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Appliance Fix Guide

Bosch Dishwasher error code

Bosch Dishwasher Error MACHINE-CARE-SYMBOL-3

It is time to run the "Machine Care" cleaning cycle.

It is time to run the "Machine Care" cleaning cycle.

EasyStart with 5-15 minutes of safe checks
informationalno_parts
Bosch dishwasher repair guide for error MACHINE-CARE-SYMBOL-3
Error codeMACHINE-CARE-SYMBOL-3Dishwasher

Start here before buying a part or taking the appliance apart.

  1. 1
    Notice that this symbol is a reminder to

    Notice that this symbol is a reminder to run the 'Machine Care' cleaning cycle. It is not an error code.

  2. 2
    First, ensure the dishwasher is completely empty of

    First, ensure the dishwasher is completely empty of all dishes, silverware, and racks.

  3. 3
    Pour a dishwasher cleaning agent specifically designed for

    Pour a dishwasher cleaning agent specifically designed for machine care directly into the bottom of the dishwasher tub or into the detergent dispenser, following the cleaner's instructions.

A quick explanation

What does MACHINE-CARE-SYMBOL-3 mean?

It is time to run the "Machine Care" cleaning cycle.

The answer you came for

How to fix Bosch dishwasher error MACHINE-CARE-SYMBOL-3

Start with the safest checks and work from simple to technical.

  1. 1

    Notice that this symbol is a reminder to

    Notice that this symbol is a reminder to run the 'Machine Care' cleaning cycle. It is not an error code.

  2. 2

    First, ensure the dishwasher is completely empty of

    First, ensure the dishwasher is completely empty of all dishes, silverware, and racks.

  3. 3

    Pour a dishwasher cleaning agent specifically designed for

    Pour a dishwasher cleaning agent specifically designed for machine care directly into the bottom of the dishwasher tub or into the detergent dispenser, following the cleaner's instructions.

  4. 4

    Close the dishwasher door securely and confirm the

    Close the dishwasher door securely and confirm the error stays cleared during a full test cycle.

  5. 5

    Press the 'Machine Care' button on your control

    Press the 'Machine Care' button on your control panel. If your model does not have a dedicated button, you may need to press a specific combination of buttons; check the panel for a label indicating how to start the cycle.

  6. 6

    Press the 'Start' button to begin the cleaning

    Press the 'Start' button to begin the cleaning cycle. The symbol will disappear after the cycle has been successfully completed.

  7. 7

    Turn the appliance off, wait about 2 minutes,

    Turn the appliance off, wait about 2 minutes, then turn it back on.

Read the additional checks from the current guide

How to Fix MACHINE CARE SYMBOL Error (Step-by-Step) Notice that this symbol is a reminder to run the 'Machine Care' cleaning cycle. It is not an error code.First, ensure the dishwasher is completely empty of all dishes, silverware, and racks.Pour a dishwasher cleaning agent specifically designed for machine care directly into the bottom of the dishwasher tub or into the detergent dispenser, following the cleaner's instructions.Close the dishwasher door securely and confirm the error stays cleared during a full test cycle.Press the 'Machine Care' button on your control panel. If your model does not have a dedicated button, you may need to press a specific combination of buttons; check the panel for a label indicating how to start the cycle.Press the 'Start' button to begin the cleaning cycle. The symbol will disappear after the cycle has been successfully completed.Turn the appliance off, wait about 2 minutes, then turn it back on.

What to Check Next on This Bosch Dishwasher Bosch Dishwasher Error MACHINE CARE SYMBOL: Use the code, light, or symbol as the starting clue, then confirm what the dishwasher actually does before ordering parts. 1. Turn power off before opening panels, reaching into the sump, touching wiring, or checking the pump, heater, valve, sensor, latch, or control area. 2. Confirm whether the display is a normal cycle/status symbol or a recurring fault that interrupts filling, washing, draining, drying, locking, or control response. 3. Start with the wash path: filter, sump debris, spray-arm movement, circulation-pump sound, wiring, and control output. 4. Clean the filter and sump, check spray-arm movement, verify water supply, inspect the drain hose and sink connection, and correct any visible blockage before replacing parts. 5. Run a short test cycle and watch where it fails; the exact stage matters more than the displayed word or symbol by itself. 6. Replace a part only after the same symptom repeats and the model-specific checks point to that part category. Match any replacement to the complete Bosch model number on the door tag. If the issue returns after these checks, match replacement parts to the complete Bosch dishwasher model number from the door tag. The same display clue can point to different components depending on the exact model and when the failure appears. Recommended Parts to Check No exact official OEM part number is listed here because the correct Bosch dishwasher part can vary by complete model number. These are targeted part-category searches, not universal fit claims. Bosch dishwasher water inlet valve Common replacement category: Water inlet valve Fit note: Exact OEM part number varies by full Bosch dishwasher model number. Confirm compatibility before buying. Confidence: MediumThis category can be relevant for fill and water-supply faults after the tap, hose, and inlet screen are checked. Search Amazon for Bosch dishwasher water inlet valve Bosch dishwasher drain pump Common replacement category: Drain pump Fit note: Exact OEM part number varies by full Bosch dishwasher model number. Confirm compatibility before buying. Confidence: MediumThis category can be relevant for drain and standing-water symptoms after the filter, sump, and hose are checked. Search Amazon for Bosch dishwasher drain pump Bosch dishwasher circulation pump Common replacement category: Circulation pump / wash motor Fit note: Exact OEM part number varies by full Bosch dishwasher model number. Confirm compatibility before buying. Confidence: MediumThis category can be relevant for wash, spray-arm, and circulation symptoms after filters and spray arms are checked. Search Amazon for Bosch dishwasher circulation pump Before ordering: match the part to the complete Bosch dishwasher model number on the appliance tag.

If the code comes back

Do not keep replacing parts based only on the code. Repeat the safe checks above. If the fault remains, stop and arrange qualified service rather than ordering from the code alone.

Recommended part

Recommended part for this error code

No replacement part recommended for this code

The researched guidance for Bosch Dishwasher error MACHINE-CARE-SYMBOL-3 points to user-action and diagnostic steps above rather than a mapped replacement part. We will not invent a part or send you to an unrelated product.

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Repair or replace calculator

Use the age and total repair estimate to get a simple comparison. This is guidance, not a guarantee.

Safety first

Disconnect power before opening panels or touching internal parts.

When to stop
  • Stop if you see burned wiring, melted connectors, water near electrical parts, or a gas smell.
  • Do not perform live-voltage testing unless you are trained and equipped for it.
  • Use the exact model manual or service information before replacing electronic controls.

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