Bosch dishwasher E:92-10 error
Usable, but not working properly
The lower spray arm is not turning as it should. Either something in the bottom basket is fouling it, or the arm itself has not been clipped back on correctly after cleaning. A long item such as a carving knife, a spatula or a baking tray handle has dropped through the basket and is catching the arm as it sweeps round is the most common cause.
- Difficulty
- DIY
- Time needed
- About 15 min
- Checks
- 5 steps
What it means
The lower spray arm is not turning as it should. Either something in the bottom basket is fouling it, or the arm itself has not been clipped back on correctly after cleaning.
Most likely causes
Ordered from most to least common, with what each one looks like:
| Cause | How likely | What you would see |
|---|---|---|
| A long item such as a carving knife, a spatula or a baking tray handle has dropped through the basket and is catching the arm as it sweeps round | high | Turning the arm by hand stops abruptly at one point in its travel |
| The spray arm was taken off for cleaning and refitted without being pressed or screwed fully home | high | The arm rocks or lifts at one end when nudged rather than sitting flat and turning smoothly |
| The arm's jets are blocked with debris, so the thrust that spins it is uneven and it stalls | medium | Several jets are visibly plugged with seeds, grit or limescale when the arm is held up to the light |
| The bearing the arm rotates on is worn or fouled, so it binds under load | low | The arm is clear and correctly fitted but still feels stiff and gritty through a full turn |
Fix steps
Tools needed
- Cocktail stick or toothpick
-
Open the door, pull out the lower basket completely and look at what is sitting above and around the spray arm.
Expected result You can see the whole arm and its full sweep without the basket in the way.
-
Spin the arm through several complete turns by hand and note exactly where it catches, if it does.
Expected result The arm turns freely through a full revolution with no tight spot. If it does not, go to step 3.
-
Unclip or unscrew the arm, rinse it under a hot tap and clear each blocked jet with a cocktail stick, working from the outside in.
Expected result Water runs from every jet when the arm is held under the tap.
-
Refit the arm and confirm it is properly captive, then turn it again by hand to check it sits flat and sweeps evenly.
Expected result The arm does not lift or rock and turns smoothly through a full circle.
-
Reload the bottom basket so nothing protrudes below the level of the tines, then run a short programme.
Expected result The cycle completes, the code does not return and items in the lower basket come out properly washed.
Parts needed
| Part | Part number | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Lower spray arm | Varies by model | Varies by supplier |
When to call a technician
Call a qualified technician if you work through every step above and the code comes back, if you find water where it should not be, or if any part of the job needs the machine powered up with panels removed. A repeat fault after a correct repair usually points at the control board rather than the part you replaced.
Common questions
What does E:92-10 mean on a Bosch dishwasher?
The lower spray arm is not turning as it should. Either something in the bottom basket is fouling it, or the arm itself has not been clipped back on correctly after cleaning. A long item such as a carving knife, a spatula or a baking tray handle has dropped through the basket and is catching the arm as it sweeps round is the most common reason for it.
Can I keep using the dishwasher?
You can usually still run the machine, but it will not be working correctly and the fault will keep coming back until it is fixed.
Is this something I can fix myself?
Yes, for most people. The checks below need cocktail stick or toothpick and take about 15 minutes.
Models this applies to
Related codes on the same machines
- E12 Limescale and grease have built up on the heating surfaces to the point where the machine reports that it needs descaling before it can heat water reliably.
- E15 Water has collected in the tray underneath the dishwasher and a float in that tray has tripped the leak protection system, which shuts the machine down and runs the drain pump to keep the leak from spreading.
- E18 The machine asked for water and not enough arrived in the time it allows, so it stopped the cycle rather than washing without a proper fill.
- E21 The circulation pump that drives water up to the spray arms is reported as blocked, so the machine stops rather than running the motor against an obstruction.
- E22 The filters in the base of the tub are blocked enough to starve the circulation pump, or the filter assembly is not locked into place, so the machine cannot move water round the wash arms properly.
- E23 The machine has detected a fault in the waste water pump circuit.
Sources
- BSH Hausgeraete GmbH (Bosch), Use and care manual 9001641455_B, troubleshooting table entry E:92-10 (link) — retrieved 2026-07-26