E09
Bosch Dishwasher
Severity: CriticalWhat it means
Bosch dishwasher E09 means the heating element is not raising the water to the required wash temperature.
E09 almost always requires a technician — the heating element or its control relay has failed.
Affected Models
- Bosch Serie 2 Dishwasher
- Bosch Serie 4 Dishwasher
- Bosch Serie 6 Dishwasher
- Bosch Serie 8 Dishwasher
- Bosch SuperSilence Dishwasher
Common Causes
- Burned out heating element
- Faulty NTC temperature sensor reporting incorrect temperatures
- Relay on the control board that powers the heater has failed
- Wiring fault between control board and heating element
- Flow heater blocked with limescale in hard water areas
How to Fix It
-
Reset the dishwasher.
Hold the On/Off button for 5 seconds to perform a reset.
Restart a cycle and check if E09 clears.
Occasional E09 can be caused by a transient sensor reading — a reset sometimes resolves it. -
Run a descaling cycle.
In hard water areas, limescale builds up on the flow heater and reduces heating efficiency.
Run a dishwasher descaler product according to the packet instructions.
If E09 is caused by heavy limescale, descaling may resolve it. -
Check the wash results for cold water signs.
If E09 clears on reset but dishes are not fully clean, have grease on them after washing, or the drying is poor, the heater is failing intermittently.
Book a technician before the heater fails completely.
When to Call a Professional
E09 almost always requires professional repair.
The heating element, NTC sensor, or control board relay needs to be tested and replaced by a qualified appliance technician.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still use my Bosch dishwasher with an E09 error?
The machine will not complete a normal wash cycle while E09 is active because water temperature is insufficient for cleaning. Do not continue using it — dishes will not be sanitised and the cycle will stop or produce poor results.
Is E09 worth repairing on an older Bosch dishwasher?
If the dishwasher is under 8 years old, replacing the heating element or NTC sensor is usually cost-effective. On machines over 10 years old, weigh the repair cost against the cost of a new machine — other components may be nearing the end of their life too.