Bosch Dishwasher: not heating

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Experiencing issues with your Bosch dishwasher not heating? If your dishwasher runs cycles but the water remains cold or lukewarm, causing greasy or wet dishes after washing, it’s time to troubleshoot. Common causes include a faulty heating element, malfunctioning thermostat, incorrect cycle settings, or clogged filters.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Bosch Models

  • Bosch official guidance directs booking an engineer visit if dishwasher not heating at all; DIY tips are limited on official site. (Appliance Mastery

Possible Causes

Faulty heating element

How to Identify: Cold water at end of cycle, dishes not hot to touch, possible visible damage on element; multimeter shows no continuity.

Part: Heating element

Malfunctioning thermostat or temperature sensor

How to Identify: Inconsistent or absent heating despite good element continuity; multimeter shows faulty thermostat continuity.

Part: Thermostat/temperature sensor

Wiring or connection issues

How to Identify: Loose, damaged or frayed wiring to heating element or thermostat; intermittent heating.

Part: Internal electrical wiring/connectors

Cycle settings or dishwasher configured for no heat

How to Identify: Eco or quick wash selected that does not use heated water; lack of steam/warm water due to settings rather than fault.

Part: Control panel/settings

Clogged filters or restricted water flow

How to Identify: Poor water flow, visible debris, weak spray action, reduced heating effectiveness.

Part: Filters/spray arms

DIY Solutions

Verify correct cycle and settings

Easy 5 minutes
  1. Check the dishwasher’s control panel to confirm a cycle with heat (e.g., Normal or Sanitize).
  2. Disable any energy‑saving/eco modes that may avoid heating.
  3. Run a cycle with higher temperature settings and check water warmth mid‑cycle.
  4. Confirm rinse aid reservoir has fluid (helps drying).

Clean filters and spray arms

Moderate 15–30 minutes
Tools Needed: Soft brush, Warm water
  1. Turn off and unplug dishwasher.
  2. Remove bottom rack and locate filters at base.
  3. Take out filters and rinse under warm water, remove debris.
  4. Clean spray arm nozzles with a brush or toothpick.
  5. Reinstall components and run a test cycle.
⚠️ Safety First: Avoid sharp tools that may damage components.

Test heating element continuity

Advanced 30–60 minutes
Tools Needed: Multimeter, Screwdrivers
  1. Disconnect power to the dishwasher.
  2. Access the heating element at bottom of tub.
  3. Disconnect element leads and measure resistance with multimeter; no continuity suggests bad element.
  4. Replace element if defective (matching Bosch part).
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power is off before accessing internal parts.

Test thermostat continuity

Advanced 30–60 minutes
Tools Needed: Multimeter, Screwdrivers
  1. Power off dishwasher.
  2. Locate thermostat/temperature sensor near heating element.
  3. Remove and test for continuity; no continuity indicates failure.
  4. Replace thermostat if defective with correct part number.
⚠️ Safety First: Power must be disconnected.

Professional Repairs

Replace heating element

Estimated Cost: $40 - $150

Replace thermostat/temperature sensor

Estimated Cost: $30 - $120

Repair wiring or control board issues

Estimated Cost: $100 - $300

When to Call a Professional

Heating element or thermostat tests show no continuity
Control board error codes shown on display
Visible burns, sparks, or electrical smell
Dishwasher under warranty requiring authorized service

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean filter and spray arms: Restricted water flow affecting heating effectiveness
    Frequency: monthly
  • Run hot water at sink before start: Cold water entering dishwasher reduces effective heating
    Frequency: each wash
  • Use correct cycles with heat: Perceived heating issues due to eco modes
    Frequency: each wash

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Bosch Dishwasher not heating?
Common causes include a faulty heating element, malfunctioning thermostat, or incorrect cycle settings.
How do I fix Bosch Dishwasher not heating myself?
Check cycle settings, clean filters, and test the heating element and thermostat for continuity.
How much does it cost to fix not heating?
Professional repairs can range from $40 to $300 depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for not heating?
If DIY solutions do not resolve the issue or if advanced repairs are needed, it's best to call a technician.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

50%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Professional

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Failed heat pump (5 mentions)
  • Burnt-out heating element (3 mentions)
  • Faulty control panel or wiring issues (2 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Replace the entire pump assembly due to a burnt-out heating element.

    Success rate: 6.0%

  2. Resolder a failing solder joint on the control panel.

    Success rate: 6.0%

  3. Check for leaks and inspect the heating element.

    Success rate: 6.0%

  4. Use the Auto Clean cycle with Boost or Sanitize settings.

    Success rate: 6.0%

  5. Check resistance readings of the heat pump.

    Success rate: 6.0%
Analysis based on 16 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. Bosch 800 Dishwasher Rant
  2. Bosch diswasher sms58e22gb/85 with E09 error code - No hot w...
  3. Bosch dishwasher not heating water
  4. Do Bosch dishwashers (300/500/800 series) have an internal h...
  5. Bosch Serie 4 dishwasher gives E04, not heating
  6. Multiple dishwashers not heating/drying
  7. Bosch E15 Code
  8. Bosch Dishwasher not heating well
  9. Broken water heater is there a safe dishwasher cycle
  10. Bosch dishwasher not heating
  11. Bosch Dishwasher Not Heating Up
  12. Bosch Dishwasher not heating
  13. bosch dishwasher not heating water
  14. Fixing NTC of a Bosch Dishwasher: broken wires?
  15. New dishwasher, freezing conditions
  16. Does my bosch 500 series dishwasher need a tankless water he...

Community Discussions

long cycle time, does not dry well, leaves white residue, water gets warm but not hot

Resoldered a failing solder joint on the control panel.

DIY View on Reddit →

doesn’t heat

Replace the entire pump assembly due to a burnt-out heating element.

DIY View on Reddit →

conflicting information about internal heating element for wash water

Bosch dishwashers have an internal heating element for wash water, and using the Auto Clean cycle with Boost or Sanitize settings is recommended.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

not doing a good job with far-away water heater

Check if the dishwasher's internal heater is functioning, ensure the filter is clean, and consider experimenting with different detergents.

DIY View on Reddit →

freezing conditions

It is generally safe to leave the dishwasher in freezing conditions if it is still in the box and not hooked up.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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