Dishwashers make a great addition to any kitchen, but they can encounter maintenance problems just like any other piece of equipment does. So, what can you do if your Bosch dishwasher is stuck on the Auto wash cycle?
If your Bosch dishwasher is stuck on the Auto cycle or another wash cycle, perform a hard reset. Open the unit door, press and hold the Start-Reset button for 5-10 seconds until the lights turn off, then close the door. The reset procedure shouldn’t take any longer than 5 to 10 minutes.
A hard reset can resolve minor issues with your Bosch unit, so it’s a useful trick to be familiar with. Let’s go over what might cause a Bosch dishwasher to get stuck, how to resolve the problem, and what to do if you aren’t able to get things fixed.
What Does It Mean When a Bosch Dishwasher is Stuck on Auto?
Bosch dishwashers are incredibly versatile machines. Most Bosch units have at least five cycle settings, while some models have over seven options. Your unit might have Express for fast cleaning, Heavy for larger cookware, Eco for saving water, and more. But what about Auto?
The Auto setting on Bosch dishwashers uses cutting-edge sensors that adjust water temperatures to clean dishes and save energy.
Unfortunately, it’s possible for your Bosch unit to get stuck on the Auto wash cycle, causing it to lock out or do nothing at all. These problems usually stem from the appliance’s control board, and they’re relatively minor issues more often than not.
How to easily Perform a Hard Reset
If your Bosch dishwasher is stuck on Auto or another wash cycle, you’ll need to perform a hard reset. There’s a control panel on the exterior or interior of the unit that allows you to press a combination of buttons to reset the machine. The process is straightforward and doesn’t take more than 10 minutes to complete.
That said, the control panel is accessed from the interior of the dishwasher door on many Bosch units. If there’s an active cycle, practice caution to avoid getting scalded by hot water, steam, and soap.
The reset method will vary depending on your model, and you’ll need to consult the owner’s manual for the most accurate information. Let’s take a look at some of the most common models below.
Resetting a Bosch Ascenta
- Open the appliance door. The unit will enter Standby Mode. Be sure to step back to avoid any hot water or steam.
- Now, click and hold the Start-Reset button for 10 seconds.
- Wait for the LED lights to turn off.
- Close the dishwasher door.
- Give the unit 5 to 10 minutes for the reset process to finish.
Resetting Models With a Clock Display
- Open the appliance door. Take a step back to avoid hot water or steam if there’s an active wash cycle.
- Click and hold the Start-Reset button for 10 seconds. The clock will read 0:00 afterward.
- Close the dishwasher door and wait for the display to read 0:01.
- Next, click the On-Off button.
- Give the dishwasher 5 to 10 minutes for the reset procedure to finish.
Resetting Other Models
- Open the Bosch unit’s door. Practice caution if there’s an active wash cycle to avoid hot water or steam.
- Click and hold the On/Off switch for 15-20 seconds. The dishwasher will turn off.
- Close the dishwasher door.
- Give the unit 5 to 10 minutes to allow the reset process to finish.
Hard Reset Didn’t Work? Here’s What to Try Next
A hard reset will resolve most issues and minor technical bugs in the control board. Unfortunately, there are cases where the problem persists, and your machine remains stuck on the Auto setting.
Let’s take a look at what you can do to troubleshoot the problem further.
Try a Manual Reset
In addition to a hard reset via the control panel, you can perform a manual reset to resolve minor issues on a Bosch dishwasher. You’ll want to ensure the wash cycle has ended and that there aren’t any dishes in the unit before proceeding.
Then, pull the unit away from the wall and unplug it from the power source. Wait between 2 to 3 minutes before plugging it in again. Ensure your hands are completely dry when handling the power source.
Alternatively, if you can’t access the dishwasher plug, you can turn off the circuit breaker. Keep in mind that this will turn off all appliances and lights on the same circuit. Wait between 2 to 3 minutes before turning the circuit breaker back on.
A manual reset can be useful, as it can clear various Bosch error codes and minor bugs. Removing the power can clear any stored settings that are causing the unit to get stuck on Auto or another wash cycle.
Once you plug the unit back in, the problem should be resolved, and the dishwasher should work normally. Let’s take a closer look at what you can do if a hard and manual reset doesn’t solve your issue and the problem persists.
Check the Door
If a hard reset didn’t fix your problem, it’s time to inspect the dishwasher door. The dishwasher door controls different parts of the unit, including when it should end cycles. Problems with hinges, microswitch, or locks can cause the unit to stop all functions and turn on Standby Mode.
Problems can also arise if the dishwasher door has a buildup of food waste, grime, or other debris. Inspect your unit’s door for any of these issues and make sure it’s clean to avoid further complications.
Check Child Lock
Accidentally enabling the child lock can cause your unit to get stuck on the Auto setting. Messing with the settings, clicking the wrong buttons, or bumping the machine may cause you to unknowingly activate the safety lock.
Inspect your unit to ensure that the child lock isn’t enabled. You may need to consult your owner’s manual to determine how to exit the safety lock setting.
Run Diagnostics
Another troubleshooting method you can use is to activate the Diagnostic Mode on your Bosch unit. Diagnostic Mode causes the dishwasher to look for and identify error codes.
To activate the feature, press and hold the Start button until the unit responds. Alternatively, you might need to consult the owner’s manual for your model’s specific button combination.
Once you have the error code, you can inspect the instruction manual to determine the cause and next steps. You might need to call a certified Bosch technician if you can’t handle the issue at home.
Cancel and Restart the Wash Cycle From the Beginning
You can also cancel and restart the wash cycle on your Bosch unit. To do so, click and hold the Start button for 3-5 seconds.
When the appliance turns off, press the On/Off button to disable all instructions. Turn the dishwasher off and on once more before starting another wash cycle.
Contact a Certified Bosch Dishwasher Technician
If a hard reset or any of the troubleshooting methods above don’t work, it’s time to contact a certified Bosch dishwasher specialist.
As your dishwasher ages, the sensors and control panel start to wear out. Your problem might be caused by minor bugs or deeper issues with the internal components. It’s possible to repair the unit by hand, but a certified technician can handle the issue much easier.
The technician will give your appliance a thorough inspection to identify any issues. If your machine has a warranty, you might not have to pay much — if anything — in maintenance fees.
It’s also recommended to call different companies for multiple estimates so you can find the best prices and services in your area.
