Imagine this, you are about to unload your dishwasher and use some clean dishes, only to be met by a flashing E09 error.
But don’t fret! While this error code reflects a heating element issue, problem with, you may tackle it with some simple DIY troubleshooting steps.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into the causes behind this issue and explore their possible solutions.
Before delving into the diagnosing and troubleshooting process, you should know that this guide covers different Bosch dishwasher models, including:
- Bosch Serie 8: SMS8000TC/01
- Bosch Serie 8: SMS8ZKI45N
- Bosch Serie 8: SMS88TI35E
- Bosch Serie 6: SMV63M20US
- Bosch Serie 6: SMV68Z90N
- Bosch Serie 6: SMV6DCC05B
- Bosch Ascenta: SHX4AP15UC
- Bosch Ascenta: SHX68T55UC
- Bosch Ascenta: SHX7PT75Z
- Bosch SHP65T55UC
- Bosch Serie 2 SilencePlus SMS25AW00G/56
What Does E09 Mean On A Bosch Dishwasher?
Flashing E09 on your Bosch dishwasher isn’t a cryptic message. It is your dishwasher’s way to grab your attention that something went wrong. Here’s a breakdown of the Bosch dishwasher E09 error code:
- Meaning: The E09 error code means a fault in the heating element. This component is crucial for heating the water and drying the dishes.
- Safety Feature: The E09 error code often halts a running cycle. While this situation is frustrating, the E09 error acts as a safety net. By stopping the cycles, the dishwasher prevents a potential overheating risk.
- Impact on Use: When your dishwasher has a problematic heating element, its drying and water temperature functions won’t work properly.
- Warning Signs: Before the flashing E09 error, a malfunctioning heating element can cause unusual noises. Also, there’ll be a downgrade in the cleaning quality.
- Importance of Addressing: Ignoring a Bosch Dishwasher with an E09 error compromises the cleaning performance. Also, It may lead to further damage with the appliance and potential safety hazards.
Why Does Your Bosch Dishwasher Show E09 Error?
Decoding the E09 error message on your Bosch dishwasher’s screen can be confusing. With different potential culprits, you might not know where to start. But don’t worry, this guide breaks down some most common causes behind your Bosch dishwasher E09:
1. Malfunctioning Heating Element
The dishwasher’s heating element or heater raises the water temperature inside the dishwasher. It ensures the temperature becomes high enough to effectively clean and sanitize dishes.
Therefore, when this heater malfunctions, it won’t generate the required heat. Eventually, the E09 error message appears.
2. Problematic Heat Pump
Many Bosch dishwashers come with a heat pump instead of a traditional heater. This component increases the efficiency of drying by extracting moisture from dishes using a closed-loop system.
When this pump malfunctions, excess moisture may remain in the dishwasher. Also, it may affect the temperature sensor. In both cases, a faulty heat pump triggers the E09 error code as a safety precaution, when the dishwasher’s system detects an abnormality.
3. Defective Temperature Sensor
Your Bosch dishwasher relies on this sensor to regulate its internal temperature. If this sensor fails at detecting the real temperature, it sends inconsistent temperature readings to the main control board. This could translate into a heating issue, which in turn may trigger the E09 code.
4. Water Flow and Pressure Problems
For a heating element (or a heat pump) to function properly, a proper water pressure and smooth water flow are essential requirements. There are different issues affecting the stability of these factors. This includes:
- A clogged water inlet valve
- A kinked water hose
- low water pressure
- A defective water flow sensor
Persistent problems with flow and pressure may hinder the heating element’s functionality and may trigger the E09 error message.
5. Improper Drainage
You might think it is a rare case of a fault when drainage leads to the E09 error. But it may occur if water doesn’t completely leave the dishwasher’s system. This can confuse the system and lead to the E09 error as the water level may not be registering correctly.
Improper drainage results from:
- A clogged drain filter
- A kinked dishwasher drain hose
- A drain pipe blockage
6. Salt Sensor Malfunction
If you have a blinking E09 error message with a lit salt LED, it indicates a dirty or a defective salt sensor. In some cases, a malfunctioning salt sensor might incorrectly indicate a low dishwasher salt level even when the reservoir is full.
This can confuse the dishwasher’s self-diagnosis system, which might misinterpret the issue as a heating problem and trigger the E09 error code.
You may encounter this issue more frequently if you live in a hard water area. In such areas, continuous limescale buildup remains a major concern.
How To Reset Bosch Dishwasher E09 Error
A glitch in the system can occasionally trigger the E09 error. This solution might be effective in case of power supply issues. Here’s how to do a simple reset:
- Reset Power: Unplug your Bosch dishwasher from the power outlet for 60 seconds.
- Restart the Dishwasher: Plug the dishwasher back in and restart the wash cycle.
How To Fix Bosch Dishwasher E09 Error
Besides resetting, resolving a Bosch dishwasher E09 error can be simple. Cleaning or clearing blockage in some components may do the deed. However, advanced repairs, like fixing electrical components or replacing delicate parts, may call additional help from a certified technician,
1. How To Fix Malfunctioning Heating Element
- Reset the circuit breaker. Sometimes, a tripped breaker might be cutting power to the dishwasher.
- If this doesn’t work, don’t rush into diagnosing the heating element with an internal heater fault. Give these DIY fixes a chance. But unplug the dishwasher first.
- Find the heating element near the bottom of the wash tub. Remove the bottom panel by a screwdriver for access.
- Look for a long, rectangular or cylindrical-shaped metal piece with two wires connected to it. This is the heater.
- Inspect it for visible signs of damage or perform a continuity test using a multimeter. If it fails the test, you should detach it from its wires and install a new one. But tackling electrical components without sufficient knowledge should be at your own risk. It’s better to seek professional help.
- While at it, inspect the tub and sump areas. If these components are clogged, they affect the water level; and the heating element’s efficiency. If you find any clogs, clear them. Use a needle-nose pliers to remove debris.
2. How To Fix Problematic Heat Pump
To apply fixes on a problematic heat pump, you should refer to the manual first to ensure your model has it. If your dishwasher has a heat pump, here’s what to do:
- Look for it at the dishwasher’s bottom. It should be located where a traditional heating element is. So, look for it within the dishwasher’s base underneath the spray arm.
- Remove the bottom panel and twist the cylindrical filter unit to detach it. Also, remove the lower dish rack and spray arm
- You can identify this pump from its large body and connections to the air ducts and the dishwasher’s internal plumbing.
- Inspect the pump for clogs and debris. Clean it to ensure smooth water flow. Otherwise, it’s better to replace it with a new pump. In most cases, the pump will show signs of damage, like discoloration and corrosion.
3. How To Fix Defective Temperature Sensor
- Look for this sensor within the tub. It is not far from the heating element or the heating pump. Find it near the sump area at the dishwasher’s base. looks like a small probe.
- Remove the lower panel for access. Check the sensor for obvious damage signs, like corrosion, or loose wires.
- To be 100% sure of your diagnosis, use a good multi-tester on the sensor.
- Set the multimeter to the resistance or ohms measurement mode. Disconnect the sensor’s wires and connect the multimeter probes to the sensor’s terminals.
- Refer to the manual for reading ranges. If the tester provides inconsistent ranges, there may be an open circuit. This calls for immediate sensor replacement.
4. How To Fix Water Flow and Pressure Problems
Water pressure and flow issues contribute to triggering the Bosch dishwasher E09 error. They also disrupt the functionality of your Bosch dishwasher, washing machine and your overall kitchen routine. Here’s what to do if you suspect you have these problems:
- Find the water inlet valve. Look for it at the bottom front of the dishwasher. Look for a solenoid valve behind the dishwasher. It has a couple of hoses attached to it ( cold water and hot water hoses).
- Inspect the valve for clogs or foreign objects (like a broken piece of glass ) that may be lodged within it. Remove the obstruction accordingly. If the valve appears misshaped, replace it.
- Take a look at the water flow sensor. Find it in the tub area. It has a cylindrical shape with electrical wiring attached to it. If it appears defective, replace it.
- Check the water hoses. Some Bosch dishwasher models come with two water hoses, while many of them have a single hose for cold water supply. The hose is always attached to the water valve. Look for kinks or blockages.
- Gently straighten a kinked water hose or replace a damaged hose .Make sure to shut off the water supply and remove the hoses while addressing their issues.
- If you have a general water pressure problem in your house, it’s better to contact a plumper or consult your water supplier.
5. How To Fix Improper Drainage
Improper drainage is often a simple task for DIYers. Here’s what to do if you suspect poor drainage is behind your Bosch dishwasher E09 error code:
- Look for the drain filter at the bottom front part of the dishwasher. You can identify it by its cylindrical or mesh basket appearance. Clean under running water to remove any stuck scraps or food particles.
- Now it’s time to shift your attention to the drain hose. Look for it at the bottom back part of the dishwasher. It’s a plastic ridged plastic hose of around 1-1.5 inches wide.
- Remove it using a piler to detach its clamps. Straighten its kinks or replaced if it’s dagmed or extremely clogged.
- If you are comfortable with checking the drain pipe, clear any blockages. You can use a plumping snake for resolving this issue.
6. How To Fix Salt Sensor Malfunction
Troubleshooting the salt sensor is not complicated if you know your way around the dishwasher tube area. Here’s what to to troubleshoot a Bosch dishwasher E09 with a lit salt sensor:
- Look for the sensor at the bottom of your dishwasher, near the salt reservoir. You can identify it from its proble-like appearance.
- To reach the sensor area, Open the dishwasher door and remove the lower rack.
- Inspect the sensor to evaluate whether it is dirty or defective. If it appears dirty, you can gently clean it with a soft brush.
- Test the sensor with a multimeter. If the test has an infinite reading, the sensor has an open circuit and should be replaced.
Conclusion
In summary, your Bosch dishwasher E09 error can stem from a variety of issues, including a malfunctioning heating element, problematic heat pump, defective temperature sensor, unstable water flow and pressure, improper drainage, or a faulty salt sensor.
Fortunately, many of these can be fixed with simple DIY solutions such as resetting the system, cleaning blockages, or replacing the faulty components.
However, if you are dealing with more complex issues, seeking professional help is advisable. Don’t let the E09 error disrupt your kitchen routine. Take the initiative, apply these fixes, and get your dishwasher back on track.
Experiencing other Bosch dishwasher errors? Check out out other troubleshooting guides for a Bosch Dishwasher E15 Error Code and Bosch Dishwasher Error Code E24.
Adrian is an ISCET licensed professional that has completed the National Appliance Service Technician Certification Exam and has the expertise to diagnose and repair any appliance. He is well-versed in the latest technologies and techniques and is always up-to-date on the latest industry standards.
