E09
Bosch Washing Machine
Severity: ModerateWhat Does This Error Mean?
The E09 error means there is a fault with the heating circuit in your Bosch washer. The machine tried to heat the water for your selected cycle but detected a problem — either the heating element has failed, or the circuit monitoring it has an issue. Cold-water cycles may still work, but any program that requires heated water will stop and show E09.
Affected Models
- Bosch 300 Series
- Bosch 500 Series
- Bosch 800 Series
- Bosch WAT28400UC
- Bosch WAS24460UC
- Most Bosch front-load washing machines
Common Causes
- The heating element has burned out and can no longer heat the wash water
- The NTC temperature sensor has failed and is sending incorrect temperature data to the control board
- A wiring connector to the heating element has corroded or come loose
- Scale buildup from hard water has coated and damaged the heating element over time
- The control board has a fault and is incorrectly reading or commanding the heater circuit
How to Fix It
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Unplug the washer and wait 60 seconds, then plug it back in.
A power reset can clear a temporary control board error. If E09 was caused by a one-off glitch, this will clear it.
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Try selecting a cold wash cycle (20°C or no heat option) and run it to completion.
If the cold cycle runs without error, the heating element is confirmed as the fault — not the control board or water inlet.
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Check your water hardness. If you live in a hard-water area and have never descaled the washer, scale buildup on the element is likely.
Run a descaling cycle with a washing machine descaler tablet or citric acid once. This will not fix a burned-out element but can help prevent future heating faults in machines that are still working.
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Check the wiring behind the machine if you are comfortable doing so. The heating element is at the bottom rear of the drum and has two wire connections — make sure neither has come loose.
Unplug the machine before checking any wiring. A loose connector is a rare but easy fix.
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If the error persists on every heated cycle, schedule a service call. Tell the technician you have E09 and the model number. They will test the element resistance and the NTC sensor.
A heating element test with a multimeter takes less than 5 minutes. An open circuit (no continuity) reading confirms the element needs replacing.
When to Call a Professional
E09 almost always requires a technician — the heating element is difficult to access without partially disassembling the machine. Heating element replacement costs $120–$260 including parts and labor. NTC temperature sensor replacement is less expensive at $80–$160. Contact Bosch customer service at 1-800-944-2904 to check your warranty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Bosch washer while E09 is showing?
You can run cold-water only cycles. Select a program at 20°C or use a dedicated cold-wash setting. Any cycle that selects 30°C, 40°C, 60°C, or higher will fail with E09. Do not ignore E09 long-term — running the heater circuit with a fault can stress the control board over time.
How does hard water damage the heating element?
Hard water contains dissolved calcium and magnesium minerals. When the heating element heats water repeatedly, these minerals crystallize and form a hard white deposit called limescale directly on the element. A thick layer of scale acts as insulation — the element has to work harder to heat the water. Over years, the element overheats underneath the scale and eventually burns out. In hard-water areas, running a descaler every 3 to 6 months extends the element's life significantly.
How long does a Bosch washer heating element last?
Under normal use, a Bosch washer heating element lasts 7 to 12 years. Hard water, frequent high-temperature cycles, and heavy use all shorten its lifespan. If you regularly wash at 60°C or higher, expect the element to need replacing sooner than in a household that mostly washes at 30°C to 40°C.