E13
Bosch Dishwasher
Severity: ModerateWhat Does This Error Mean?
E13 on a Bosch dishwasher means the water entering the machine is too hot — typically above 60°C (140°F). Bosch dishwashers are designed to connect to a cold water supply and heat the water internally to the precise temperature needed. If the hot water supply is connected instead, or if your home's hot water is set very high, water too hot for the machine enters at the start of the fill cycle. This can affect wash performance and sensor readings.
Affected Models
- Bosch Serie 4 SMV46
- Bosch Serie 6 SMS68
- Bosch Serie 8 SMS88
- Bosch Silence Plus models
- Most Bosch dishwashers designed for cold fill
Common Causes
- Dishwasher is connected to the hot water supply instead of the cold water supply
- Hot water heater set above 60°C (140°F) — hotter than the dishwasher expects
- The temperature sensor (NTC thermistor) is faulty and misreading the incoming water temperature
- Water supply pipes that run near heat sources are delivering preheated water unexpectedly
- Control board fault causing incorrect temperature sensor data interpretation
How to Fix It
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Check which water supply your dishwasher is connected to. Most Bosch dishwashers require a cold water connection only. Look at the supply hose under the sink — it should connect to the cold water tap.
Bosch cold-fill dishwashers heat water internally. Connecting to hot water throws off the temperature calibration.
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Check your home's hot water heater setting. The recommended setting is 49°C to 60°C (120°F to 140°F) for most households. If set above 60°C, the water entering the dishwasher will trigger E13.
Lowering the water heater temperature to 60°C also reduces energy usage and scalding risk — a good change to make anyway.
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Run cold water at the kitchen sink for 30 seconds before starting the dishwasher. This clears any hot water sitting in the supply pipe and ensures cooler water enters the machine at the start.
Supply pipes near hot water pipes or in a warm cabinet can hold water that is warmer than expected.
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Reset the dishwasher by pressing and holding the On/Off button for 3 seconds, then restart a cycle. On some models, a soft reset clears a temperature fault.
After the reset, watch whether the error returns immediately at the start of fill — that confirms the water temperature is still the issue.
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If supply connections and hot water temperature are both correct and E13 keeps returning, the NTC temperature sensor inside the dishwasher is likely faulty. Have it tested and replaced by a technician.
NTC thermistors for Bosch dishwashers are typically £15 to £40 / $20 to $50.
When to Call a Professional
If the supply connection is correct and the hot water temperature is within normal range, the temperature sensor likely needs replacement. A Bosch technician can test the NTC thermistor and replace it if faulty. Do not attempt to re-plumb the dishwasher's water supply without proper plumbing knowledge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I connect a Bosch dishwasher to hot water to save energy?
Not recommended. Most Bosch dishwashers are designed for cold water connection only. Connecting to hot water causes temperature errors and may void your warranty. Bosch dishwashers use very energy-efficient internal heating — connecting to cold water and letting the machine heat it is the correct and intended operation.
Why would the water be too hot if I connected it to cold?
Supply pipes can run near hot water pipes or through warm areas of the home. If the cold supply pipe runs alongside a hot water pipe in a cabinet, it can absorb heat. Also, supply pipes in very warm climates may deliver water that feels cool from the tap but is still above 60°C at the start of flow.
How do I reset the E13 error after fixing the cause?
Press and hold the On/Off button for 3 seconds to reset, then start a new cycle. On some Bosch models, turning the dial to the off position and back resolves it. If you need to perform a full reset, check your model's manual for the reset button combination.