On the covered Bosch dishwasher platform, E19, E6900 means there is a detergent dispenser solenoid circuit fault/error. First, check the dispenser door opens freely and is not blocked by tablets or residue. A pinched harness near the door or a connector that has worked loose stops the solenoid receiving its signal.
Differential
Likely causes of “Bosch dishwasher code E19, E6900”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
A loose or damaged wire to the dispenser
What separates it E19 appears at the start of the wash when the dispenser should open
How to confirm A pinched harness near the door or a connector that has worked loose stops the solenoid receiving its signal
- 2
A failed dispenser solenoid
What separates it The code repeats on every cycle and the dispenser door never pops open
How to confirm The solenoid sits inside the detergent dispenser unit, which is replaced as one part
- 3
The control module
What separates it The wiring tests sound and a new dispenser still shows the code
How to confirm A service technician confirms the module; it is the last suspect, not the first
Try in this order
0 of 7 completedWhat to do first
ReversibleCheck the dispenser door opens freely and is not blocked by tablets or residue.
Correct only the documented fault domain
ReversibleBosch's documented step: reset power at the breaker for 30 seconds; if it does not clear, Bosch directs calling Bosch Customer Support.
Cut the power for 30 seconds
ReversibleSwitch the dishwasher's circuit breaker off for 30 seconds, turn it on and run a short cycle. Bosch lists this first because a one-time glitch clears.
Watch the dispenser open
ReversibleStart a cycle with the door just latched and listen for the click of the dispenser opening. No click with E19 pointing to the same place says the solenoid is not firing.
Book service for the dispenser
ReversibleIf the code returns, the dispenser unit with its solenoid is the usual replacement.
Check that the dispenser door can open
ReversibleOpen the dishwasher and look at the detergent dispenser door. A door glued shut by dried detergent or a tablet wedged in the compartment stops the solenoid pushing it open and can produce the code even when the solenoid is healthy.
Run a hot rinse
ReversibleWipe the dispenser dry, close the door and run a short rinse without detergent. If the code does not return, the cause was a stuck door. If it returns at the moment the dispenser should open, the solenoid circuit is at fault.
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Exact questions
Common questions
What does E19, E6900 mean on a Bosch dishwasher?+
There is a detergent dispenser solenoid circuit fault/error.
What does the dispenser solenoid do?+
It is a small electromagnet that pops open the detergent door at the right moment in the wash. If the circuit is open or shorted, the control cannot confirm that it fired and reports E19 or E6900.
Will the dishwasher still wash?+
It may run with the detergent door staying shut, so the dishes come out unwashed, or it may stop early with the code.
Can I use a gel or a tablet instead?+
Tablets can wedge in the dispenser, so loose powder or a tablet placed in the tub is a good test of whether the dispenser is the problem.
Is the fix expensive?+
The dispenser module is a modest part, though labor and the model number matter, so give your Bosch E-number to the service company.