E16 or E17 on SHP78CM5N indicates water continuing to enter or inlet flow outside limits; the tap and hose are the safe first checks. Use the exact code to separate water inlet, drainage, foam, leak protection and internal faults. Do not order a part until the visible installation and removable filters have been checked. Excess inlet pressure, a kinked installation or an inlet valve that does not close can make the measured flow abnormal. E16/E17 is not the same as E18 low water. If water keeps entering after cancel, shut the tap immediately. Cancel the cycle, close the water tap, unplug, inspect the accessible inlet hose for kinks and verify household pressure is within the installation requirements. Reopen the tap slowly and test a short cycle only if no uncontrolled inflow occurred; otherwise keep it closed for Bosch service.
Models covered
Safety first
- Wear gloves around the sump because broken glass may be hidden. Do not tilt a built-in appliance or remove its base, side panels or wiring cover.
What the symptom may indicate
Checks in the right order
- Confirm the pattern
Excess inlet pressure, a kinked installation or an inlet valve that does not close can make the measured flow abnormal.
- Prepare safely
Cancel the cycle, switch the dishwasher off, close the water valve and wait for hot water and dishes to cool before touching a filter or hose.
- Apply the official check
Cancel the cycle, close the water tap, unplug, inspect the accessible inlet hose for kinks and verify household pressure is within the installation requirements.
- Retest once
Reopen the tap slowly and test a short cycle only if no uncontrolled inflow occurred; otherwise keep it closed for Bosch service.
Stop and get qualified help when
- Stop and arrange service for water in the base, a heat or motor code, a leak that continues with the valve closed, or a code that returns after one empty test.
Next step
Repair, replace a part, or arrange a diagnosis?
Use the checks and stop conditions above to choose a cautious next step. A symptom alone never proves that the appliance has failed.
Resolve it without buying anything
Complete the 4 user-accessible checks in order. If normal operation returns and no warning sign remains, no replacement is indicated.
Replace only the confirmed part
If the checks isolate a worn or blocked component, match its complete reference to the exact appliance model before ordering.
This guide does not identify a replacement part. Do not order a generic component from the symptom alone.
Arrange a diagnosis before replacing the appliance
Stop at any warning sign listed above. A qualified diagnosis should confirm that repair is unsafe, unavailable or uneconomical before an appliance replacement is considered.
Sources used
- Bosch — Bosch's official material documents “Bosch SHP78CM5N error E16 or E17: water inlet” and the user checks retained here.
Last checked: 30 August 2026