The E445 error on your Bosch Dishwasher means the appliance has detected a problem with its water heating or flow sensor circuit, usually triggered during the wash or rinse cycle. In most cases this is caused by a faulty heating element, a blocked sensor, or a wiring fault, and it can often be fixed without calling an engineer.
| Error code | E445 |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Fault in the water heating circuit or flow/temperature sensor |
| Severity | Medium — the dishwasher may still run but won't heat water properly, affecting cleaning results |
| Time to fix | 15–45 minutes |
| Tools needed | Multimeter, screwdriver (flathead and Phillips) |
What the E445 error means
E445 is a diagnostic code Bosch dishwashers display when the control board cannot confirm that water is heating correctly during a cycle. This usually points to a failure in the heating element, the temperature sensor (thermistor), or the wiring that connects these parts to the main control unit. The dishwasher may pause mid-cycle, run a cold wash, or stop altogether and flash the error on the display.
This is similar to how other Bosch appliances flag internal faults — for example, if a Bosch power tool won't start due to an internal fault, it often points to a comparable wiring or component issue, as seen with a Bosch Drill Won'T Start: Causes and How to Fix It.
Common causes
- Faulty heating element that no longer heats water to the required temperature
- Failed or dirty temperature sensor (thermistor) giving incorrect readings
- Loose or corroded wiring connections between the sensor and control board
- Limescale build-up around the heater or sensor, common in hard water areas
- A faulty control board that misreads sensor signals
- Blocked water flow preventing the unit from heating correctly
How to fix the E445 error
- Power cycle the dishwasher: Turn off at the wall, wait 2 minutes, then switch back on. This clears minor sensor glitches and resets the control board.
- Check for limescale build-up: Run a dishwasher cleaner or descaler cycle, especially if you're in a hard water area, as scale on the heating element can trigger this fault.
- Inspect the heating element: Locate it at the base of the tub and check for visible damage, corrosion, or scale. Test continuity with a multimeter — no reading means it needs replacing.
- Test the temperature sensor: Remove and inspect the thermistor for damage or debris. Test resistance with a multimeter and compare to manufacturer specs; replace if out of range.
- Check wiring connections: With the power off, inspect the wiring harness between the sensor, heater, and control board for loose or corroded connectors, and reseat or clean as needed.
- Call a qualified engineer: If the fault persists after these checks, the control board itself may need replacing, which is best left to a professional.
FAQ
Can I still use my dishwasher with an E445 error showing?
It's best not to. The dishwasher may run a cycle without properly heating water, leaving dishes poorly cleaned and potentially unsafe if you rely on hot washes to sanitise items.
Will resetting the dishwasher fix E445 permanently?
A reset can clear the code temporarily, but if the underlying cause is a faulty heater or sensor, the error will return. Treat a reset as a first step, not a permanent fix.
Is E445 expensive to repair?
It depends on the cause. A descale or wiring fix costs little, but a replacement heating element or control board can be more costly — usually £50–£150 including parts and labour in the UK.
