Thermador Dishwasher E16 / E17: Water Filling Trouble

What E16 means

Water either does not enter the dishwasher or enters too slowly, and the display shows E16 or E17. Thermador documents these two codes together under one description: a problem with water flowing in or with the filling system. Because they share a description, the first checks are the same whichever number you see. Neither number says which part is to blame, only that filling is not going the way the board expects.

Usual causes of E16

A supply valve that is closed or only partly open
An inlet hose that is kinked, pinched or damaged
A part in the filling system that has failed

✓ A safe check worth trying

1. Stop the cycle and make sure the dishwasher is idle. 2. Open the cabinet under the sink and confirm the supply valve for the dishwasher is fully on. 3. Trace the part of the inlet hose you can see and look for a bend, pinch or crush. 4. Restart the cycle and listen for water entering.

! Why you should stop here

If the hose and valve are in good shape, the parts that control filling sit inside the machine and need proper testing.
Repeated restarts against a blocked inflow just make the machine work without getting water.

Taking off a panel yourself does not by default void a manufacturer warranty, yet it can lead to accidental damage, and some manufacturers attach their own service terms. Read your warranty paperwork, or ask us, before you decide.

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E16E16 questions

My display says E17, not E16. Do I check something different?

No. Thermador lists the two under the same water-inflow description, so the same valve and hose checks apply. The distinction matters mostly to the person reading the board.

What is the quickest way to rule out the supply?

Check that the valve under the sink is open and the hose is straight. If the kitchen tap runs strongly, the house side is probably fine and the dishwasher needs a closer look.

Will you need to move the machine?

Sometimes. Hoses can kink behind it, and getting to the water connection may mean sliding the unit out. We protect the floor and the connections when we do.