Error Code: SALT SYMBOL (S-SHAPED ARROWS) Difficulty: Easy
Problem: The dishwasher salt reservoir needs to be refilled.
How to Fix SALT SYMBOL (S-SHAPED ARROWS) Error (Step-by-Step)
- Identify the Salt symbol, which looks like two S-shaped arrows, lit up on the control panel. This means the water softener needs more dishwasher salt.
- Open the dishwasher door and pull out the bottom rack completely to access the floor of the dishwasher tub.
- Locate the salt reservoir cap, which is a large, round cap, and unscrew it by turning it counter-clockwise.
- If this is the first time you are adding salt, you must first fill the reservoir with about 1 liter of water.
- Place the funnel that came with your dishwasher into the opening. Slowly pour in dishwasher-specific salt until the reservoir is full.
- Remove the funnel and clean any excess salt from around the opening. Screw the cap back on tightly in a clockwise direction.
- Run a short rinse or wash cycle immediately after refilling the salt to wash away any spilled salt granules and to activate the softener.
- 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
Salt symbol: The salt indicator is tied to the water-softening system. It usually needs refill or setting checks before parts are considered.
- Refill the salt reservoir with dishwasher salt only, then wipe spilled salt from the tub before running a rinse or short cycle.
- Check the water hardness setting if the light returns quickly or dishes show film despite enough salt.
- If the reservoir is full but the symbol never clears, inspect the cap, float or sensor area, wiring, and control input before replacing parts.
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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