If a Bosch dishwasher won’t turn off, cancel with Start held ~4 seconds, then check delay start, panel lock, and leak protection.
When a Bosch dishwasher keeps running or refuses to power down, the cause is usually a stuck cycle, a setting that stretches run time, or a safety feature that keeps pumps or lights active. This walkthrough gives you fast checks, clear fixes, and simple tests that stop the endless hum without guesswork.
Fast Checks Before You Grab A Screwdriver
Start with quick actions that resolve most “won’t shut off” complaints. These steps are safe, take a minute each, and don’t require tools.
| Symptom | Likely Cause | Quick Check |
|---|---|---|
| Cycle won’t end / panel stays lit | Program stuck; needs reset | Press and hold Start (or Reset 4 sec.) for ~4 seconds to cancel and drain |
| Unit drains but never goes dark | “Auto Power Off” delay for display | Adjust Auto Power Off parameter (P:00–P:02) in settings; pick shorter timeout |
| Buttons unresponsive | Panel/Child lock enabled | Hold the lock button ~3–4 seconds until the lock indicator clears |
| Pump runs with no water moving | Leak tray float switch triggered (water in base) | Look for error E15 or signs of a leak; inspect the base & toe-kick area |
| Cycle timer keeps climbing | Auto program reacting to soil or poor rinse aid | Switch to a fixed cycle and fill rinse-aid tank; re-run |
| Won’t respond after reset | Software glitch | Power-cycle at the breaker for ~1 minute, then retest |
How To Cancel A Stuck Program
Most modern models cancel with one move: hold Start for about four seconds until draining begins. Let the drain finish, open the door, then press the power button to shut down. Bosch documents this method on its support page for resetting and stopping a wash cycle (link included later in this guide).
Why This Works
Cancel forces the control to exit the wash routine and pump residual water. If the display stays lit after draining, it’s usually an Auto Power Off setting or a lock feature keeping the panel active, not a failing control board.
Settings That Make The Machine Seem “Always On”
Two common options can keep lights on or extend time in a way that looks like the appliance won’t shut down: delay start and Auto Power Off.
Delay Start Timer
If delay is set, the display counts down for hours even though the wash is finished or hasn’t begun. Clear the delay timer, then cancel again if needed. Bosch’s how-to videos show the delay feature and how to toggle it cleanly.
Auto Power Off (Display Timeout)
On many models, the control has a parameter that governs when the panel powers down after a cycle. You’ll see values like P:00 (no auto shutoff), P:01, or P:02 (longer delay). Shorten the timeout so the panel turns dark soon after completion.
How To Change Auto Power Off
- Turn the machine on with the door closed.
- Enter the settings mode per your model’s manual.
- Find the parameter for Auto Power Off and set a shorter delay.
- Save and exit; run a short test cycle and watch the display behavior.
Bosch manuals refer to this setting directly (look for “Auto Power Off” in your model’s Use & Care PDF). You can also see examples of the parameter naming in Bosch documentation.
Lock Features That Block Buttons
When the panel lock is active, the dishwasher can ignore presses, which makes it seem frozen. Hold the lock key for about three to four seconds until the indicator clears, then try canceling again. Many manuals describe the lock removal as holding the labeled key until the display changes.
Leak Protection That Keeps The Pump Running
If you hear the drain pump humming even with the door open, the base float may be lifted by water in the tray. That triggers a safety routine that keeps the pump active and can display E15 on models with a screen. Clear the water, find the source of the leak, and the unit will stop the safety run.
How To Check For Water In The Base
- Unplug the appliance or switch off the breaker.
- Remove the toe-kick and look under the tub for moisture in the base pan.
- If water is present, mop it up with towels; let the area dry fully.
- Inspect hoses, the sump, and the inlet area for drips.
On Bosch models, E15 indicates water detected in the base and engages leakage protection. If you see this alert, address the source before restoring power.
Step-By-Step: Stop The Endless Running
Use this order to go from fastest fixes to deeper checks. Each step builds on the last so you don’t waste time.
1) Cancel And Drain
- Hold Start for ~4 seconds until draining begins.
- Wait for the pump to finish and the display to update.
- Open the door and press the power button to switch off.
Reset the dishwasher by using this exact sequence documented by Bosch.
2) Clear Delay And Lock
- Check that the delay timer is zero.
- Hold the panel lock key ~3–4 seconds to unlock.
3) Shorten The Panel’s Power-Down Delay
- Open your model’s settings screen.
- Set Auto Power Off to a shorter timeout so lights turn off sooner after a cycle.
Many manuals list this parameter under “Auto Power Off” (values P:00–P:02). If you can’t find it, search your PDF for “P:01” or “Auto Power Off.”
4) Rule Out A Leak Trip
- Look for E15 or a constantly running pump.
- Inspect the base pan; dry it fully if wet.
- Re-run a short cycle and watch for drips.
If E15 appears, Bosch’s page explains that the float switch detected water and the safety routine will run until the base is dry.
5) Power-Cycle The Control
- Switch the breaker off for ~60 seconds.
- Restore power, cancel once more, then select a normal cycle and test.
When The Display Turns Off Late Or Not At All
Some models keep the panel lit for a set interval after completion. That’s normal behavior, not a fault. Shorten the Auto Power Off delay so the unit appears “off” sooner. If the panel remains lit far beyond the set delay, you may have a sticky key or a control that needs service.
How To Spot A Sticky Key
- Press each button and note feel and rebound.
- If one lacks click or feels spongy, the keypad may hold the control awake.
- Wipe the panel edge and seam; residue can glue keys down.
Drying Phase Can Add Time
Bosch machines use condensation drying. The door stays closed while heat and rinse-aid work together to dry dishes. If rinse-aid is low or the load has lots of plastic, the control can extend the final phase and keep indicators lit longer than expected. Fill the rinse-aid dispenser and try a fixed-time cycle to compare.
Door Switch And Latch Checks
If the control thinks the door isn’t fully latched, it can loop or stall. Close the door firmly until you feel the latch engage. Inspect the strike plate for alignment and adjust if the door needs a hard push to seal. If you have to shove the door to get lights to change, the latch may be worn.
What The Sounds Mean
Use the sound profile to narrow the fault:
- Only the drain pump hums: leak tray float likely lifted; check the base.
- Fills and washes forever: load sensing in Auto or a stuck program; reset and try a fixed cycle.
- No sound, lights on: panel lock or software hang; unlock or power-cycle.
Model Differences Matter
Exact key labels vary. Some panels show “Reset 4 sec.,” others use only Start. A few older units cancel with a “Cancel/Drain” pair. If your faceplate doesn’t match instructions, scan your PDF manual for “Reset,” “Cancel,” or “P:01.”
Priority Fixes For A Dishwasher That Stays On
Work down this shortlist in order. It’s fast and avoids needless parts swapping.
| Action | What It Solves | DIY Or Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Hold Start ~4 sec. to cancel | Stuck program; drains and exits | DIY in minutes |
| Clear delay; unlock panel | Unresponsive buttons; false “frozen” panel | DIY in minutes |
| Shorten Auto Power Off | Panel light won’t go dark promptly | DIY with manual |
| Dry base pan; fix leak | Safety run with E15; pump keeps humming | DIY inspect; pro for hidden leaks |
| Power-cycle at breaker | Software hang after a surge | DIY |
| Replace latch or keypad | Door not seen as closed; sticky buttons | Pro if parts required |
Safety Notes While You Troubleshoot
- Cut power at the breaker before removing the toe-kick or reaching inside the base.
- Keep the door closed during a cancel to avoid splashing while it drains.
- If you see scorch marks, a melted harness, or standing water under the unit, stop and schedule service.
When To Call A Technician
Book service if any of these apply:
- The pump runs even with a dry base and no error code.
- Buttons stick or the display flickers after a proper reset.
- Repeated leaks re-trigger E15 after you dry the tray.
- The controller ignores inputs across multiple power-cycles.
Helpful Official Resources
Two pages are especially useful while you work through the steps:
- Bosch reset / stop a wash cycle — shows the exact cancel method and sequence.
- Bosch E15 leak protection — explains why the pump runs and what E15 means.
Proof-Of-Work: How This Guide Was Built
The steps here align with Bosch’s documented reset procedure and service notes for leakage protection. Model-specific differences (like Auto Power Off values and panel lock behavior) come from owner’s manuals and quick-start guides. Always match labels on your control panel to the instructions in your PDF, as wording can vary across series and years.
Try This Short Diagnostic Routine
- Cancel and drain with the Start button held ~4 seconds.
- Open the door, press power to switch off, then switch back on.
- Clear delay; unlock the control; shorten Auto Power Off.
- Run a 15–30 minute cycle on a fixed program.
- Watch the final minutes and listen: drain pump only = leak routine; full silence = normal end.
- If the panel stays lit long past your Auto Power Off setting, plan for keypad or control inspection.
FAQ-Style Clarifications (No Extra Fluff)
Why Does It Keep Draining With The Door Open?
The float in the base pan is up, which triggers continuous draining. Dry the base and find the source of water entry, then test again.
Is A Long Final Phase Normal?
Yes, condensation drying can extend the last minutes. Use rinse-aid, avoid overloading, and try a fixed-time program if Auto feels unpredictable.
The Panel Won’t Respond At All—What Now?
Unlock the control, power-cycle at the breaker, then attempt a cancel again. If the panel remains dark or the keys feel mushy, a keypad or board may be due.
Next Steps You Can Take Today
- Run the cancel sequence and confirm the drain completes.
- Set Auto Power Off to a shorter delay so the unit truly looks off.
- Scan under the machine for any water that could trigger safety draining.
- If parts are needed, capture your model number from the door label so a technician brings the right components.
With a clean cancel, the right settings, and a quick leak check, nearly all “won’t power down” complaints resolve without parts. If your machine still acts up, use the official reset and E15 pages linked above while you schedule service, and note any patterns you observe. Those details shorten repair time and save a second visit.