Is this worth repairing? 12-13 year old Bosch Dishwasher

[triboy3]

I have a Bosch Ascenta (SHX3AR75UC/10).  It was purchased in May/June 2013 and we have been using it now nearly 12 years.

Issue
About 3 weeks ago, the machine would repeatedly cycle through the initial pumping release phase--something that I would hear at the beginning of a washing cycle when it was working properly. 

We began to notice problems when it would never stop that part of the wash cycle, and just work repeatedly.

When I attempted to reset by unplugging, draining, and hard resetting the unit it didn't fix the issue.
I also noticed that water would begin to fill the bottom basin and I observed that water coming in from the hot water source would trickle into the tub and could not stop.  Ultimately, in order to prevent my floor from flooding, I had to disconnect the water.

Is this worth fixing?  Or is it time just to get a new unit?I read elsewhere on the internet on Consumer Report, and on other forums, that the average life of a dishwasher is between 10-12 years--with Bosch units slightly better at 10-15 years.

When I called Bosch to setup a repair diagnostic visit, the cost was somewhere around $175 just to come out.  I balked.
Questions

Can anyone else share if they have observed the same symptoms?
And, if you were/are a Bosch owner, how many years did you use your unit until it had to be replaced?

[TiredLawyer]

Replace. My rule of thumb is to replace once you’re over 1/2 way through the expected life. In this case, the dishwasher would be replaced if it breaks after 5 years unless you can fix it yourself.

[quantAndHold]

There was a recent thread where someone was asking the same exact questions about a 7(?) year old Bosch dishwasher. You should look that up.

Consumer reports has an online “should I repair or replace “ calculator that you should run. But I’ll tell you that when I ran it for the guy in that thread, it came down on the side of replace.

If you can’t repair it yourself, there’s probably no point in attempting to fix.

[adamthesmythe]

Replace. My rule of thumb is to replace once you’re over 1/2 way through the expected life. In this case, the dishwasher would be replaced if it breaks after 5 years unless you can fix it yourself.

My rule of thumb is to check the appliance repair websites to determine whether the problem has a likely cause that can be addressed by a cheap part.

On dishwashers so far my success rate so far is 100%. (n = 2). One was a Bosch that had a failed valve that led to lots of water on the floor. The repair lasted until I sold the house several years later.

Can anyone else share if they have observed the same symptoms?

Don't ask HERE, the probability that someone has the same dishwasher and the same problem is virtually zero. Go to an appliance repair website!!

[snic]

I second the suggestion to post the question on an appliance repair forum.

I suspect you might have a faulty main circuit board, but it could also be a sensor or something else. Sometimes there are diagnostic procedures you can perform, but these would be specific to your model.

If you are the slightest bit handy, consider trying to debug it yourself and replace whatever part is malfunctioning. The major limitation, aside from the expense of your own time and effort, is the availability and expense of parts. Often, if the model is common enough, used parts (such as circuit boards) are readily available. Dishwasher circuit boards are also generally pretty easy to replace. I replaced mine just a few months ago with a "remanufactured" board and it's been working flawlessly. The dishwasher is probably about the same age as yours, but a different brand.

[bombcar]

If it was one issue and an easy part, repair.

If you can't figure out what's wrong, or multiple issues, replace. It had a good life.

[beernutz]

IF you can buy a control board for the dishwasher and it is returnable (Amazon?) and if you feel confident you can remove the front to access the board then imo it is worth the attempt. Otherwise replace.

The control board went out (I determined this by web searching the symptoms) on our 6 year old Whirlpool. Replacing the board based on a youtube video I found didn't seem too difficult and the control board was available on Amazon (for $100) and could be returned. That was two years ago and it is still running correctly.

[bombcar]

Another way to look at it is that the repair part/price can be considered a discount on the new one especially if the repair doesn’t work perfectly.

At that age I’d probably replace as seals, etc are also going to be wearing out soon.

If it was just a draining issue I’d say clean the basket/trap.

[RickBoglehead]

Replace. My rule of thumb is to replace once you’re over 1/2 way through the expected life. In this case, the dishwasher would be replaced if it breaks after 5 years unless you can fix it yourself.

My rule of thumb is to check the appliance repair websites to determine whether the problem has a likely cause that can be addressed by a cheap part.

On dishwashers so far my success rate so far is 100%. (n = 2). One was a Bosch that had a failed valve that led to lots of water on the floor. The repair lasted until I sold the house several years later.

Can anyone else share if they have observed the same symptoms?

Don't ask HERE, the probability that someone has the same dishwasher and the same problem is virtually zero. Go to an appliance repair website!!

There was a recent thread where someone was asking the same exact questions about a 7(?) year old Bosch dishwasher. You should look that up.

Consumer reports has an online “should I repair or replace “ calculator that you should run. But I’ll tell you that when I ran it for the guy in that thread, it came down on the side of replace.

If you can’t repair it yourself, there’s probably no point in attempting to fix.

I second the suggestion to post the question on an appliance repair forum.

I suspect you might have a faulty main circuit board, but it could also be a sensor or something else. Sometimes there are diagnostic procedures you can perform, but these would be specific to your model.

If you are the slightest bit handy, consider trying to debug it yourself and replace whatever part is malfunctioning. The major limitation, aside from the expense of your own time and effort, is the availability and expense of parts. Often, if the model is common enough, used parts (such as circuit boards) are readily available. Dishwasher circuit boards are also generally pretty easy to replace. I replaced mine just a few months ago with a "remanufactured" board and it's been working flawlessly. The dishwasher is probably about the same age as yours, but a different brand.

All good advice. In the past few years, we've repaired our washing machine and dryer. The washing machine was bought in 1999, the dryer was bought in 1996. Both repairs were found on the internet, and parts were well under $100 each. The washing machine was flaking rust into the tub, so we removed the top, cleaned up the rust, painted it, and no more rust problem.

In the past 2 years we've replaced our refrigerator (18 years old) and microwave (18 years old) after both were unrepairable. We also finally replaced our HVAC due to issues combined with age.

Repairing is often quite easy, but time consuming. Quite satisfying when you can fix it.

[snic]

My rule of thumb is to check the appliance repair websites to determine whether the problem has a likely cause that can be addressed by a cheap part.

On dishwashers so far my success rate so far is 100%. (n = 2). One was a Bosch that had a failed valve that led to lots of water on the floor. The repair lasted until I sold the house several years later.



Don't ask HERE, the probability that someone has the same dishwasher and the same problem is virtually zero. Go to an appliance repair website!!

There was a recent thread where someone was asking the same exact questions about a 7(?) year old Bosch dishwasher. You should look that up.

Consumer reports has an online “should I repair or replace “ calculator that you should run. But I’ll tell you that when I ran it for the guy in that thread, it came down on the side of replace.

If you can’t repair it yourself, there’s probably no point in attempting to fix.

I second the suggestion to post the question on an appliance repair forum.

I suspect you might have a faulty main circuit board, but it could also be a sensor or something else. Sometimes there are diagnostic procedures you can perform, but these would be specific to your model.

If you are the slightest bit handy, consider trying to debug it yourself and replace whatever part is malfunctioning. The major limitation, aside from the expense of your own time and effort, is the availability and expense of parts. Often, if the model is common enough, used parts (such as circuit boards) are readily available. Dishwasher circuit boards are also generally pretty easy to replace. I replaced mine just a few months ago with a "remanufactured" board and it's been working flawlessly. The dishwasher is probably about the same age as yours, but a different brand.

All good advice. In the past few years, we've repaired our washing machine and dryer. The washing machine was bought in 1999, the dryer was bought in 1996. Both repairs were found on the internet, and parts were well under $100 each. The washing machine was flaking rust into the tub, so we removed the top, cleaned up the rust, painted it, and no more rust problem.

In the past 2 years we've replaced our refrigerator (18 years old) and microwave (18 years old) after both were unrepairable. We also finally replaced our HVAC due to issues combined with age.

Repairing is often quite easy, but time consuming. Quite satisfying when you can fix it.

The one caveat, in my experience, is that sometimes modern appliances actually are better. Washers and dryers are more or less the same as they were in the 1990s - they might use less water or slightly less energy, but the principle is the same and they are pretty simple machines. So it's worth fixing and re-fixing them yourself. (With the new heat pump dryers that save a LOT of energy, that equation might change.)

Dishwashers have actually improved a lot since then. We hade one from that era that I kept repairing until we moved to our current house, which has a 2013-era dishwasher. It works a LOT better (dishes are more consistently clean) and is far more quiet. In hindsight, I should have just replaced the crummy 1990s dishwasher in the old house rather than fixing it so often! On the other hand, I'm really happy with the 2013 version and hope to keep it for as long as we stay in this house.

We just replaced our 1999-ish wall oven. Parts were not available for the circuit board. Ovens seem like one of those things where the principle is the same and they are bone-head simple. The old one was pretty consistent when it was working and I had no problem with it. But the new one has "European convection" and actually does produce better results, especially with bakery items (cookies, breads, muffins, etc).

[RickBoglehead]

All good advice. In the past few years, we've repaired our washing machine and dryer. The washing machine was bought in 1999, the dryer was bought in 1996. Both repairs were found on the internet, and parts were well under $100 each. The washing machine was flaking rust into the tub, so we removed the top, cleaned up the rust, painted it, and no more rust problem.

In the past 2 years we've replaced our refrigerator (18 years old) and microwave (18 years old) after both were unrepairable. We also finally replaced our HVAC due to issues combined with age.

Repairing is often quite easy, but time consuming. Quite satisfying when you can fix it.

The one caveat, in my experience, is that sometimes modern appliances actually are better. Washers and dryers are more or less the same as they were in the 1990s - they might use less water or slightly less energy, but the principle is the same and they are pretty simple machines. So it's worth fixing and re-fixing them yourself. (With the new heat pump dryers that save a LOT of energy, that equation might change.)

Dishwashers have actually improved a lot since then. We hade one from that era that I kept repairing until we moved to our current house, which has a 2013-era dishwasher. It works a LOT better (dishes are more consistently clean) and is far more quiet. In hindsight, I should have just replaced the crummy 1990s dishwasher in the old house rather than fixing it so often! On the other hand, I'm really happy with the 2013 version and hope to keep it for as long as we stay in this house.

We just replaced our 1999-ish wall oven. Parts were not available for the circuit board. Ovens seem like one of those things where the principle is the same and they are bone-head simple. The old one was pretty consistent when it was working and I had no problem with it. But the new one has "European convection" and actually does produce better results, especially with bakery items (cookies, breads, muffins, etc).

I've experience the opposite - a newer dishwasher with a multi-hour cycle for "efficiency". The constant droning would drive me crazy. Ours is 70 min or less.

[niagara_guy]

some dishwashers have filters (or other items) that have to be cleaned regularly, please consult your owner's manual, you can probably find it online.

[PottedPlant]

1. Replace. The Ascenta line was Bosch's bottom line intended to let builders offer "Bosch". They were noisy. I know, I owned one.
2. Replace. It is old.
3. Replace. Get this 800 Series Dishwasher 24'' Stainless Steel Anti-fingerprint SHX78CM5N. Quieter. 3rd rack. Aqua-Stop

[mchampse]

We had Bosch come to diagnose an issue with our fridge. It was a bad experience. We’ve used 3rd party repair companies and generally had better experiences.

Rule of thumb is that repair costs about 1/2 of what replacement costs pretty consistently. Replace also gets you the latest and greatest. I try to repair more out of wanting to create less waste. Not certain that it’s cost effective.

[michaeljc70]

If you can't figure it out and fix it yourself for less than $100 I'd replace it. Even if it is a cheap fix you are probably looking at $400 ($175 diagnosis+ service call to come back + part).

[Pdxnative]

Replace. You can get a great new Bosch DW for ~$1k ish. Probably installed within a few days in many areas.

If you’re relying on techs I’d be surprised if total cost of a fix is less than $500+. And you might be waiting weeks or longer.

A DW at that age is probably showing age in other areas.

[Afty]

I have been down this road a couple times now and have come to the conclusion that, unless I can repair the appliance on my own, it’s just not cost effective to hire someone to repair. I’ve wasted a fair amount of money having repair people come out, just to give me an expensive estimate that I decline.

[Capsu78]

Replace- I think it is the computer board, $350 ish without the installation. My service tech is great too, and he laments Bosch isn't the same quality as a decade ago after all the appliance industry consolidation during 2009 and Covid years.

[Mr. Rumples]

Replace. Just to get a service person out will be a trip charge of $100+ each way. Then the part(s).

[quantAndHold]

The one caveat, in my experience, is that sometimes modern appliances actually are better. Washers and dryers are more or less the same as they were in the 1990s - they might use less water or slightly less energy, but the principle is the same and they are pretty simple machines. So it's worth fixing and re-fixing them yourself. (With the new heat pump dryers that save a LOT of energy, that equation might change.)

Dishwashers have actually improved a lot since then. We hade one from that era that I kept repairing until we moved to our current house, which has a 2013-era dishwasher. It works a LOT better (dishes are more consistently clean) and is far more quiet. In hindsight, I should have just replaced the crummy 1990s dishwasher in the old house rather than fixing it so often! On the other hand, I'm really happy with the 2013 version and hope to keep it for as long as we stay in this house.

We just replaced our 1999-ish wall oven. Parts were not available for the circuit board. Ovens seem like one of those things where the principle is the same and they are bone-head simple. The old one was pretty consistent when it was working and I had no problem with it. But the new one has "European convection" and actually does produce better results, especially with bakery items (cookies, breads, muffins, etc).

So true. The 2024 dishwasher we got a few months ago is leaps and bounds better than anything we had before. The rack design is better, the dishes get cleaner and drier, it’s super quiet. My favorite feature is it has a fan that runs intermittently overnight, so everything is cool and dry in the morning, without having the electric heater cook the dishes.

[Running Bum]

In 2014 I diagnosed my 2001 Bosch to have a bad solder weld, common for a problem that might have been the same as yours. Google the symptoms. I had a friend who knew how to solder things and it started working right again. 11 years later still going strong! At 24, I doubt I'll do another repair unless it's really easy, but every run is all bonus time now.

[bd7]

Is this worth fixing? 

I might attempt to fix it. I would not pay someone else to attempt to fix it.

[Kipa]

That's a 100-series. New today is ~ $600, $425 when on sale. At 12 years old, given the cost to diagnose, and the downside risk (flooded house), I'd likely call it done and get something new (and I hate buying things).

-Kipa

[TheHiker]

Water trickling in and overfilling and the cycle stuck on filling/draining is likely a failed water inlet valve.
This part tends to clog and break often.
I replaced it in my Bosch dishwashers with similar issues several times over the years. The part costs $20 and is relatively easy to DIY replace.

[triboy3]

Thanks everyone for your responses.

I ended up buying a $1400 new machine from Costco.
They installed it today, but charged me $70 to replace the hoses and air gap, which I new were broken.

The last post from the responder mentioned a potential $20 fix. Oh well..i let that go and ended up spending a lot more money for an upgrade.

Given how much our household generates dishes, I found it unbearably painful these past 3 weeks without a dishwasher.

[PottedPlant]

I ended up buying a $1400 new machine from Costco.

What model?

[AllMostThere]

If paying for a repairman the $175 initial fee will blossom into +$500 with no guarantees it will be 100% functional and solved. If you could repair yourself, then look into self-repair, but if you need a repairman then replace. 12 years is a good run. My Bosch dishwasher is also of same age, so I am familiar with your decision tree. I am myself looking at a repeat failure of Bosch dishwasher handle/fascia that houses all the operation buttons. I can fix myself for $150 new part but will continue looking for a cheaper part on-line before it becomes a must repair. If I can squeak another couple years without a fascia repair, I will then replace.

[triboy3]

I bought the 800 series.

Bosch 800 Series Top Control Towel Bar Handle Dishwasher, Stainless Steel Tub, CrystalDry Technology

[finite_difference]

Did you get the German-made Bosch model from Costco? I was reading that there was apparently a difference in quality between Bosch dishwashers sold at Costco and elsewhere.

[triboy3]

Interesting...

I'll have to see if my specific unit is German or USA or Made else.

[Juice3]

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