E44
Bosch Dishwasher
Severity: ModerateWhat Does This Error Mean?
The E44 error on a Bosch dishwasher indicates a fault in the heating circuit — specifically a problem with the triac or relay that controls the heating element. A triac is a type of electronic switch used on Bosch control boards to regulate power to the heater. When the triac fails (most commonly in the 'stuck on' position), the dishwasher detects the fault and shuts down to prevent overheating. This error requires control board or heating element diagnosis.
Affected Models
- SHPM88Z75N
- SHEM3AY52N
- SHP865ZD5N
- SHDX5EM3N
- SHPM65Z55N
- Most Bosch dishwashers with stainless steel tub and internal heating element
Common Causes
- Failed triac on the control board stuck in the 'on' position, sending continuous power to the heater
- Failed heating element with an internal short causing the triac to detect an overload
- Water damage to the control board causing triac malfunction
- Overheating of the control board due to poor ventilation under the dishwasher
- Power surge that damaged the triac component on the control board
How to Fix It
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Turn off the dishwasher at the circuit breaker for 15 minutes. Restore power and run a short rinse cycle. If the triac stuck temporarily due to a power surge, the reset may restore normal function.
If E44 returns within a few minutes of starting a cycle, the triac fault is persistent and hands-on diagnosis is needed.
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Check for signs of overheating. Open the dishwasher door and inspect the interior. If you smell burning plastic, see discoloration on the tub, or find melted items on the bottom rack, the heater may have been running uncontrolled.
If you find evidence of uncontrolled heating, do not use the dishwasher again until it has been professionally inspected — this is a fire risk.
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Test the heating element. With power OFF at the breaker, disconnect the element wires and measure resistance with a multimeter. A healthy Bosch heating element typically reads 10 to 30 ohms. An open reading (infinite resistance) means the element has failed.
A shorted element (very low resistance, near zero ohms) can cause the triac to overload and fail. If the element is shorted, replace it before replacing the board.
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Inspect the control board for visible burn marks, swollen capacitors, or any component that looks heat-damaged. The triac is a small rectangular component mounted on the board — look for discoloration around it.
Visual inspection is not always conclusive, but obvious burn damage confirms a board failure.
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Have a technician replace the control board or heating element depending on which component tested faulty. After replacement, run a full wash cycle and verify that the dishwasher heats properly and does not redisplay E44.
After repair, test water temperature at the end of the wash cycle — it should be noticeably hot (130 to 140°F / 54 to 60°C).
When to Call a Professional
E44 is almost always a control board or heating element issue requiring professional diagnosis. A technician can test the heating element resistance and the triac output to determine which component has failed. Control board replacement: $150 to $350. Heating element replacement: $30 to $80 in parts plus labor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a triac and how is it different from a relay?
A relay is an electromechanical switch with physical contacts that open and close. A triac is a purely electronic switch with no moving parts — it switches power by changing its electrical state. Triacs are faster and more precise than relays but can fail in the 'on' position if overloaded. Bosch uses both relays and triacs on their dishwasher control boards.
Is it safe to use my Bosch dishwasher with E44 showing?
No. E44 indicates the heating circuit is not being properly controlled. In some cases the heater may run continuously and overheat the dishwasher interior. Do not use the dishwasher until the fault is repaired.
Can a power surge cause E44?
Yes. A strong power surge can destroy the triac on the control board. If E44 appeared immediately after a thunderstorm or power outage, a surge is a likely cause. Consider adding a surge protector to the dishwasher circuit after the repair.