Error Code: MACHINE CARE SYMBOL Difficulty: Easy
Problem: It is time to run the “Machine Care” cleaning cycle.
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.
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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.
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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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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Expert: Mike Sullivan
EPA Section 608 Certified Technician with 18+ years experience.
Read Editorial Standards →Browse all Bosch error codes: Bosch Error Codes
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