How to Fix Bosch Dishwasher Error Code E09?

Bosch dishwashers have in-built settings for reporting faults through error codes. The error code E09 on the dishwasher’s display indicates a severe fault in the heating device. The heating device of a dishwasher helps in water heat up and drying process. Any defect in the heating device may results in error code E09 appearance on Bosch’s dishwasher.

If salt LED light and error code E09 appear simultaneously, it could be due to a dirty salty sensor. Error code e09 was mistakenly triggered in this case.

Reasons for the defect in the heating device

Error code E09 indicates the burnt or defective heater in the dishwasher. There could be the following possible reasons for the defect in heating device.

• The water in the heating device is one of the leading causes of its dis-functioning. If there is any leakage point in the dishwashers that leads to the heater, water gets inside it quite easily. So, the water here interrupts the working of the heating element. As a result, E09 will appear.
• A clogged drainage filter is another cause of defect in the dishwasher’s heater. Because of filter blockage, water will enter the water tank slowly. It will cause over-heating of the heating element and burns it ultimately.
• If the dishwasher uses hard water, then the scaling will build upon the heating device. This will lead to extended water heating and eventually damage the heating element.

Methods to fix the Error Code E09

You can fix the error code E09 by resetting the dishwasher or by replacing the heating device with the new one. And in case of a dirty salty sensor, you should clean or replace the salty sensor also.

1. Reset the dishwasher

Sometimes the error code E09 disappears after you reset the program. When the code appears mistakenly, there will be no fault in the heating element. So, you have to reset and reboot the dishwasher in this case. To reset the dishwasher, you have to follow the given steps.

• Press and hold the start button for a few seconds to reboot the dishwasher.
• For manual resetting, unplug the dishwasher.
• Wait for at least 10-15 minutes.
• Plug-in the dishwasher to continue the washing cycle.

If error code E09 doesn’t appear on the screen, it means the heating device was fine. But if the code still occurs, you will have to replace the burnt heater of your dishwasher.

2. Replace the burnt heating device

If error code E09 continuously pops up on the dishwasher’s screen, you will have to replace the burnt heating element. To replace the faulty heater, follow the given method.

• Disconnect the power and water supply to the dishwasher.
• Unscrew the front body of the dishwasher by removing the clips through the screwdriver.
• There will be a metal bar inside the front part/ door. Unscrew this also with a screwdriver.
• Take out the thermal insulation.
• Pull out the screws present around the sump of the dishwasher.
• Now, open the tub door and take out the racks.
• Remove the spray arm, filter, and mesh.
• Release the screws that grip the circulation pump.
• Remove the sump by unscrewing the screws around it.
• Disconnect the wires attached to the drain pump.

• Move the drain pump clockwise and remove it.
• Dissemble wires, hoses, and nozzles that hold the circulation pump.
• Unscrew the clamp that attached the heater to the drain pump.
• Pull out the faulty heater and replace it with the new one.
• Replace the new heating device in the reverse order.

If it wasn’t about the burning of heating device, then check it’s resistance with the help of a multimeter. Touch the multimeter wands to the ends of heating device terminals. If it shows zero reading then it means the heating device is faulty and you need to replace it.

3. Fix the dirty salty sensor issue

The Bosch dishwasher sometimes wrongly displays the error code E09 due to the dirty salty sensor. Changing the heater would not help in this case. You will have to clean or replace the dirty salty sensor.

• Disconnect the water and power supply to the dishwasher.
• Remove the rear panel of the dishwasher because the salty sensor is situated at the bottom of the dishwasher’s tub.
• Remove the leftover water present in the tub with a cloth.
• Locate the salt sensor and remove its electric connector with the help of a screwdriver.
• Clean the dirty salty sensor with a scrub brush and then rinse it with water.
• If the salty sensor requires replacement, install the new one instead of the older one.
• Install the new salty sensor in reverse order to reassemble the dishwasher.

Bottom Line…

Error code E09 appears on the Bosch dishwasher due to the fault in the heating element, mainly. Replacing the burnt heating element with the new one could solve the problem. You can also reset or reboot your dishwasher if the error code E09 was mistakenly triggered.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does error code E09 mean on the Bosch dishwasher? 

Error code e09 indicates a defective heating element of the Bosch dishwasher. The dishwasher could mistakenly trigger due to the dirty salty sensor. If the salt LED appears along with e09, it means it is not about the heater; instead, it’s due to the fault in the salty sensor.

2. How to reset the Bosch dishwasher to remove error codes?

To reset the Bosch dishwasher, you have to press the start button and hold it for a few seconds. The program will reboot, and the error code will disappear. If it doesn’t work, then reset the dishwasher manually. You have to unplug the dishwasher for manual resetting and wait for at least 10-15 minutes. Then plug the dishwasher back into the power supply.

3. How much does replacing a heating element in a Bosch dishwasher cost?

Heating element of the Bosch dishwasher ranges from $150-$250. The dishwasher’s heating element warms up the water for the dishwashing cycle and heats the air also to dry the dishes.