E09
Bosch Dishwasher
Severity:What Does This Error Mean?
Bosch E09 indicates a fault with the heating element or the temperature sensor (NTC) that monitors water temperature. This typically requires a technician — the heating element or sensor needs to be tested and replaced.
Affected Models
- Bosch Series 2
- Bosch Series 4
- Bosch Series 6
- Bosch Series 8
- Bosch SMV series
- Bosch SMS series
Common Causes
- Heating element failed — burned out or short-circuited
- NTC temperature sensor faulty — giving incorrect temperature readings
- Control board not sending power to the heating element
- Lime scale build-up on the heating element causing overheating failure
- Wiring harness connection to heating element loose or corroded
How to Fix It
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Try a reset first.
Hold the On/Off button for 3–5 seconds to cancel the current programme. Turn the machine off, unplug it, and wait 5 minutes. Restart with a new cycle. Occasionally E09 is triggered by a control board spike rather than a genuine heater failure.
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Run a descaling programme.
Severe lime scale on the heating element can cause it to overheat and trigger temperature sensor alarms. Run a descaling or hot wash programme with a proprietary descaler (e.g. Finish Power Up Dishwasher Cleaner). Regular monthly descaling cycles prevent lime scale build-up.
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Have the NTC sensor tested.
The NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) temperature sensor monitors water temperature throughout the cycle. A faulty NTC can give false readings that trigger E09 even if the heater itself is fine. An NTC sensor for a Bosch dishwasher costs £10–£25 and a technician can test and replace it quickly.
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Have the heating element tested.
The heating element can be tested with a multimeter (resistance should be approximately 20–30 ohms when cold). A reading of infinite resistance (open circuit) means the element has burned out and must be replaced. This is a repair best left to a qualified appliance technician due to electrical hazard.
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Contact Bosch service.
E09 is one of the less DIY-friendly errors because it involves the electrical heating circuit. Contact Bosch home appliance service at bosch-home.com to book a repair. For machines under warranty, the repair may be covered. For older machines, assess whether repair cost (typically £100–£200) is worthwhile versus replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fix Bosch dishwasher E09 myself?
E09 is an electrical heating fault — you can try the reset and descaling steps without any technical knowledge. Beyond that, testing and replacing the heating element or NTC sensor involves working with electrical components and requires basic knowledge of appliance repair. For most people, calling a Bosch-authorised service engineer is the safest approach. Repair typically costs £100–£200 including parts and labour.