# How to Fix Bosch Error E17 (Water Supply)
Error code E17 is a common signal that your Bosch washing machine is experiencing a fill timeout—it attempted to draw water for the washing cycle but failed to reach the required level within the programmed time limit (usually 3 to 5 minutes).
### Explanation: What Bosch Error E17 Means
This error code indicates a **Water Supply Issue**. The electronic control board has determined that water is either not entering the machine at all, or it is entering too slowly.
While simple external issues (kinks, closed taps) are the most common causes, if your external checks fail, the likely culprit is the **Water Inlet Valve**. This valve is an electrically controlled solenoid that opens to allow water into the drum. If it fails, water flow is blocked internally.
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### Step-by-Step Fix: Diagnosing and Clearing E17
Follow these steps sequentially, starting with the easiest external fixes before proceeding to component diagnosis.
#### Phase 1: External Checks (Safety and Supply)
**1. Perform a Power Cycle Reset**
Unplug the machine from the power outlet for five minutes, then plug it back in. This often clears temporary electronic glitches and resets the control board.
**2. Check the Water Taps**
Ensure that both the hot and cold water taps connected to the machine are fully open. If only one tap is feeding the cycle, the machine may not fill fast enough, triggering the E17 error.
**3. Inspect the Supply Hoses**
* **Look for Kinks:** Check the hoses running from the wall to the back of the machine. Ensure they are not bent, pinched, or kinked, which would restrict water flow.
* **Check Filters/Screens:** Where the supply hoses screw into the back of the machine, there are typically fine mesh filter screens (or strainers). Unscrew the hoses and check these screens. Sediment, rust, or debris can easily clog these filters, drastically reducing water pressure. Clean them thoroughly with an old toothbrush or needle-nose pliers, and reattach the hoses securely.
**4. Test Water Pressure**
If the hose filters are clear, disconnect the supply hose from the back of the machine and hold the end over a bucket. Turn the wall tap on fully.
* **Good Flow:** The water should gush out with strong, steady pressure.
* **Poor Flow:** If the water trickles out, the issue is not the washing machine but your home’s plumbing or shutoff valve. Contact a plumber.
#### Phase 2: Internal Checks (The Inlet Valve)
If all external supply checks pass (taps are open, hoses are clear, and pressure is good), the issue is within the appliance, pointing to the Water Inlet Valve.
**5. Diagnose the Water Inlet Valve (Requires Technical Skill)**
**⚠️ IMPORTANT:** Unplug the machine completely before attempting internal inspection or repair. Turn off the water supply taps.
* **Locate the Valve:** The water inlet valve is located behind the back panel of the machine, typically near the top where the supply hoses connect.
* **Visual Inspection:** Look for any obvious signs of damage, burning, or corrosion on the electrical solenoids attached to the valve.
* **Resistance Test (Requires Multimeter):** If you are comfortable using a multimeter, you can test the solenoid coils for continuity.
* Disconnect the electrical connectors.
* Measure the resistance (ohms) across the terminals of each solenoid coil.
* A healthy solenoid should typically show a resistance reading between **800 and 1,200 ohms** (check your specific model manual for exact specs).
* If the multimeter shows an “OL” (over limit) or “open circuit” reading, the coil is failed, and the valve must be replaced.
**6. Final Conclusion**
If your supply lines are perfect, your house pressure is fine, and the E17 error persists, the electronic solenoid within the Water Inlet Valve has failed and is not opening, preventing water from filling the drum. Replacement is required.
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**Check the price for a replacement Water Inlet Valve here: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Bosch+Water Inlet Valve&tag=trivian-20**