The E06 error on your Bosch Dishwasher means the appliance has detected a fault with its water temperature sensor or heating circuit. This usually stops a wash cycle partway through because the machine cannot confirm the water is heating correctly, and it often needs a reset or a check of the heating element and sensor wiring to fix.
| Error code | E06 |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Water temperature sensor (NTC) or heating element circuit fault |
| Severity | Medium — dishwasher may still run cold cycles but won't heat water properly |
| Time to fix | 15–45 minutes |
| Tools needed | Multimeter, screwdriver set, torch |
What the E06 error means
Bosch dishwashers use a temperature sensor to monitor water heating during each cycle. When the control board doesn't receive a valid reading from this sensor, or detects the heating element isn't responding as expected, it throws the E06 code to protect the machine from running an unsafe or ineffective cycle.
This is different from a simple power issue — it's a specific fault in the heating and sensing system. The dishwasher may pause, skip the heated dry phase, or stop entirely depending on the model.
Common causes
- Faulty or dislodged NTC temperature sensor
- Damaged wiring or a loose connector between the sensor and control board
- Failed heating element unable to reach target temperature
- Limescale buildup affecting sensor accuracy
- Control board fault misreading sensor signals
- Recent power surge or outage disrupting the electronics
How to fix the E06 error
- Power cycle the dishwasher — Turn off at the wall for two minutes, then restart. This clears many temporary sensor glitches.
- Check the door and cycle settings — Make sure the door is fully latched and you haven't selected an eco or cold-only cycle by mistake.
- Inspect the sensor and wiring — With power disconnected, open the lower panel and check the NTC sensor is seated correctly and its wires aren't frayed or loose.
- Test the heating element — Use a multimeter to check for continuity across the heating element; a reading of zero or infinite resistance means it needs replacing.
- Descale the machine — Run a dishwasher cleaner cycle to remove limescale that may be affecting the sensor's readings.
- Call an engineer if the fault persists — If the error returns after a reset and basic checks, the control board itself may need diagnosing or replacing.
FAQ
Can I still use my dishwasher with an E06 error showing?
You can sometimes run a cold rinse cycle, but heated washes and drying won't work properly until the fault is fixed, so it's best not to rely on it long term.
Is the E06 fault expensive to repair?
Replacing an NTC sensor is usually inexpensive, but a full heating element or control board replacement costs more — get a quote before committing to repairs.
Will resetting the dishwasher permanently fix E06?
A reset often clears the code temporarily, but if the sensor or heating element is genuinely faulty, the error will come back after another cycle or two.
