Bosch Dishwasher Error Code E09
The heating element built into the circulation heat pump has failed, so the water does not get hot and cleaning and drying suffer. This is one of the most common serious Bosch dishwasher faults, and the heat pump is normally replaced as a complete unit. Dishes coming out cold and wet alongside this code confirm the picture.
Also shown as: E2030, E6001, E9
Common causes
- Burnt-out heater inside the heat pump
- Limescale damage to the heater
- Failed heater relay or board output
- Wiring fault in the heating circuit
What to check, in order
- Run a hot programme and check whether the water and dishes get hot at all.
- Reset power at the breaker for 30 seconds and retry once.
- If the code returns or the water stays cold, book a technician; the heat pump needs replacing.
Clear the code and test
- Fix what the checks above found first — a filter cleaned, a hose straightened, the spray arms freed. Clearing the code without fixing the cause only brings it back.
- Close the door, plug the dishwasher back in (or restore its breaker) and make sure the water tap is open.
- Run the shortest programme and stay nearby for the first minutes, watching for leaks and listening for the drain pump.
- If the programme finishes with no code, the fault is cleared. If the code returns, write down the code and when it appeared before calling a technician — it speeds up the diagnosis.
When to call a professional
This code usually points to a faulty part, wiring or the control board on a Bosch dishwasher. Run the checks above to rule out the simple causes, then book a technician — and book one straight away if any of these apply:
- The code comes back after you have run the checks and a test cycle.
- You smell burning, see sparks or scorch marks, or the breaker trips.
- Water is leaking and you cannot stop it at the tap.
- The fix needs panels opened beyond what your manual describes, or a part tested with a meter, and you are not set up for that.
When you call, give the brand, the code E09, your model number (on a label inside the door or on the back) and the checks you already ran. It shortens the visit.
Repair or replace?
This fault is in professional territory: the fix usually means a major part or board-level work, and the labour adds up. If your machine is already well into its service life, get the repair quote first, then compare it with the price of a current equivalent model before you decide. Paying a large share of a new machine's price to repair an old one is rarely the better deal; replacing a machine over one cheap fault is wasteful too.
Parts that may be involved
Heat pump with integrated heaterMain control boardHeating circuit wiring
Parts are model-specific. Find your model number first — usually on a label inside the door, on the door frame or on the back — and match the part to that number before ordering.
Questions people ask about E09
What does E09 mean on a Bosch dishwasher?
E09 means: Heater fault inside the heat pump. The heating element built into the circulation heat pump has failed, so the water does not get hot and cleaning and drying suffer. This is one of the most common serious Bosch dishwasher faults, and the heat pump is normally replaced as a complete unit. Dishes coming out cold and wet alongside this code confirm the picture.
Can I fix Bosch E09 myself?
Only the preliminary checks. Code E09 usually means a part, wiring or the control board has failed, which is a technician job. Run the checks to rule out simple causes before you book.
How do I clear Bosch E09?
Fix the cause first — clearing the code on its own brings it straight back. Then restore power and water, run the shortest programme, and watch the stage where the code appeared. If the programme finishes with no code, it is cleared.
Sources checked
- Bosch Home (US) owner support: dishwasher error codes
- Coolblue advice: Bosch and Siemens washing machine errors
The meaning and checks for this code were checked against the sources above in November 2026. Codes vary by model and region; if your manual lists a different meaning for your exact model, follow the manual.