What to check first
Stop normal operation while this warning is active. Follow only the documented safe checks or protective-drain instructions for the exact model.
Basic checks
- Look for standing water after the cycle stops; if water remains, treat the drain path as active and do not retry.
- In the SMS6ECI10E manual, E61-02 lists the pump or cover. E61-03 also includes those causes, alongside the siphon and hose; read both pages 46–47.
- Inspect only the visible wastewater-hose routing for kinks or crushing; if it is pinched, correct the routing without opening internal panels.
- Confirm in the exact Bosch manual whether the pump cover is user-accessible; if the access steps do not match your model, leave it closed and call service.
Applicability
Exact model · SMS6ECI10E
The subcode table is from the SMS6ECI10E manual, pages 46–47. Confirm your model manual before applying its causes or access instructions.
Reset or retry steps
- Retry only after the documented check for the displayed subcode is complete, any permitted cover is secure, and no leak is visible.
When to call a technician
- Call Bosch support if E61 returns after the exact manual's documented drain-path check.
- Stop and call service if water remains, a pump cover will not secure, a hose is damaged, or the drain area is not safely accessible.
Before approving a paid visit, check warranty status and reviewquestions to ask before repair.
Can I keep using it?
Stop normal use when water is visible or a leak warning is active. Stay clear if water could reach wiring or controls.
- Safe next step
- Follow the code-specific shutdown or protective-drain instructions, turn off water when appropriate, and avoid repeated resets. Do not interrupt a documented protective-drain sequence just to clear the display.
- Stop when
- Water is near wiring, cabinetry is getting wet, the leak returns, or the source is not safely visible.
Do not keep using the appliance if the code points to voltage, wiring, control power, burning smell, smoke, or a possible miswired supply.
- Safe next step
- Use only safe owner-level power checks, then involve a qualified technician or electrician when the source points to wiring or supply voltage.
- Stop when
- Breakers trip, lights dim, the appliance smells hot, wiring may be miswired, or the warning returns after a safe reset.
Safety boundaries
Safe first
- Match the exact brand, appliance type, and displayed code first.
- Use the model manual as the final authority for access steps.
- Stop and address visible water before retrying the appliance.
- Disconnect power before any service-access step.
Do not do this
- Do not continue normal cycles while this code is active; any protective-drain sequence must follow the exact model instructions.
- Do not open drain or pump areas while the appliance is powered.
- Do not bypass locks, float switches, leak sensors, or other safety systems.
Common causes include
- Wastewater pump blocked by residue
- Wastewater pump cover not secured
- Siphon connection still closed
- Wastewater hose kinked or blocked
FAQ
What does Bosch Dishwasher code E61 usually mean?
Bosch E61-02 and E61-03 usually indicate a drain issue; read the suffix first. Model context matters: For SMS6ECI10E, pages 46–47 list overlapping pump/cover causes for E61-02 and E61-03. E61-03 additionally lists a closed siphon connection or restricted wastewater hose.
Can I keep using the dishwasher with code E61?
Stop normal operation until the issue and safety warnings have been addressed. Follow only the documented safe checks or protective-drain instructions for your model. Disconnect power before accessing the pump or drain area.
When should I call a technician for Bosch E61?
Call Bosch support if E61 returns after the exact manual's documented drain-path check. A qualified technician may check Wastewater pump, Wastewater pump cover, and Wastewater hose against the model's service information before treating any part as failed.