Heating Element Error

What it means

This code appears on Bosch dishwashers when the control board detects that the heater is not heating the water properly or its circuit is open. On many Bosch models the heater is built into the circulation pump as one unit, called a heat pump. The dishwasher may finish the wash with lukewarm water and poor results, and the same number can mean something else on other brands.

Models covered: Bosch dishwashers; the code shows on the display or at the end of a program.

Related codes: E21E22E15

Symptoms4

• E09 shows on the display or at the end of the program.
• Dishes come out cold or greasy and not clean.
• Poor drying because the water did not heat up.
• The program runs very long, and in some cases stops.

Possible causes5

• A failed heating element in the heat pump or the separate heater.
• A loose or corroded plug or wire in the heater circuit.
• A faulty temperature sensor (thermistor) giving a wrong reading.
• Scale build-up on the heater with hard water or when the salt runs out.
• A faulty heater relay on the control board.

How to diagnose5

1. Unplug the unit for a few minutes, restart it, and note whether the code returns on every program.
2. Make sure the salt container and rinse aid are filled to reduce scale.
3. A technician unplugs the unit before taking it apart, then checks the heat pump or heater plugs and wiring.
4. The technician measures the heating element and temperature sensor and compares them with the manufacturer specification.
5. If the parts are fine, the heating circuit on the board is checked.

How to fix5

1. Clean the plugs or repair the damaged wire.
2. Replace the temperature sensor if its reading is out of specification.
3. Replace the heat pump or heater if the element is confirmed faulty.
4. Have the technician repair or replace the board if the relay is at fault.
5. Run a hot program and confirm dishes come out warm and clean without the code.

Repair cost

In Saudi riyals; the highlighted part is the expected range for this fault.

The cost is low for a plug or sensor, and rises when the heat pump or the control board must be replaced.

Prices are rough estimates including the part and the technician’s fee, and vary with brand, model and part source.
Prices last updated: September 2026

Frequently asked questions