Step-by-Step DIY Fix Guide
- SAFETY: Put the machine into standby mode (hold Power button until display turns off).
- Remove the i-DOS detergent cartridge from the drawer.
- Run warm water through the dosing channel inlet to dissolve any crystallized detergent.
- Use a soft brush to clean the cartridge connector and channel opening.
- Reinstall the cartridge, power the machine back on, and run a test cycle.
- If the error reappears, temporarily deactivate the i-DOS system manually — refer to your owner's manual for the deactivation procedure.
- If E10 persists after cleaning and deactivation, call Bosch Customer Support.
If the warning comes back after restart
- If the door closes normally but the warning keeps returning, the latch or switch path becomes more likely than a simple alignment issue.
- If airflow still seems weak after the basic checks, the fan path or a deeper obstruction becomes more likely.
- If the warning returns immediately after a clean restart, the sensor or wiring path becomes more likely than a one-time glitch.
What This Error Means
E:10 on your Bosch washing machine means: The pump for the automatic detergent dosing system (i-DOS) is blocked and cannot dispense detergent or softener. Appears on models with i-DOS feature. The machine detects this condition via its sensors and stops the current cycle to prevent further damage. The error will remain until the underlying cause is resolved.
The most frequent cause is dried or crystallized detergent blocking the dosing pump tube. Work through the causes listed below in order — the first cause is the most likely and the most straightforward to check.
Many cases of E:10 can be resolved with DIY troubleshooting. Follow the steps below — if the error persists after all steps, a technician will be needed. The guide below specifies clearly at which point to escalate.
The most visible symptom is standing water in the drum at the end of a cycle. Do not run another cycle until the blockage is cleared — standing water stresses the door seal and pump motor.
What users usually notice before this code
Bosch washing-machine warnings like this often appear after a fill problem, a drain slowdown, a badly balanced load, or a startup sequence that did not settle cleanly.
Common misdiagnoses
- Assuming the display code proves one exact failed part before the safe first checks are done.
- Blaming a pump or valve first when a blocked path, filter, hose, or household plumbing issue is still possible.
- Replacing a lock or latch too early when alignment, trapped laundry, or startup conditions may still explain the warning.
Most Likely Cause by Symptom
The Bosch washing machine may stop, pause, or refuse to complete the cycle normally.
Likely cause: Dried or crystallized detergent blocking the dosing pump tube
Check first: SAFETY: Put the machine into standby mode (hold Power button until display turns off).
The appliance may fail to start because the door or lock state cannot be confirmed.
Likely cause: Scale buildup inside the dosing channel
Check first: Remove the i-DOS detergent cartridge from the drawer.
The warning may return immediately because the appliance is detecting an internal fault.
Likely cause: Using incompatible detergent in the i-DOS cartridge
Check first: Run warm water through the dosing channel inlet to dissolve any crystallized detergent.
Common Causes
- Dried or crystallized detergent blocking the dosing pump tube
- Scale buildup inside the dosing channel
- Using incompatible detergent in the i-DOS cartridge
What Not to Do
- Do not use non-compatible detergents in the i-DOS system — they crystallize and block the pump
Model and Display Variation Notes
Model-family notes
- Bosch washing machine display wording and code formats can vary by series.
- If your model behaves differently, check the owner manual before trying any deeper maintenance step.
Display and panel differences
- Panel wording can vary by series, so confirm the exact code pattern before buying parts.
Parts, Tools and Service Options
Common parts
- i-DOS dosing pump unit ($40–$90)
Manual and model check
Check your exact model and manual before ordering any Bosch washing machine parts.
Service option
Bosch service visit if the warning returns after the basic checks are complete.
Suggestions in this section are organized to support the troubleshooting flow first. Any future affiliate relationships should be disclosed clearly.
When Not to Keep Troubleshooting
Error persists after thorough cleaning of dosing channels
- i-DOS system cannot be manually deactivated to bypass the fault
How to Prevent It Recurring
- Use only Bosch-compatible i-DOS detergent cartridges
- Run a cleaning cycle monthly to prevent crystallization in dosing channels
Related Error Codes
Helpful guides for this problem
Guide
What to check before replacing a dishwasher drain pump
The checks worth doing before you blame the drain pump and spend money on a fix that may not be the real problem.
Guide
Before calling appliance service: the safe checks worth doing first
The simple checks that can save time, money, and a messy support call before you commit to service or parts.
Guide
How to tell if a dishwasher problem is drainage or leak-protection related
How to tell whether a dishwasher water-related warning is about drainage or a more cautious leak-protection stop.
When not to keep pushing DIY troubleshooting
Use the code page for one careful first pass, then stop if the same warning returns or the appliance still cannot get back to normal operation.
Extra notes
- This page is based on Bosch support material and stays conservative where model-specific guidance may vary.
- The goal is to help you identify safe first checks before you move into parts, service, or model-specific manual lookup.
Source and model notes
Last reviewed: 2026-04-07
Based on: Based on Bosch support material and edited into consumer-safe guidance for the exact code family on this page.
Model coverage note: Bosch washing machine code meanings can vary by series, control panel, and model family, so use this page as a safe starting point rather than a replacement for the model-specific manual.
Important: FixThisError is an independent guide, not the manufacturer. Use your model-specific manual when the panel wording or behavior differs.
Always disconnect power before inspecting appliances. If unsure, contact a licensed appliance technician.