Error E11 on a Bosch dishwasher

The newer the dishwasher, the more sophisticated its self-diagnostic system, allowing you to quickly pinpoint the cause of the problem. One of the most common problems with Bosch appliances is the E11 error, which alerts the user to the lack of water heating. This error occurs not because of a faulty heating element, but rather because of a faulty temperature sensor or a damaged circuit between the temperature sensor and the dishwasher's control board. We'll explain what to do in this situation.

How does a temperature sensor failure manifest itself?

The appearance of the E11 error on the display of a Bosch dishwasher clearly indicates problems with the temperature sensor. However, it is possible to fix a faulty temperature sensor earlier if you pay attention to the element's warning signals. The sensor itself is installed in the dishwasher tray, so it is very easy to find.

It's much more difficult to tell if a component is failing—you need to pay attention to weak or excessive water heating. If the liquid in the wash chamber heats up to excessively high temperatures in a wash cycle that isn't designed for this, the temperature sensor may soon fail completely.

The body of the "home assistant" will also help you identify problems with the sensor - it will become very hot, and when the washing chamber is opened, it will spray the owner with hot steam.

Any of the symptoms described, as well as the error code that appears, are a reason to begin a thorough diagnosis of the key components of your Bosch dishwasher. It's important to quickly determine the reason why the thermistor isn't stopping operation in time.

How is the dishwasher temperature sensor checked?

If your washing machine reports an E11 error, this is not a reason to immediately buy a new temperature sensor. First, you need to assess the condition of the unit, and make a decision about replacement based on the test results. Gather all the tools you need to partially disassemble your Bosch dishwasher and kitchen cabinetry, if the appliance is built into the cabinetry. You'll also need a standard multimeter, a thermometer, and a large container for water.

What should I do for a precise check? First, access the temperature sensor and check its resistance using a multimeter set to ohmmeter mode. Connect the tester probes to the sensor contacts and measure the resistance under different temperature conditions. Normal values ​​are:

• about 6000 ohms at 20 degrees Celsius;
• approximately 1350 Ohm when water is heated to 50 degrees;
• approximately 1200 Ohm when heated to 60 degrees.

Depending on the Bosch dishwasher model and the temperature sensor version, the tolerance zones will vary, so measurement deviations of approximately 10% are possible.

The most accurate test requires several measurements, first at room temperature, which is approximately 25 degrees Celsius, and then in water heated to higher temperatures. While the first test is straightforward, the second requires placing the temperature sensor in a container of water heated to 60 degrees Celsius and waiting at least five minutes for the thermistor to reach the liquid's temperature.

If the test shows that the resistance drops as the temperature rises, the temperature sensor is working properly. If there is no resistance at all, the element is faulty. Temperature sensors typically don't require replacement and function perfectly for many years, so failure could be due to a manufacturing defect, mechanical damage, or wear and tear due to long-term, active use. Therefore, in this case, the only way to reset the E11 error is to replace the key element.

How to replace a thermistor?

In this situation, fixing the error code is very easy, even at home, so there's no need to call a repairman. To fix the E11 error in your Bosch dishwasher yourself, follow our instructions.

• Disconnect your "home assistant" from all communications.
• Drain any waste fluid that remains in the pan after the last operating cycle.
• Carefully remove the dishwasher from the kitchen cabinet if you have a built-in appliance, or simply move the machine away from the wall to gain easy access.
• Remove the screws holding the bottom panel of the dishwasher.
• Typically, the temperature sensor is installed directly into the base of the water heating element, so you will have to use a wrench to loosen the heating element fasteners.
• Carefully disconnect the wires from the element.

Just in case, take a few photos of the correct wiring connection, which will help when connecting the new temperature sensor.

• Inspect the thermistor for damage and also test it with a multimeter.

Afterwards, all that's left to do is buy a new temperature sensor if the old one is truly broken. Try to buy original spare parts so they last longer than their replacement counterparts. Don't forget to run an empty cycle to evaluate the performance of your Bosch dishwasher.

If the temperature sensor and heating element are working properly, but the water isn't heating, the problem is most likely a damaged dishwasher control board. In this situation, calling a service center technician is essential, as only a technician with professional equipment can repair the dishwasher's "brains."

   

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