Bosch E09 Washing Machine Error Code — What It Means & How To Fix It

Diagnosis

What this error means

The E09 error code on your Bosch washing machine means the heating element has been detected as faulty — the machine cannot heat the water to the required temperature.

The E09 error indicates that the control board has detected a fault with the heating element (also called the heater or immersion heater) inside the drum. The heating element is the component responsible for warming the water during wash cycles. When the machine detects that the water temperature is not rising as expected — or that the element is drawing incorrect current — it stops and shows E09 to prevent damage. Common causes include a failed heating element, a faulty NTC temperature sensor (which tells the machine the water temperature), a wiring fault on the element circuit, or in rarer cases a control board fault. Wash cycles on cold programmes may still run normally as they do not require the element. E09 almost always requires a replacement part and is not a user-serviceable fix in most cases.

⚠️

For information purposes only. Always consult a qualified engineer before attempting repairs. 🔌 Unplug your appliance before any inspection or repair.

🔗 Affiliate disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. Full disclosure →

What to try first

⏱

Fix time

5 minutes

🔧

Difficulty

Competent DIY

🏠

Appliance

Washing Machine

What you'll need first

☐

Inspection Torch → · Amazon

☐

Torx Screwdriver Set → · Amazon

☐

Multimeter → · Amazon

Add all tools to Amazon basket →

Affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Step-by-step

Switch the machine off, wait 2 minutes, and try restarting

Occasionally a temporary sensor misread can trigger E09. A power reset may clear it if it was a one-off glitch.

Try running a cold wash programme (30°C or below, if available)

If the programme completes successfully, this confirms the issue is specifically with the heating circuit rather than the motor or other systems.

Check whether the machine is on a very cold water supply in winter

In rare cases extremely cold incoming water can affect sensor readings. This is uncommon but worth noting.

Write down the full model number from the data plate (inside the door frame)

If the machine needs a new element, you will need this to order the correct part.

Do not attempt to access or replace the heating element yourself unless you have relevant electrical knowledge

The element runs on mains voltage. This repair should be carried out by a qualified engineer or a very confident and experienced DIYer who has isolated the power supply completely.

Diagnostic

Symptoms to look for

E09 displayed on the control panel
Clothes coming out of the machine cold or insufficiently washed
Machine stops part-way through a heated wash cycle
Cold programmes complete but heated programmes fail
Musty smell on laundry (caused by washing in cold water that should have been hot)

Step-by-step repair guide

Diagnostic steps

Time 30–60 minutes (engineer recommended)

Skill Competent DIY

Try a power reset

Switch the machine off at the wall and leave it unplugged for 2–3 minutes. This allows the control board to fully discharge and reset. Plug back in and try running a cycle. If E09 appears immediately, the fault is consistent and needs further investigation.

A power reset is always the safest first step for any error code and costs nothing to try.

Run a cold programme to isolate the fault

Select a cycle that does not require heating — a cold wash (where available) or a rinse-and-spin programme. If this completes without error, the fault is isolated to the heating element or its control circuit. If all programmes fail, the fault may be broader and an engineer should diagnose it.

Being able to tell an engineer "the machine works on cold but fails on heated cycles" will help them diagnose the fault more quickly and potentially reduce your call-out time.

Understand what needs to be checked (for information purposes)

The heating element is located at the bottom of the drum inside the machine. It is connected to the control board via wiring and works alongside an NTC thermistor (temperature sensor). An engineer will typically test the element for continuity with a multimeter, check the thermistor resistance, and inspect the wiring for corrosion or burn marks before deciding which component needs replacing.

Do not attempt to access the heating element unless the machine is completely unplugged. The element operates at mains voltage. Incorrect handling can cause serious electric shock or death.

Consider the cost of repair vs replacement

A replacement heating element for a Bosch washing machine typically costs £20–£60 for the part. Labour for a qualified engineer is additional. If the machine is more than 8–10 years old, it may be worth weighing up the repair cost against the cost of a new machine.

Bosch machines typically have a lifespan of 10–15 years. A heating element replacement on a younger machine is almost always cost-effective.

Book a qualified engineer

If the power reset did not resolve E09 and cold programmes work but heated ones do not, the machine needs an engineer. Provide them with the full model number (found on the data plate inside the door frame), the error code (E09), and a brief description of when the error appeared.

Ask the engineer to check both the heating element AND the NTC temperature sensor — replacing just one when both are faulty means the problem can return quickly.

Escalation

When to call an engineer

E09 persists after a power reset
Machine works on cold programmes but all heated programmes fail
Heating element has failed continuity test
NTC thermistor giving out-of-range resistance readings
Any burn marks or scorching visible on wiring near the element

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

What does E09 mean on a Bosch washing machine?

E09 means the machine has detected a fault with the heating element — the part that heats the water during a wash cycle. The machine has stopped to prevent any further damage.

Can I still use my Bosch washing machine with an E09 error?

You may be able to run cold programmes (such as a cold wash or rinse and spin) if these do not require heating. However, any programme that heats the water will likely fail. It is best to get the fault repaired before regular use.

Can I fix E09 myself on a Bosch washing machine?

The heating element operates at mains voltage and the repair involves accessing internal electrical components. Unless you have relevant electrical or appliance repair experience, this repair should be left to a qualified engineer.

How much does it cost to fix E09 on a Bosch washing machine?

A replacement heating element typically costs £20–£60 for the part, plus engineer labour. The total cost of repair by a qualified engineer usually ranges from £80 to £160 depending on your location and the engineer's call-out rate.

What causes the heating element to fail on a Bosch washing machine?

The most common causes are general wear over time, limescale build-up on the element causing it to burn out (particularly in hard water areas), a fault with the NTC temperature sensor sending incorrect readings, or a wiring fault in the heating circuit.

🎯 What is most likely causing your Bosch E09 error?

🌡️

Failed or burnt-out heating element 55%

🔹

Faulty NTC temperature sensor (thermistor) 20%

🔌

Wiring fault in the heating element circuit 15%

⚙️

Control board fault misreading the heating circuit 10%

⚠️ Estimates based on common faults — not a guaranteed diagnosis. Always verify before ordering parts.

🔩

Parts you may need

Enter your model number to filter results to your exact machine

Your model number

Usually found on a label inside the door frame or on the back panel of the machine.

○ No model entered

Part	Approx. UK Cost	Find it
Heating Element model filtered	£10 - £30	🛒 Amazon UK →
NTC Thermistor model filtered	£10 - £20	🛒 Amazon UK →
NTC Thermistor model filtered	£10 - £20	🏷️ eBay UK →

ℹ️ Prices are approximate. Always check the part number matches your model before ordering. Not sure of your model number? Find out how to locate it here.

🇬🇧 UK — Parts & Replacements