How to replace the heating element in a Bosch dishwasher

A dishwasher with a broken heating element performs poorly. Cycle results remain unsatisfactory because the machine washes dishes in cold water. Replacing or repairing the heating element solves the problem.

Is replacing the heating element in a Bosch dishwasher difficult? Where is the heating element located? What tools are needed? Let's explore the details.

Let's take the dishwasher apart first.

To replace the heating element, you need to remove the circulation pump from the dishwasher. The heating element is integrated into the pump housing. You'll need a set of TORX screwdrivers, a wrench, and pliers.

The circulation pump is fairly well hidden within the dishwasher's housing. Accessing it requires almost complete disassembly of the machine. Before starting work, be sure to de-energize the equipment and disconnect the dishwasher from the water supply and sewerage system.

Next, you need to remove the dishwasher from the kitchen cabinet (this does not apply to freestanding appliances). Open the dishwasher door and remove the lower and upper baskets from the bin. Next, remove the bolts securing the dishwasher to the cabinet walls.

Then close the dishwasher and use a wrench to unscrew its feet. This will lower the dishwasher body to the floor, making it easy to remove from the kitchen cabinet. Next, you need to:

• unscrew the debris filter located at the bottom of the working chamber;
• remove the filter element;
• remove any remaining water from the inlet with a sponge;
• remove the decorative cover of the dishwasher door opening mechanism;
• unscrew the bolts securing the side false panel of the case and move it to the side;
• pull the dishwasher door tensioner cables and remove them from the mechanism;
• remove the false panel and tensioners from the other side of the dishwasher;
• turn the dishwasher upside down;
• unscrew the two screws holding the lower false panel of the dishwasher, located in the front of the case, remove the cover;
• pry up the clamp on the filler pipe and disconnect the hose;
• disconnect the power cord from the dishwasher body;
• detach the panel that mounts the drain and inlet hoses from the dishwasher body;
• disable the Aquastop system sensor;
• Having dealt with the latches, lift the lower part of the dishwasher body;
• on the PMM tray, unfasten the end cap of the Aquastop float;
• completely remove the lower part of the dishwasher body;
• disconnect all contacts and pipes from the circulation pump;
• remove the recirculation pump.

During disassembly, it is recommended to take photographs as reference points, which will later help you reassemble the machine correctly.

So, accessing the recirculation pump of a Bosch dishwasher can be tricky. The pump is well hidden. So, if you're unsure of your ability to handle this task, it's best to consult a professional.

We disassemble the pump and replace the heating element.

The next task is to replace the heating element. Heating elements in modern dishwashers Bosch enclosed in one housing with a recirculation pump. Therefore, next you will have to disassemble the pump.

The Bosch dishwasher's pump halves are connected with latches, so separating it into two halves is easy. One of them will contain the heating element. Next, you'll need to completely disassemble the structure that houses the heating element.

The half of the circulation pump, which houses the heating element, consists of a plastic and metal casing, an O-ring, and the heating element itself. The disassembled design is shown in the figure.

To remove the heating element:

• Using a 3.5 mm diameter metal drill, remove the rivets on the metal casing;
• disassemble the structure by removing the heating element from its protective casing.

The heating element must be released from the plastic and metal protective casing.

The heating element is a ring-shaped element with several contact paths. To replace it, you need to purchase a similar part specifically for your Bosch dishwasher. After purchasing a new heating element, you need to reinstall it and reassemble the pump.

Since the rivets from the metal casing were drilled out, you'll need to use screws and nuts to connect these two components. Prepare suitable fasteners, then:

• insert the metal casing into the plastic case;
• Drill holes through and through in three places to screw in the screws.

Algorithm for further assembly:

• lubricate the rubber sealing ring with vegetable oil;
• Place the seal on the base of the heater (if you first place the gasket on the bottom of the housing and then insert the heating element, the element will not fit completely);
• insert the heating element with the sealing ring into the plastic pump housing;
• Using a thin but blunt object, push the seal deep into the housing without damaging the gasket itself or the heating element (the rubber band must be evenly distributed over the base of the part);
• Screw the screws into the pre-drilled holes to connect the casings, secure them with nuts;
• connect the two halves of the PMM circulation pump together.

Before connecting the pump halves, it's recommended to place the seal from the other half on top of the heater. This will make pump assembly easier—the latches will engage almost immediately. Next, carefully inspect the assembly—the terminal blocks of both halves should be aligned.

After this, you can reassemble the dishwasher. This is done in reverse order. The pump is reinstalled, and the hoses and electrical connectors are connected. Next, the water and waste hose panels and decorative trim panels are attached.

During assembly, refer to the photos you took earlier to avoid mistakes. Once completed, run a test cycle. If the machine starts heating water, the repair is complete. You can then use the dishwasher as usual.

 

   

1 reader comment

1. October 22, 2023 at 11:47 PM

   Oleg:

   Not all pumps require drilling out plastic rivets and connecting with screws - pump for Bosch SPV43M00RU/06 (651956 large) or similar.

   Answer