Thermador Dishwasher Error Codes: Troubleshooting Guide

Dealing with a Thermador dishwasher error code can be frustrating, especially when you’re not sure what it means or how to fix it. While these codes might look confusing, they’re really just your dishwasher’s way of letting you know what’s wrong.

In this article, we’ll break down common Thermador dishwasher error codes into two categories: ones you can easily fix yourself and ones that might need professional help. Plus, we’ll share practical tips and step-by-step solutions to help you clear the errors and get your dishwasher running smoothly again.

Thermador Error Codes You Can Troubleshoot Yourself

Here’s a list of Thermador dishwasher error codes that are usually pretty easy to troubleshoot on your own, along with some quick steps to fix them.

E12 or E2060 – Limescale Buildup in the Heat Pump

Limescale builds up over time, especially if you’ve got hard water. Here’s how to fix it and keep it from coming back:

1. Use a descaler to get rid of hard water deposits and limescale.
2. Make it a habit to descale your dishwasher regularly to keep it running smoothly and your dishes sparkling clean.
3. If your dishwasher has a water softener, always add softener salt to prevent future buildup.

E15 or E3100 – Water Detected in the Base

These errors mean the safety switch found water in the base of your dishwasher, which triggered the leakage protection system. Here’s how to deal with it:

1. Unplug the dishwasher.
2. Remove the kickplate to access the base of the dishwasher.
3. Check for leaks or puddles of water around the base.
4. If there’s water, soak it up with a towel or sponge.
5. Look at the hoses and connections to see if they’re loose or damaged.

E14, E16, E17, or E3200

These errors mean there might be a problem with water getting into the dishwasher, the flow meter not working, the water level being too low, or water not being pumped correctly. Here’s what you can do:

1. Make sure the inlet hose is not kinked, twisted, or damaged. Straighten it out if needed.
2. Double-check that the water supply is on and flowing properly. You’ll need a flow rate of about 10 liters per minute for the dishwasher to work right.
3. If the error persists, contact Thermador or a professional.

E22, E24, E25, E6102, E6103, or E9240

These codes usually mean there’s a blockage somewhere, either in the filter, pump, hoses, or air gap. Try these steps to fix it:

1. Unplug the dishwasher.
2. Pull out the filter and rinse it under running water.
3. Use a soft brush and some soap if needed to scrub off debris.
4. Open the drain pump cover.
5. Remove any standing water and clear out debris.
6. Snap the cover back on, making sure it clicks into place.
7. Look for kinks or sharp bends in the drain hose and straighten them out.
8. Disconnect the drain hose, clean out any blockages, and then reconnect it.
9. Check the airgap for clogs and clear it if necessary.
10. Run a rinse cycle to make sure everything’s working properly.

Thermador Error Codes That Might Need Professional Help

If resetting the appliance doesn’t solve the problem, the following error codes will probably need a professional to fix as they involve more complex repairs.

Here’s how you can reset your Thermador dishwasher:

1. Find the circuit breaker that powers the dishwasher.
2. Flip the breaker to the “off” position.
3. Wait for about 30 seconds.
4. Flip the breaker back to the “on” position.

Here’s a list of the different Thermador error codes:

• E04 or E0105: The appliance detected a fault in the heater electronics during the self-test.
• E23 or E6101: There’s an issue with the drain pump—it might be clogged or faulty.
• E27: The supply voltage is too low. This isn’t an appliance fault; contact an electrician to check your home’s voltage and electrical system.
• E0100: The heat pump motor circuit on the main control board has a fault.
• E0103: Fault/error in the main control board relay.
• E0106: Wash arm diverter circuit fault in the main control board.
• E0107: Another main control board relay fault/error.
• E0110: Miscommunication between electronics causing failure.
• E2030 or E6001: The internal heater in the heat pump has a fault/error.
• E2120: The Zeolite (Crystal Dry) chamber heater has a fault/error.
• E2130: The Zeolite (Crystal Dry) fan motor is defective.
• E6002: The heat pump is blocked.
• E6160: The Zone Control lower spray arm reference position couldn’t be found.
• E6900: The detergent dispenser solenoid circuit has a fault/error.
• E8000: There’s a door sensor circuit fault/error.
• E9001: The power supply to the appliance is too low. Contact an electrician to check the incoming voltage.

Maintenance Tips To Help Prevent Error Codes

Keeping your Thermador dishwasher in good shape can help you avoid those frustrating error codes. Here are some simple maintenance tips to keep it running smoothly:

• Clean the filter monthly: Take out the dishwasher filter, rinse it under water, and scrub off any food particles to prevent clogs.
• Scrape, don’t rinse: Scrape food off your dishes before loading them, but there’s no need to rinse—your dishwasher can handle the rest.
• Use dishwasher cleaner: Run a cleaning cycle with a dishwasher cleaner once a month to keep everything working smoothly.
• Descale once a year: Use a descaler to remove limescale and hard water buildup at least once a year, or more often if you have hard water.
• Check the spray arms: Every now and then, inspect the spray arm nozzles for blockages and clean them out if needed.
• Refill softener salt: If your dishwasher has a water softener, make sure to keep it topped up with softener salt regularly.
• Use quality detergent: Stick with high-quality dishwasher detergent and follow the recommended amount—less is usually more.