Bosch Dishwasher Error Code E12
The machine has detected heavy limescale in the heat pump, which makes heating slow and inefficient, especially in hard-water areas. This one is a maintenance warning rather than a breakdown, and a proper descale usually clears it. Refilling the softener salt afterwards helps stop it coming back.
Also shown as: E2060
Common causes
- Hard water scale coating the heat pump
- Empty or incorrectly set water softener
- Long use without descaling
- Very hot washes accelerating scale build-up
What to check, in order
- Run an empty hot cycle with a dishwasher descaler, following the product instructions.
- Check the salt reservoir and refill with dishwasher salt if your model has a softener.
- Set the softener level to match your local water hardness as described in the manual.
- Run a normal wash afterwards and confirm the code has gone.
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
Most cases are solved by the checks above. Book a technician 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 E12, your model number (on a label inside the door or on the back) and the checks you already ran. It shortens the visit.
Parts that may be involved
Heat pumpWater softener unitSalt reservoir
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 E12
What does E12 mean on a Bosch dishwasher?
E12 means: Limescale build-up in the heat pump. The machine has detected heavy limescale in the heat pump, which makes heating slow and inefficient, especially in hard-water areas. This one is a maintenance warning rather than a breakdown, and a proper descale usually clears it. Refilling the softener salt afterwards helps stop it coming back.
Can I fix Bosch E12 myself?
Usually, yes. Code E12 is rated DIY-friendly: the checks on this page cover the common causes and use basic household items only. If the code returns after the checks and a test cycle, book a technician.
How do I clear Bosch E12?
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.