E16
Bosch Dryer
Severity: CriticalWhat Does This Error Mean?
E16 means the Bosch dryer has detected an overheating condition and the thermal safety protection has activated. The drum temperature exceeded the safe operating limit, triggering a protective shutdown. The most common cause is a blocked lint filter, blocked exhaust duct, or a failed cooling fan.
Affected Models
- Bosch WTW87565GB
- Bosch WTH84000GB
- Bosch Serie 4, 6 and 8 Vented and Condenser Dryers
- Bosch WTV74100GB
- Bosch WTB86200GB
Common Causes
- Lint filter blocked — the most common cause, restricting hot air from escaping
- Exhaust duct kinked, crushed, or clogged with lint — heat cannot escape the drum
- Cooling fan failed — heat builds up without adequate airflow
- Dryer installed in a confined space without sufficient ventilation
- Thermal fuse or thermal limiter has blown — a one-time safety cutout triggered by previous overheating
- Heating element stuck on — thermostat not cutting the element when temperature is reached
How to Fix It
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Clean the lint filter completely — remove every trace of lint from the filter and the filter slot.
Even a partially blocked lint filter dramatically reduces airflow and causes heat to build up. Clean it after every single cycle to prevent E16 from recurring.
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For vented dryers — check the entire exhaust duct from the dryer to the outside vent.
A duct that is kinked, too long, has too many bends, or has lint buildup inside is the second most common cause of E16. Clean the duct with a flexible brush or replace it if kinked.
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Check that the room where the dryer is installed has adequate ventilation.
Dryers need cool ambient air to operate safely. A very small room, an enclosed cabinet, or a room with no air supply will cause heat to build up even with a clean filter and duct.
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Unplug the dryer for 30 minutes to allow it to cool completely, then restart.
A thermally protected dryer must cool down before the safety circuit resets. If E16 reappears after cooling, the underlying cause has not been resolved.
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If E16 returns after cooling and cleaning, call a Bosch technician — the thermal fuse or heating element requires inspection.
A blown thermal fuse prevents the dryer from heating at all and must be replaced. The technician will also check why overheating occurred to prevent it happening again.
When to Call a Professional
If cleaning the filter and duct does not clear E16, a technician is needed. A blown thermal fuse must be replaced by a technician — it is a safety component and the root cause of the overheating must also be identified. Do not bypass or ignore E16 — repeated overheating will damage the drum, bearings, and wiring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep using my Bosch dryer after E16?
No — do not run the dryer again until the cause of overheating has been found and fixed. Repeated overheating can melt wiring insulation, damage the drum, and in extreme cases cause a fire. Always resolve E16 before the next drying cycle.
How do I know if the thermal fuse has blown?
A blown thermal fuse means the dryer runs (drum turns, timer counts down) but produces no heat at all. A technician can confirm this by testing the fuse with a multimeter — a blown fuse shows no continuity. Replacing the fuse alone without fixing the overheating cause will just blow the new fuse again.