if it will not, reset by switching off the breaker for a minute. A leak sensor, if it detects water in the base, stops the cycle and may lock the door; check for a leak. If the dishwasher stops regularly at the same point, note when and contact Bosch with the model and serial number, since a failing pump, heater or control may be the cause. Run a rinse or cleaning cycle monthly to prevent clogs.
Differential
Likely causes of “Bosch 300 Series SHS43CF5N dishwasher stops or pauses mid-cycle”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
The door opened or not latched
What separates it The cycle pauses
How to confirm Close the door firmly and press Start
- 2
No water or a clogged inlet screen
What separates it The dishwasher does not fill
How to confirm Open the valve and clean the screen
- 3
A clogged filter or drain
What separates it A drain code and a stop
How to confirm Clean the filter and clear the drain
- 4
A disposal knockout plug
What separates it A new disposal blocks the drain
How to confirm Remove the plug
- 5
A power interruption
What separates it The cycle stops partway
How to confirm Reset at the breaker
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Any code or flashing light
- When in the cycle it stops
- Whether the door latches
- Whether water is in the base
Try in this order
0 of 6 completedRead any code
ReversibleOr flashing light.
Close the door firmly
ReversibleAnd press Start.
Check water supply
ReversibleAnd the inlet screen.
Clean the filter
ReversibleAnd check the drain.
Check the disposal
ReversibleFor a knockout plug.
Reset at the breaker
ReversibleIf needed.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Door
- An open door pauses the cycle.
- Filter
- A clogged filter stops draining.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If it stops at the same point repeatedly, contact Bosch with the model and serial number
- !Check for a leak
- !Clean the filter monthly
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Exact questions
Common questions
Why does my Bosch stop mid-cycle?+
The door, water or drain.
Could the disposal cause it?+
A new one with its plug in place can.
Does a power cut stop it?+
Yes.
When do I call Bosch?+
If it stops at the same point every time.