Error Code: INTENSIVE/HEAVY CYCLE SYMBOL (POT) Difficulty: Easy
Problem: The intensive or heavy-duty cycle is selected.
How to Fix INTENSIVE/HEAVY CYCLE SYMBOL (POT) Error (Step-by-Step)
- Locate the symbol of a pot on your dishwasher’s display. This indicates that the ‘Intensive’ or ‘Heavy’ duty wash cycle is selected.
- This is a normal operational symbol and not an error code.
- This cycle is specifically designed for cleaning heavily soiled items, such as pots, pans, and casseroles with baked-on food.
- It uses higher water temperatures and increased spray pressure to remove tough grime.
- If you have selected this cycle by mistake for a load of lightly soiled or delicate items, you can cancel it. Press and hold the ‘Start/Reset’ button for approximately 3 seconds.
- Once the cycle is canceled, you can choose a more suitable program for your dish load.
- Turn the appliance off, wait about 2 minutes, then turn it back on.
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.
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Bosch dishwasher water inlet valveCommon replacement category: Water inlet valveFit note: Exact OEM part number varies by full Bosch dishwasher model number. Confirm compatibility before buying.Confidence: Medium
This category can be relevant for fill and water-supply faults after the tap, hose, and inlet screen are checked. -
Bosch dishwasher drain pumpCommon replacement category: Drain pumpFit note: Exact OEM part number varies by full Bosch dishwasher model number. Confirm compatibility before buying.Confidence: Medium
This category can be relevant for drain and standing-water symptoms after the filter, sump, and hose are checked. -
Bosch dishwasher circulation pumpCommon replacement category: Circulation pump / wash motorFit note: Exact OEM part number varies by full Bosch dishwasher model number. Confirm compatibility before buying.Confidence: Medium
This category can be relevant for wash, spray-arm, and circulation symptoms after filters and spray arms are checked.
Before ordering: match the part to the complete Bosch dishwasher model number on the appliance tag.
What to Check Next on This Bosch Dishwasher
Bosch dishwasher symptom: Use the symbol or code as a starting point, then match the repair path to what the dishwasher is actually doing.
- Confirm whether the display is a normal cycle/status symbol or a recurring fault that stops operation.
- Check water supply, filter, sump, spray arms, drain path, and door latch before replacing electronic parts.
- If the same problem returns after basic checks, inspect the matching sensor, pump, heater, wiring, or control path based on the symptom.
If the symptom returns after these checks, use the full Bosch model number from the door tag before ordering any part. The same display message can point to different parts depending on the exact model and what the dishwasher does during fill, wash, drain, or dry.
Still Not Working?
If the replacement part didn’t fix the issue, you may have a wiring problem or main board failure.
More options (for a better recommendation)
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Browse all Bosch error codes: Bosch Error Codes
When It’s Better to Replace Than Repair
Dishwasher repairs can add up quickly when the pump, control, heater, or leak-related parts fail.
Confirm cabinet width, water line, drain routing, electrical connection, and panel style before ordering.
For repair parts, verify exact fit with the full dishwasher model number before buying; these links are general replacement-appliance shopping options.
- [OK]Drain pump or circulation pump failure
- [OK]Leaking tub, door, or float-switch issues
- [OK]Heater or control failures on an older unit
- [OK]Repeated poor washing or drying performance
Recommended Dishwasher Replacement Options
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