Bosch Dishwasher Error Code E05 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

The E05 error means your Bosch dishwasher is not reaching the correct water temperature within the expected time. The heating element or the temperature sensor is not performing properly. Your dishes may not get properly cleaned or sanitized.

Affected Models

Bosch 300 Series
Bosch 500 Series
Bosch 800 Series
Most Bosch built-in dishwashers

Common Causes

Heating element has partially failed and is not generating enough heat
NTC temperature sensor is faulty and giving incorrect temperature readings
Incoming cold water is very cold (winter water supply temperatures) slowing heating
Wiring harness to the heating element or sensor is loose or corroded
Wash pump is not circulating water properly across the heating element

How to Fix It

Run the kitchen hot water tap for 30 seconds before starting a cycle.

This brings hot water into the pipes closer to the dishwasher, reducing heating time.
Cancel the cycle, power off the dishwasher, and restart a fresh cycle.

A cold water supply in winter can cause E05 on the first cycle of the day — a restart with pre-warmed water often helps.
Check that the dishwasher is connected to the hot water supply, not cold.

Bosch dishwashers should connect to the hot water line under the sink.
Perform a power reset — unplug the dishwasher for 5 minutes, then restore power.

This clears any temporary sensor faults from the control board.
If E05 persists, the heating element or NTC temperature sensor needs professional diagnosis.

A technician can test both components with a multimeter in under 30 minutes.

When to Call a Professional

If a power reset and inlet temperature check do not resolve E05 — the heating element or NTC sensor needs professional testing. Expect repair costs of $120–$280 for heating element or sensor replacement including labor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my dishes be cleaned properly during an E05 error?

Partially — the dishwasher attempts to wash but at a lower temperature. Grease and bacteria may not be fully removed without proper heat. Avoid using dishes from an incomplete E05 cycle until the issue is fixed.

Is E05 the same as E01 on a Bosch dishwasher?

They are related but distinct. E01 means heating timed out completely. E05 means the water is not reaching temperature fast enough, which may or may not progress to a full timeout. Both often point to the same root cause — a faulty heating element or sensor.

How much does it cost to replace the heating element in a Bosch dishwasher?

The heating element part costs $40–$90 depending on the model. Labor to access and replace it is typically $80–$180. Total repair cost is usually $120–$280. The NTC sensor is cheaper — $20–$40 for the part with similar labor costs.