Bosch Dishwasher: smoke and burning from control area

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Experiencing smoke and a burning smell from your Bosch dishwasher's control area? This alarming issue may indicate serious problems like an electrical fault in the main control board or damage to the user interface. It's crucial to address this promptly to avoid further damage or safety hazards.

Urgency: Critical

Important Tips for Bosch Models

  • Bosch dishwashers commonly report burning smells due to control board and user interface failures requiring part replacement

Possible Causes

Main control board electrical failure or short circuit

How to Identify: Burning smell localized near control panel, visible burn marks on control board, dishwasher fails to operate normally

Part: Electronic control board / control module

User interface control panel damage

How to Identify: Smoke or burning smell appears at upper control panel area, buttons unresponsive or display issues

Part: User interface control board (front panel electronics)

Overheated internal wiring or connection (loose/shorted wires)

How to Identify: Discoloration or melting of wire insulation near control area, intermittent function before smoke

Part: Internal wiring harness near control area

Heater element short or electrical component overheating

How to Identify: Burning smell accompanied by other electrical failures or noises, traced to base rather than control panel

Part: Heater element or motor assembly

DIY Solutions

Power Down and Inspect for External Signs

Easy 10-20 minutes
Tools Needed: Screwdriver, Flashlight
  1. Turn off dishwasher power at breaker and unplug unit.
  2. Remove outer door cover or access panel to visually inspect control board and wiring for burn marks or melting.
  3. Photograph any damage and do not attempt to power on if severe burn signs are present.
⚠️ Safety First: Always disconnect power before inspection.

Professional Repairs

Replace main electronic control board

Estimated Cost: $200 - $500 for part plus labor

Replace user interface control board

Estimated Cost: $150 - $400 plus labor

Repair or replace internal wiring harness

Estimated Cost: $100 - $300 plus labor

When to Call a Professional

Smoke visible from control area
Burning smell during operation
Visible damage to internal components
Dishwasher fails to operate post-incident

Preventive Maintenance

  • Periodic inspection of control board and wiring: Undetected shorts or degraded connections leading to overheating
    Frequency: annually
  • Ensure proper installation and surge protection: Voltage surges damaging control electronics
    Frequency: one-time/installation

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Bosch Dishwasher smoke and burning from control area?
The smoke and burning smell may be due to a main control board failure, user interface damage, or overheated wiring.
How do I fix Bosch Dishwasher smoke and burning from control area myself?
Power down the dishwasher, inspect for burn marks or damage on the control board and wiring, and document any findings.
How much does it cost to fix smoke and burning from control area?
Repair costs range from $100 to $500, depending on whether you need to replace the control board, user interface, or wiring.
When should I call a technician for smoke and burning from control area?
Call a technician immediately if you see severe burn signs or if you're unsure about handling electrical components safely.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

40%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Professional

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Faulty control board or electronic components
  • Wiring issues or short circuits in the control area
  • Overheating due to blocked vents or malfunctioning heating element

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Inspect and replace the control board. Unplug the dishwasher, remove the control panel, and check for burnt components. Replace the control board if damaged.

  2. Check wiring for damage or loose connections. Ensure all connections are secure and replace any frayed or burnt wires.

  3. Clear any blockages in the venting system and inspect the heating element for faults. Replace the heating element if it shows signs of damage.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Bosch Dishwasher Electrical Fire - Unit Recalled - How to Pr...

Community Discussions

thick, black smoke, smell of burning electronics

Bosch offered to replace the dishwasher with a higher-end model free of charge after troubleshooting.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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