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Bosch 800 Series SHP78CM5N dishwasher troubleshooting
Bosch 800 Series SHP78CM5N dishwasher (SHP78CM5N): where the SHP78CM5N sits; how CrystalDry works; filter and spray arms; loading for results; rinse aid still matters; codes you may meet, and a fix for each symptom below.
- Where the SHP78CM5N sitsThe SHP78CM5N is a Bosch 800 Series dishwasher with CrystalDry zeolite drying, a third rack and a sound rating of about 42 dBA. It is Bosch's best-drying tier, and the zeolite drying is a mineral-based system, not the door-venting AutoAir used on other Bosch models.
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Which units this covers, and how to tell yours is one of them
- Model numbers and patterns
- SHP78CM5N
Published specification
What is true of this model and changes how you fix it
- Hardware — Bosch product page800 Series, CrystalDry zeolite drying (a mineral-based drying technology, distinct from AutoAir's door-open venting), approximately 42 dBA, 3rd rack.
- Drying — CrystalDry (zeolite)The 800 Series adds CrystalDry: natural zeolite minerals absorb moisture and convert it to heat (up to ~176°F), getting dishes including PLASTICS about 60% drier than plain condensation — Bosch's best drying, and it does dry plastics well, unlike the 100/300. Still no traditional exposed element.
- Rinse aid + quiet + 3rd rackRinse aid still helps; flexible 3rd rack with RackMatic; around 42 dBA (very quiet). A faint mineral smell early on can come from the zeolite and is normal.
- How CrystalDry worksNatural zeolite minerals absorb moisture and turn it into heat, up to about 176 degrees F, which dries dishes, including plastics, roughly 60 percent better than plain condensation. There is still no exposed heating element, and a faint mineral smell early in the machine's life is normal.
- Filter and spray armsCleaning problems on a Bosch almost always start at the manual filter at the tub floor, then the spray arms. A clogged filter starves the pump, and an arm that does not spin or has blocked nozzles leaves part of the load dirty.
- Loading for resultsThe flexible third rack with RackMatic suits flatware and long utensils. Tall items on the lower rack can block the middle arm, and an overloaded upper rack stops water reaching dishes below it.
- Rinse aid still mattersRinse aid is what lets water sheet off dishes so they dry. A tank that is empty gives wet dishes even on a drying system as strong as CrystalDry.
- Codes you may meetBosch uses E codes for faults. E24 points at a drain restriction, E25 at the drain pump and E15 at water in the base, which also triggers the Aquastop protection; note the code before you disconnect power.
- Finding the model numberThe data plate is on the inside edge of the door and shows the model and the FD number. Bosch service asks for both.
- Dishwasher salt and hard waterIf your water is hard, the machine's built-in softener needs dishwasher salt in its reservoir, and the salt level is shown by an indicator. Without salt, limescale builds on the glasses and the heating parts, and the cloudy film that results is often mistaken for a cleaning fault.
- Between cyclesLeave the door slightly ajar after a cycle on a model without an auto-open feature, so that the tub dries. A closed, damp tub invites a stale smell, which a hot cleaning cycle with a dishwasher cleaner removes.
Where these figures were read. bosch-home.com/us/en/product/SHP78CM5N (Bosch SHP78CM5N product page)
Manufacturer support for this product line. Bosch Home Appliances — Owner support. Official Bosch appliance manuals, error-code help, cleaning and service entry point.
Also read for this model. Bosch Support — Bosch dishwasher support.
Exact questions
Questions that only have an answer for the Bosch 800 Series SHP78CM5N dishwasher
Do plastics dry in a Bosch 800 dishwasher?+
Yes — much better than the 100/300/500. The 800 Series has CrystalDry, which uses zeolite minerals to turn absorbed moisture into heat, drying even plastics roughly 60% better than plain Bosch condensation. If plastics are still damp, refill and raise the rinse-aid dosage and make sure the CrystalDry option is selected on the cycle. It is the best drying Bosch offers short of the Benchmark.
Do plastics dry in a Bosch 800 dishwasher?+
Yes, much better than the 100, 300 and 500 series, because CrystalDry turns absorbed moisture into heat.
Why is there a mineral smell?+
A faint smell from the zeolite early on is normal.
What does E24 mean?+
A drain restriction; check the filter, hose and air gap.
Where is the model plate?+
On the inside edge of the door.