Exact model-family answer directory
Bosch 800 Series SHX78CM5N dishwasher troubleshooting
Bosch 800 Series SHX78CM5N dishwasher (SHX78CM5N): where the SHX78CM5N sits; why it is so quiet; what sounds are normal; what sounds are not; drain path; drying, and a fix for each symptom below.
- Where the SHX78CM5N sitsThe SHX78CM5N is on the same Bosch 800 Series platform as the SHP78CM5N, with CrystalDry zeolite drying and a third rack. The SHX version is Bosch's fully integrated-control style, where the panel sits on the top edge of the door.
Confirm the model first
Which units this covers, and how to tell yours is one of them
- Model numbers and patterns
- SHX78CM5N
Published specification
What is true of this model and changes how you fix it
- Hardware — Bosch product page800 Series, CrystalDry zeolite drying, 3rd rack — same 800-series platform as the SHP78CM5N.
- Drying — CrystalDry (zeolite)CrystalDry uses zeolite minerals to convert moisture to heat, drying plastics ~60% better than plain condensation — Bosch's best drying. No traditional exposed element.
- Rinse aid + quiet + 3rd rackRinse aid still helps; flexible 3rd rack; around 42 dBA. A faint mineral smell from the zeolite early on is normal.
- Why it is so quietAt about 42 dBA the machine is very quiet, so a sound that would be lost in an older dishwasher stands out. Many owners check the time on the floor display or the door to confirm it is running.
- What sounds are normalA soft hum, the click of the diverter, water rushing in the arms and a gurgle as the pump empties are all normal. A mineral smell from the zeolite early on is also normal.
- What sounds are notA rattle from a loose item or a rack, a scrape from an arm hitting a tall dish, a grinding from the pump when debris is in the sump and a loud hum with no water movement are not normal.
- Drain pathIf the dishwasher will not drain, clean the filter first, then check the hose, the air gap if one is fitted and, after a new disposer, whether the knockout plug was removed.
- DryingCrystalDry converts moisture to heat; rinse aid still helps. A tank that is empty leaves dishes wet.
- Finding the model numberThe data plate on the inside edge of the door carries the model and the FD number.
- A quiet machine can hide a faultBecause the SHX78CM5N is so quiet, a dishwasher that has stopped can be mistaken for one that is running. Check the time remaining on the door or the floor light before you open it, and if the display shows a code, note it rather than switching off at once.
- The integrated panelWith the controls on the top edge of the door, the panel is hidden when the door is shut. The status lights and a time display on the floor show progress, and the full display is read with the door open.
Where these figures were read. bosch-home.com/us/en/product/SHX78CM5N (Bosch SHX78CM5N 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 SHX78CM5N dishwasher
My Bosch 800 dishwasher won't drain.+
Clean the filter first — a clogged manual filter is the top cause. Then check the drain hose is not kinked, the air gap (if fitted at the sink) is clear, and — if a garbage disposer was recently installed — that the disposer's knockout plug was removed, which is a very common cause of a dishwasher that suddenly will not drain after new plumbing. A small amount of clean water in the filter well is normal and not a drain fault.
Why can I not hear my Bosch 800 running?+
It is very quiet by design; check the time display or the floor light.
What if it will not drain?+
Clean the filter, then check the hose and air gap.
Is a faint mineral smell normal?+
Yes, early on.
Where is the model plate?+
Inside the door edge.