Dishwasher User Manual


The dotted lines show optional features which may or may not be included with your dishwasher.
The numbers stated below refer to the overview images on the previous page of this manual.
Operating panel
Dishwasher interior components
20 Interior light * 21 Third rack 22 Upper rack 23 Upper spray arm 24 Detergent tab tray 25 Vent hole 26 Lower spray arm | 27 Dispenser for special salt* 28 Filters 29 Silverware basket 30 Lower rack 31 Rinse aid dispenser 32 Detergent dispenser 33 Lock for detergent dispenser 34 Rating plate |
Display indicators

The dishwasher has been preset with certain settings for your convenience. You can change these factory settings.
Use the function keys A, B and C to change the settings.

To achieve proper drying, always use a liquid rinse aid, even if your detergent contains a rinse aid or drying additive.
Note: The dishwasher indicates low rinse aid by turning on the Rinse Aid indicator on the display (3). If this indicator lights up, you need to refill the rinse aid dispenser (31) by following the directions below.
NOTICE To avoid oversudsing or clogging, do not overfill the rinse aid dispenser (31). Wipe up any spills with a damp cloth.
| 1. Open the rinse aid dispenser (31) by pressing on the latch of the lid and pull it open. | ![]() |
| 2. Add liquid rinse aid to the dispenser (31) until it is full. Do not overfill. | ![]() |
| 3. Close the lid. Lid must be fully closed until it clicks in order to seal. | |
4. Wipe up any excess rinse aid that may have puddled when the dispenser reservoir is full. The indicator light will go out a few moments after the dishwasher door is shut. | |
NOTICE Do not fill the rinse aid dispenser (31) with detergent. Doing so will damage the dishwasher.
The amount of rinse aid dispensed can be set from
to
. The factory setting is
.
You should only change the setting if streaks remain on the dishes (lower the amount), or if dishes are not getting dry enough (increase the amount).


(x can be any number). Release both buttons.
Proceed as described in the section “Setting the amount of rinse aid used” and set value to
. The rinse aid indicator is now turned off.
NOTICE Using no rinse aid or setting the dispenser to
may result in longer cycle times consuming more energy and water. The higher temperatures and longer cycle times can damage fine china or glassware.
Recommended
Aluminum Colored anodized aluminum may fade over time.
Minerals in your water may cause the aluminum to darken or spot. This can usually be removed with a soap-filled steel wool pad.
China, Crystal, Stoneware
Glass Milk glass may discolor or become yellow.
Non-stick Coatings
Apply a light coating of vegetable oil to non-stick surfaces after drying.
Plastics Make sure the plasticware is dishwasher-safe.
Stainless Steel, Sterling Silver and Silver Plates
Load these so they do not come in contact with other metals, stainless steel dishwasher tub walls or the inner door.
Not Recommended

For best dishwashing results, observe the following when loading the dishwasher:
NOTICE
To avoid dishwasher damage, do not load the dishwasher with paper products, plastic bags, packing materials or anything other than normal, dishwasher safe dishware
12 place setting
Lower rack (30)

Upper rack (22)

Note: Folding the cup shelves down will allow the cups to sit at an increased angle and reduce water pooling on cup bottoms.
Third rack (21)

Additional loading pattern
10 place setting
Lower rack (30)

Upper rack (22)

Note: Folding the cup shelves down will allow the cups to sit at an increased angle and reduce water pooling on cup bottoms.
Third rack (21)

Place knives and sharp utensils with their handles up and forks and spoons with their handles down. If large or oddly-shaped items are loaded in the silverware basket, be sure they do not nest together.
WARNING RISK OF INJURY!
The sharp points and edges of knives and other sharp utensils can cause serious injury. Load knives and other sharp utensils with edges down. Do not allow children to handle or play near knives and sharp utensils.
The Double Flex silverware basket
![]() | ![]() |
| Side by side | Back to back |
Hold the two halves side by side or back to back, so that the tab on one basket can slip into the notch on the other basket. Push the two halves in opposite directions until they click.
Note: The silverware basket lid may also be folded downward in order to leave the basket open.

This dishwasher is equipped with a silverware drawer that should accommodate most silverware loading needs.
However, if you are washing while the silverware drawer has been removed, or with excess silverware, a silverware basket is also included.
When loading the silverware basket you should avoid excessive contact points and nesting of similar items allowing two spons to rest inside one another).
A good way to avoid excessive contact points is to load the silverware basket with the lids closed, inserting each piece of silverware into one of the individual slots as shown.

When unloading the dishwasher, to prevent water from dripping onto dry dishes, unload the lower rack (30) first. Next, unload the silverware basket (29) followed by the upper rack, and then the third rack (22) (if equipped).
Note: Dishes are more likely to chip when unloading before cooling.
Adjusting the height of the rack
If required, the height of the upper rack (22) can be adjusted to create more space for taller utensils either in the upper or lower rack.

Arrange large plates up to a diameter of 13.4 in (34 cm) in the lower basket (30) as illustrated.

The height of the upper rack (22) can be adjusted in 3 steps to create more space.

Note: Check spray arm for clearance after adjustment.
The upper and lower rack are fitted with flip tines that can be folded down depending on what you may need to load in the rack.
Lower rack flip tines: To fold down, pull flip tine gently forward and release it from the notch. Push the flip tine downward. To fold up, push flip tines into an upright position until the holder engages in the notch.

Upper rack flip tines: To fold down, push flip tines downward with gentle pressure. To fold up, push flip tines into an upright position until the holder engages in the notch.


The cup shelves and the space underneath them can be used for small cups or for larger serving utensils.


Removing upper rack (22)

Installing upper rack (22)

Use only detergent specifically designed for dishwashers. For best results, use fresh powdered dishwashing detergent or detergent tabs.
NOTICE
To avoid dishwasher damage:
This dishwasher uses less water than most, therefore, less detergent is required. With soft water, tablespoon (15 ml) of detergent will clean most loads. The detergent dispenser cup has lines that measure detergent to 1 tablespoon (15 ml) and 1.75 tablespoons (25 ml). tablespoons (45 ml) of detergent will completely fill the detergent dispenser.
Note: If you do not know the hardness of your water supply, use ml of detergent. Increase the amount if necessary to the least amount required to get your kitchenware clean.

1. If the detergent dispenser (32) is still closed, actuate the locking bar (33) to open it. Note: Make sure the detergent dispenser is dry and clear of detergent residue. | ![]() |
2. Pour detergent into the dry detergent (32) dispenser only. Add detergent. Do not overfill the detergent dispenser. | ![]() When using detergent tabs, lay them such that they do not come in contact with the cover, insert a detergent tab flat, not on its side. |
![]() | Note: Do not place detergent tabs or utensils in the detergent tab tray (24). Place tabs or other detergent forms directly in the detergent dispenser (32). |
| 3. Close the lid by placing the finger on the lid as shown. Slide the lid closed and press down firmly until it clicks. | ![]() The detergent dispenser will open automatically at the ideal time for the set cycle. The powder or liquid detergent is distributed in the appliance and is dissolved, detergent tabs will fall into the detergent tab tray (24) where it dissolves during the cycle. |
Tip: If the dishware is only lightly soiled, slightly less than the indicated amount of detergent is usually adequate.

Note: The Energy Guide label was based on the Normal soil sensing cycle as follows: The unit was tested without any rinse aid (liquid) in the rinse aid dispenser (31). A single dose of detergent was inserted into the detergent dispenser (32), with no detergent being used in the prewash. The unit was not subjected to truncated testing per the definitions in the test procedure. We recommend that dish loads such as the one in the energy certification test have the rack position set in the highest position.
Delay
Allows you to delay the start time of your dishwasher up to 24 hours.
Half Load
Can reduce water consumption when washing small, lightly soiled loads that fill approximately half of the dishwasher’s capacity.
Sanitize
Increases the temperatures and retains them for an extra long time to obtain a defined disinfecting performance. Continuous use of this function increases the hygiene status.
This additional option is ideal for cleaning items such as chopping boards and baby bottles.
Using the Sanitize option may also improve drying. The cycle time and energy usage may be increased.
Extra Dry
Used in combination with a wash cycle (except Rinse), the Extra Dry option raises the temperature and extends the drying time to further enhance drying results and provide a brilliant shine. The energy usage may be increased.
ExtraScrub
This option increases pressure and temperature in the lower rack for intensive cleaning.
Wash Cycle Information
To save energy, this dishwasher has EcoSense where the sensors in the dishwasher automatically adjust the cycle length, temperature and water changes based on the amount of food soil and the incoming water temperature. The “Smart Control” makes decisions that can cause the cycle time and water usage to adjust intermittently. Wash cycle times are based on 120°F (49° C) water supply. If your household water supply is different than 120°F (49*C), your dishwasher’s cycle times may be impacted.

Note: Only sanitizing cycles have been designed to meet the requirements of Section 6 of the NSF/ANSI Standard for Residential Equipment for soil removal and sanitization efficacy. There is no intention, either directly or indirectly, to imply that all cycles have passed sanitization performance tests.
Your dishwasher is equipped with a function that helps to prevent unintentional operation (e.g. by children).
After setting the dishwasher, the dishwasher door has to be closed within 4 seconds, otherwise the operation will be paused. There will be a signal on the control panel advising you to press the Start button again and close the door.
This function will be activated when:
Note: This function cannot be deactivated.
AquaSensor is an optical measuring device which measures the cleanliness of the rinse water.
The AquaSensor is used according to the wash cycle. If the AquaSensor is active, “clean” rinse water can be transferred to the next rinse and water consumption can be reduced by 0.8–1-5 gal (3–6 liters). If the rinse water is not yet clear, the water is drained and is replaced with fresh water. In the automatic wash cycles the temperature and running time can also be adjusted to the degree of soiling.
Note: Your dishwasher is protected against unintentional operation. If the appliance door remains open for more than 4 seconds after pressing the Start button, the operation will be paused. Close the appliance door and press the Start button (6) again.
When a wash cycle is selected the remaining wash cycle time is shown on the display (3).
The wash cycle time is determined during the wash cycle by the water temperature, the amount of dishes, as well as the degree of soiling and may vary (depending on the selected wash cycle).
You can delay the start of the cycle in one hour increments up to 24 hours.
![]() | 1 hour delay |
![]() | 24 hours delay |
To set Delay start:
To cancel Delay start:
is indicated on the digital display (3).Note: Your dishwasher is protected against unintentional operation. If the appliance door remains open for more than 4 seconds after pressing the Start button, the operation will be paused. Press the Start button again and close the appliance door.
The wash cycle has ended when the display (3) reads
.
If the signal tone has been set, the wash cylce end is also indicated by a buzzer.

To change the signal volume:
(x can be any number). Release both buttons.
the display jumps back to 
This setting determines the length of time the control panel stays illuminated after the cycle is complete. To save energy the recommended setting is 
This setting can be adjusted from
to 
![]() | dishwasher does not turn off automatically |
| dishwasher turns off automatically after 1 minute | |
| dishwasher turns off automatically after 120 minutes (2 hours) |
To change the setting:
(x can be any number).
Short time after the end of the wash cycle:
WARNING RISK OF INJURY!
To avoid risk of injury, always use caution when opening the door during or following a wash cycle as hot water or steam may escape. Do not fully open the door until water noises have stopped and steam has subsided.
CAUTION
Expansion (overpressure) may cause the appliance door to open and/or water to escape! If the door was opened on an appliance which has a hot water connection or is heated, always leave the door ajar for several minutes and then close.
Note: Your dishwasher is protected against unintentional operation. If the appliance door remains open for more than 4 seconds after pressing the Start button, the operation will be paused. Press the Start button again and close the appliance door.

When the Start button (1) has been pressed, the wash cycle cannot be changed. The only way a wash cycle can be changed is by terminating the wash cycle (Reset).
While the wash cycle is running, a light spot shines on the floor under the appliance door.
Do not open the appliance door until the light point is no longer visible on the floor.
If the appliance door is not completely closed, the light spot flashes*.
If the appliance is installed at eye-level, with flush furniture front, the light point is not visible.
In darkened rooms, some light scattering may be visible. This is normal and cannot be changed.
You can switch the Infolight on or off.

To change the setting:
(x can be any number). Release both buttons.The final rinse uses a higher temperature which improves the drying result. The cycle time may increase slightly. (Caution if utensils are delicate!)
This feature has two settings: On/Off
![]() | Off |
![]() | On |
(x can be any number).
.
or off 
Overall condition of the dishwasher
NOTICE
WARNING
Use caution when removing parts for cleaning as some debris may be sharp.
The Bosch® filter system (28) is designed to prevent the need to pre-rinse normally attached food soils from your dishes. Simply scrape leftover food soils off of dishware before loading. This process will conserve time, water and the energy require to heat your household water supply.
Your dishwasher filter system is designed to filter 100% of the water entering the spray arms to provide a continuous supply of clean water to remove food soils from your dishware.
Filter components
The filter system (28) consists of three parts.
![]() | A Large Object Trap Prevents objects that should not be placed in your dishwasher from damaging the dishwasher pump system or clogging your household drain. |
B Flat Fine Filter Prevents food particles from entering the wash chamber and directs particles toward the micro filter. | |
C Micro Filter Directs the smallest of particles to the household plumbing drain. |
Cleaning intervals
The filter system (28) is designed to minimize maintenance while providing premium cleaning performance and minimum energy consumption.
Depending on use habits and water hardness, the filter system will require some maintenance to sustain premium cleaning performance.
Your filter system may need to be cleaned when:
When washing normally attached food soils that have been scraped before loading, in a household that runs the dishwasher every other day, your filter should be cleaned:

Note: Clean the filter after washing loads with large amounts of food soils or loads with a heavy starch content, like potatoes and pasta, to maintain optimal performance.
To check or clean the filter system:
![]() | 1. Unscrew the Large Object Trap as illustrated and remove the entire filter system. |
2. Remove any residue and clean filters by rinsing under running water. Note: do not use abrasive brushes or steel wool, etc., as they may damage the filter.
3. Reinstall the filter system in reverse sequence and lock into place by screwing the Large Object Trap until the marking arrows align.
Check spray arms (23), (26) for grease and limescale deposits. If you find such deposits:

Large food remnants in the rinsing water not retained by the filters may block the waste water pump. In this case:

WARNING
Use caution when removing parts for cleaning as some debris may be sharp.
Note: The drain pump will not work properly if the drain pump cover is not snapped in completely until it clicks.
NOTICE
Before leaving for vacation during warmer weather, besides turning off the main valve, also turn off water supply at the nearest point to the dishwasher. Do not leave soiled dishware in unit and leave door slightly open. During colder weather, please follow the instructions for winterizing your unit below.
NOTICE
If your dishwasher will be unused for a period of time in a location that experiences freezing temperatures holiday home or through a vacation period), have your dishwasher winterized by a professional service.
NOTICES
Door may not be properly latched.
>>> Shut the door completely until you hear a click.
Dishwasher may not be turned on.
>>> Press the main power switch (1) to turn dishwasher on.
Dishwasher not reset or previous cycle not completed.
>>> Reset the dishwasher.
Delay start engaged.
>>> Reset Delay start.
Interruption of electrical power supply to dishwasher or blown fuse.
>>> Check circuit breaker.
The door may have been closed without first selecting a cycle.
>>> Select a cycle and close the door.
Water supply may not be turned on.
>>> Check and turn on water supply.
Door is opened longer than seconds after a cycle has started.
>>> Press Start button again to resume cycle.
A fuse may have been blown or circuit breaker tripped.
>>> Check the fuse or circuit breaker box and replace the fuse or reset the breaker if necessary.
Door not closed or latched.
Note: For models with controls on top of the door, the display only illuminates when the door is opened and controls are visible.
>>> Ensure door is properly latched and completely closed.
Incoming water is not warm enough.
>>> Before starting a cycle, run hot water faucet at the sink closest to the dishwasher.
Cycle time can vary due to soil and water conditions.
>>> Sensors in the dishwasher automatically increase the cycle time to ensure a good wash when heavy soil is detected.
Rinse aid dispenser (31) is empty, or rinse aid setting has been set to “0”.
>>> Add rinse aid, or change rinse aid setting.
Dishwasher connected to cold water supply.
Note: Check the typical wash cycle length.
>>> Verify dishwasher is connected to hot water supply plumbing.
Spray arm movement obstructed.
>>> Ensure that spray arm movement is not blocked by hand rotating spray arms (23), (26) before starting cycle.
Spray arm nozzles clogged.
>>> Remove spray arms (23), (26) and clean them.
Improper use of detergents.
>>> Increase or decrease detergent depending on the water hardness.
Filters (28) could be clogged.
>>> Clean the filters (28)
Dishes are nested or loaded too closely together.
>>> Rearrange load such that water spray can reach all items in the dishwasher.
Selected wash cycle is not suitable for food soil conditions.
>>> Wash Cycle
Incorrect rinse aid setting.
>>> Depending on the hardness of water, adjust the rinse agent dispenser (31)
Note: Plastic or Teflon do not typically dry as well as other items due to their inherent properties.
Rinse aid dispenser (31) is empty or incorrect rinse aid amount is set.
>>> Add rinse aid or adjust setting - the use of rinse agent improves drying, use the Auto cycle, use the Sanitize option.
Improper loading of dishes.
>>> Rearrange load to ensure items are not nesting.
Note: Select models offer an extra heating option to improve drying performance.
Note: Water testing is done in the factory. Occasionally, water may still appear in dishwasher at purchase which may create an odor.
Food debris is present at the bottom of the dishwasher.
>>> Remove the filters and clean them.
Residual water is present at the bottom of the dishwasher.
>>> Ensure the dishwasher has completely drained from the last cycle.
Drain hose is obstructed.
>>> Remove any obstructions from the drain hose by calling qualified personnel.
Note: If odor still persists, run the Normal/
Regular cycle until it flushes and interrupt the cycle and place an 8 oz. cup of distilled white vinegar solution on the upper rack and then finish the cycle.
Restriction in the water supply system.
>>> Ensure that the water supply valve (typically located under kitchen sink) is open and check that the water supply line has no kinks or clogs.
Delay start is active.
>>> Cancel the delay start or wait until delay start time completes.
Household water supply turned off.
>>> Turn on water supply.
Abrasive cleaner used.
>>> Use mild detergents with soft damp cloth.
Dishes may not be arranged properly.
>>> Water circulation sound is normal, but if you suspect items are banging into each other or into the spray arms, check optimal arrangement of dishes.
Suds.
>>> Using wrong type of detergent or overfilling the rinse aid dispenser results in suds and leaks - use only dishwasher detergents. If suds still persist, add one tablespoon of vegetable oil at the bottom of the dishwasher and run the desired cycle.
Door seal could be pulled away from track.
>>> Ensure the door seal is in the track.
Condensation vent is blocked.
>>> Ensure that condensation vent is not blocked.
Improper installation.
>>> Have proper installation verified by qualified personnel (water supply, drain system, leveling, plumbing).
Stains on the dishwasher interior are due to water hardness.
>>> Concentrated lemon juice can reduce the build-up of hard water stains. Run Normal/Regular cycle until it flushes and interrupt the cycle and then place an 8 oz. cup of the concentrated lemon solution on the upper rack and finish the cycle. This can be done periodically to avoid build-up.
Silverware in contact with tub.
>>> Ensure that silverware does not make contact with the tub while running a cycle.
Improper operation of detergent cover.
>>> For instructions on opening and closing the dispenser ~ "Detergent"
Previous cycle was not finished or interrupted.
>>> See "Operating the Dishwasher"
Previous cycle not finished.
>>> See “Operating the Dishwasher”
Reference file: Bosch SHX863WD5N 300 Series Dishwasher 24'' Stainless steel
Series: 300
Additionally, the document applies to other Bosch models: SHS863WD2N, SHS863WD5N, SHS863WD6N, SHX863WB5N, SHV863WD3N, SHV863WB3N