What causes Bosch Dishwasher E09?

Failed heating element inside the heat pump (Bosch UK: "your heating element is defective"). Heating circuit interrupted: heater resistance out of range or open (Bosch service fault-code table). Damaged or loose supply wires or connectors to the heater (Bosch service fault-code table). Faulty safety-relay contacts on the power module (control board) that switch the heater (Bosch service fault-code table). On Zeolite (CrystalDry) models: an interrupted Zeolite heater circuit or a defective fan module (Bosch service fault-code table). Bosch France says the code points at the heating element or the electronic control board.

How do I fix Bosch Dishwasher E09?

Do the one reset Bosch USA recommends: switch off the dishwasher's breaker for 30 seconds, then turn it back on and start a program. If E09 is gone, watch the next few cycles. If the dishes come out cold or wet, or the code comes back, stop using the heat until it's serviced. If E09 returns, Bosch's advice is to stop: close the water tap to the dishwasher, switch the appliance off, and book a Bosch technician (1-800-944-2904 in the US). Bosch's international support pages specifically say not to repair this at home for safety reasons. If the salt light is on at the same time (models with a salt reservoir), Bosch UK says to check that the salt sensor isn't dirty and that the reservoir actually has salt. Before the visit, write down the E-Nr (model) and FD (production) numbers from the rating plate on the edge of the door, since Bosch asks for them when booking.

When should I call a pro for Bosch Dishwasher E09?

E09 comes back after a 30-second breaker reset. Testing the heater means measuring its resistance and checking wires and the power module's safety relay with the unit powered down and opened up, which is technician work on a 120 V or 240 V appliance. On many models the heater is part of the heat pump, so replacing it means replacing the pump assembly, and the dishwasher usually has to come out of the cabinet. You smell burning, see scorch marks, or the breaker trips. Leave the breaker off and call for service. The dishwasher is still under warranty; Bosch recommends its own engineers for this code.

Code: E09🧺 Bosch Dishwasher

Bosch Dishwasher E09 (F09): Heater Fault, Dishes Washed Without Heat (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)

Q: What does Bosch Dishwasher E09 mean?

E09 on a Bosch dishwasher means the heating circuit has a fault. Bosch USA calls it a heat pump internal heater fault, Bosch UK says the heating element is defective, and Bosch's service fault-code table says the machine runs without heating because the heating circuit is interrupted. The only owner step Bosch gives is a 30-second power reset; if E09 comes back, it's a service call. On most current Bosch dishwashers the water heater is built into the circulation pump, which Bosch's US error-code list calls the heat pump, and Bosch USA describes E09 as "a heat pump internal heater fault/error." Bosch UK puts it more simply: the heating element is defective. Bosch's service fault-code table (PM II, document 5600 0000171699) lists E:09 as "operates without heater" with the heating circuit interrupted, pointing at the heater's resistance, its supply wires, or the safety-relay contacts on the power module; on models with Zeolite drying, the same code can also come from the Zeolite heater circuit or the fan module. Some markets show the same fault as F09. In practice you'll usually notice cold, poorly cleaned, or wet dishes, because the dishwasher keeps washing without heating the water. Bosch France and Bosch's Middle East, Singapore and India pages all say not to try fixing E09 yourself for safety reasons. This is different from E12 (limescale in the heat pump) and E10 (Zeolite chamber heater).

Reviewed 2026-10-23 · Based on 6 manufacturer & service sources

What the code means

On most current Bosch dishwashers the water heater is built into the circulation pump, which Bosch's US error-code list calls the heat pump, and Bosch USA describes E09 as "a heat pump internal heater fault/error." Bosch UK puts it more simply: the heating element is defective. Bosch's service fault-code table (PM II, document 5600 0000171699) lists E:09 as "operates without heater" with the heating circuit interrupted, pointing at the heater's resistance, its supply wires, or the safety-relay contacts on the power module; on models with Zeolite drying, the same code can also come from the Zeolite heater circuit or the fan module. Some markets show the same fault as F09. In practice you'll usually notice cold, poorly cleaned, or wet dishes, because the dishwasher keeps washing without heating the water. Bosch France and Bosch's Middle East, Singapore and India pages all say not to try fixing E09 yourself for safety reasons. This is different from E12 (limescale in the heat pump) and E10 (Zeolite chamber heater).

Likely causes

Failed heating element inside the heat pump (Bosch UK: "your heating element is defective")
Heating circuit interrupted: heater resistance out of range or open (Bosch service fault-code table)
Damaged or loose supply wires or connectors to the heater (Bosch service fault-code table)
Faulty safety-relay contacts on the power module (control board) that switch the heater (Bosch service fault-code table)
On Zeolite (CrystalDry) models: an interrupted Zeolite heater circuit or a defective fan module (Bosch service fault-code table)
Bosch France says the code points at the heating element or the electronic control board

Safe DIY checks

⚠ Before you start

Unplug the appliance (or switch off its breaker) and shut off the water supply valves before removing panels or disconnecting hoses. Keep towels handy for residual water.

Do the one reset Bosch USA recommends: switch off the dishwasher's breaker for 30 seconds, then turn it back on and start a program.
If E09 is gone, watch the next few cycles. If the dishes come out cold or wet, or the code comes back, stop using the heat until it's serviced.
If E09 returns, Bosch's advice is to stop: close the water tap to the dishwasher, switch the appliance off, and book a Bosch technician (1-800-944-2904 in the US). Bosch's international support pages specifically say not to repair this at home for safety reasons.
If the salt light is on at the same time (models with a salt reservoir), Bosch UK says to check that the salt sensor isn't dirty and that the reservoir actually has salt.
Before the visit, write down the E-Nr (model) and FD (production) numbers from the rating plate on the edge of the door, since Bosch asks for them when booking.

🛠 When to call a pro

E09 comes back after a 30-second breaker reset.
Testing the heater means measuring its resistance and checking wires and the power module's safety relay with the unit powered down and opened up, which is technician work on a 120 V or 240 V appliance.
On many models the heater is part of the heat pump, so replacing it means replacing the pump assembly, and the dishwasher usually has to come out of the cabinet.
You smell burning, see scorch marks, or the breaker trips. Leave the breaker off and call for service.
The dishwasher is still under warranty; Bosch recommends its own engineers for this code.

Parts that commonly fix it

Always match the part number to your exact model.

⚙

Bosch heat pump / circulation pump with heater (exact part for your model)

Only after a technician confirms the heater circuit is open; usually installed by a pro.

[affiliate link slot: AFFILIATE_SLOT_DW_HEATING_ELEMENT]

⚙

Bosch dishwasher descaler or cleaner

For routine upkeep of the heat pump and wash system; it won't fix a failed heater.

[affiliate link slot: AFFILIATE_SLOT_DW_CLEANER]

Sources

Last reviewed 2026-10-23. Always confirm against the manual for your exact model number.

Bosch Dishwasher E09 (F09): Heater Fault, Dishes Washed Without Heat (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)

What the code means

Likely causes

Safe DIY checks

🛠 When to call a pro

Parts that commonly fix it

Bosch heat pump / circulation pump with heater (exact part for your model)

Bosch dishwasher descaler or cleaner

Related codes

Sources