What's Broke home

Bosch Dishwasher E09 Error: Causes & Fixes

On a Bosch dishwasher, error code E09 (also shown as E-09) signals an internal heater fault: Bosch's own US support text calls it a 'heat pump internal heater fault/error', meaning the appliance is not heating wash water correctly.

What Bosch dishwasher E09 means

Bosch's own US error-code list shows E09 is a distinct fault from E01: E01 is a heat pump motor circuit fault at the main control board, while E09 is the internal heater fault, so the two codes point to different parts of the appliance even though both relate to the heat pump.

Bosch's own US error-code list distinguishes E09 from E15: E15 means the leakage-protection safety switch has detected water in the base of the dishwasher, an entirely different (leak) fault from E09's internal heater problem.

Bosch describes its dishwashers as having a built-in self-diagnosis system that generates error codes such as E09 to report a fault, according to Bosch's own regional support page for this exact error code.

Bosch names the failed part more plainly outside the US: the US error-code list calls E09 a heat pump internal heater fault, while Bosch UK's page for the same code says the heating element is defective. Both point at the heater, not at the drain or the water supply.

On models that have a salt reservoir and a salt refill indicator -- common outside the US -- Bosch asks owners whose salt LED is lit at the same time as E09 to check whether the salt sensor is dirty and wrongly reporting salt that has not been topped up, so the two indicators are read together rather than as one fault.

Before you work on your dishwasher

  • Power: Unplug the dishwasher or switch off its circuit breaker before removing panels or touching wiring.
  • Water: Turn off the water supply valve before disconnecting hoses or the inlet valve.
  • Heat: Water and the heating element can be hot right after a cycle; let the dishwasher cool first.
  • Sharp debris: Wear gloves when reaching into the filter or sump; broken glass often collects there.
  • Stop: If you smell burning, see smoke or sparks, or find water near wiring, switch off the breaker and call a technician.
  • Disconnect power before accessing internal dishwasher parts: Unplug the dishwasher or switch off the circuit breaker that powers it before removing panels, the filter, or the drain pump cover, or before reaching into the sump.
  • Shut off the water supply before disconnecting hoses: Turn off the water supply before disconnecting the drain hose, siphon connection, or water inlet, or before pulling the dishwasher out for service.
  • Hot water and steam scald risk: Open the dishwasher door carefully during or right after a cycle. Hot water or steam can escape and cause burns; wait until water noises stop and steam subsides before fully opening the door.

What causes Bosch E09

  1. Heating element (built into circulation pump) has failed: Independent repair sources describe the leading cause of E09 as the heating element itself failing; on most Bosch dishwasher models this heater is built into the circulation pump assembly rather than sold as a separate part. Bosch's own published material does not itemize this cause. Difficulty 5/5.
  2. Circulation pump not circulating water, so the heater cannot heat: Because the heater only warms water while it is circulating, a stuck or non-circulating circulation pump can also trigger E09 even when the heater element itself is not damaged, according to independent repair sources. Difficulty 5/5.
  3. Temporary fault that clears after a power reset: Bosch's first recommended step for E09 is a power reset: switch the dishwasher off (or off at the breaker) for about 30 seconds, then restart and run a cycle, to see whether the fault was a temporary glitch. Difficulty 1/5.

Find the cause of E09 on your dishwasher

Step-by-step checks for Bosch E09

Check water/dish temperature after a cycle

About 10 minutes

  1. Run a normal wash cycle to completion and wait until water noises stop and steam subsides.
  2. Open the door carefully and feel whether the water or dishes are warm.
  3. Lukewarm or cold water/dishes suggest the heater is not working.

Power-cycle the dishwasher

About 5 minutes

  1. Record the E09 code shown on the display.
  2. Switch the dishwasher off at the On/Off switch, or off at the circuit breaker, for about 30 seconds.
  3. Restore power and run a normal cycle to see whether the fault clears.

How to fix Bosch E09

No repair needed now; watch for E09 to return

About 5 minutes · Difficulty 1/5

  1. If the code cleared after the power reset and the dishwasher heats normally, keep using it.
  2. If E09 comes back, turn off the water tap, switch off the dishwasher, and call Bosch Customer Service or a qualified appliance technician.

Parts involved in Bosch E09

  • Circulation pump with heater (12008381)

When to call a technician about Bosch E09

  • Book an engineer visit if the dishwasher never heats water at all
  • Book professional service for a stuck circulation pump
  • Book professional service for a failed heating element

Sources

  1. Error code 09 in display | Bosch Home Appliances, Bosch Home Appliances (Kuwait) (retrieved 2026-09-18)
  2. Dishwasher is not heating up | Bosch, Bosch Home Appliances (South Africa) (retrieved 2026-09-27)
  3. Dishwasher E09 error | Bosch UK, Bosch Home Appliances (UK) (retrieved 2026-09-28)
  4. Dishwasher SP.. Instruction Manual, Bosch Home Appliances US (retrieved 2026-09-18)
  5. Dishwasher SHSM63****, SHS863****, SHS843****, SHVM63****, SHV863**** Operating Instructions, Bosch Home Appliances US (retrieved 2026-09-18)
  6. Dishwasher SMS6HAI01A User Manual, Bosch Home Appliances US (retrieved 2026-09-18)
  7. Dishwasher Error Codes | Support | Bosch, Bosch Home Appliances US (retrieved 2026-09-19)
  8. Bosch Dishwasher Error Code E09: Causes, Cost & Fix, EasyBear Appliance Repair (retrieved 2026-09-18)
  9. 12008381 - Bosch Dishwasher Circulation Pump With Heater, iFixit (retrieved 2026-09-18)
  10. Bosch Dishwasher Error Code E09 — Heating Element Error — Fix Guide, MyApplianceCode.com (retrieved 2026-09-18)

Last updated September 29, 2026 · facts last verified September 29, 2026 · How we source and verify

Guidance only; follow your appliance manual and local codes. If anything looks unsafe, stop and call a qualified technician. Safety disclaimer