E1 error on a Bosch dishwasher: A complete troubleshooting guide

Are you seeing an E1 error code on your Bosch dishwasher? As frustrating as this can be, you’ll be happy to know that you can troubleshoot and fix this problem yourself — without the need for an expensive service call or technician.

If you need any replacement parts for your Bosch dishwasher, you can use your model number to find what you need at AppliancePartsPros.com. We also have thousands of free DIY troubleshooting and repair guides to help you fix your appliance yourself.

Important: The error code information in this article is based on general service manuals and may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.

What does the E1 error code mean?

The E1 error code typically means the dishwasher’s control module has detected a problem with the heating circuit.

This could be caused by a faulty heating element, NTC sensor, high-limit thermostat, circulation pump, control module or wiring.

Read more: How to Clean a Dishwasher

What you need

• T-20 Torx screwdriver
• Flathead screwdriver
• Pliers
• Towels

Important: The specific tools required may vary depending on the model of your appliance and the type of fasteners used on it. Always consult the user manual or refer to any specific instructions provided by the manufacturer for the recommended tools for your appliance model.

Safety precautions

When working on any appliance, remember to keep safety first. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before you attempt any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by eliminating any risk of electric shock.
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down before working on it.
• Take your time while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries. Rushing is the enemy of precision.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can see and access appliance parts.
• Keep your workspace free of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check the user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions related to your appliance or replacement part.
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause personal injury.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts and debris.
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.
• Always take photos or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting them to make reassembly easier.
• Don’t test live voltage with a multimeter if you’re unfamiliar with how to prevent short-circuiting.
• Turn off the water supply at the outlet before beginning repairs. Keep towels ready to catch any residual water in the system when removing parts.

Read more: How Does a Dishwasher Work?

How to troubleshoot an E1 error

Follow these steps to find out what’s causing the E1 error to display on your Bosch dishwasher.

Step 1: Access the control module

1. Unplug the dishwasher from the power outlet.
2. Remove the T-20 Torx inner door screws to remove the fascia panel.
3. Note the wiring connections on the module; taking a photo is best.
4. Disconnect the wiring.
5. Use a flathead screwdriver to pry out the small metal tabs that hold the module to the console assembly.
6. Carefully pry back the plastic tabs, then slide the module free from the console.

Step 2: Check amperage

LIVE VOLTAGE WARNING: For this test, the dishwasher needs to be plugged in and powered on. Please be very careful to protect yourself from electric shock, which has the potential to cause serious injuries. Don’t ever test live voltage if you’re uncomfortable using a multimeter.

1. Make sure the dishwasher is plugged in and turned on.
2. Set a multimeter to Amps (AC) mode.
3. Use the meter probes to measure the incoming current on the black wire. The meter should read approximately 11 Amps. If the reading is very low —  around 1.5 Amps — then the heater is faulty and needs to be replaced.
4. Use the meter probes to measure the current on the red heater wire at the control module. The meter should read around 9.5 Amps.
5. Use the meter probes to measure the voltage at the wire connection at the control module. If the voltage is around 0 VAC, then the control module (heater relay) has failed and needs to be replaced. If you get about 120 VAC, continue to the next step.

Step 3: Access the heater

1. Unplug the dishwasher from the power outlet.
2. Carefully remove the dishwasher from the cabinet and lay it on its back. There may be some residual water in the sump and hoses, so have a towel ready to catch any spills.
3. Pull out the door springs from the base.
4. Disconnect the door cables.
5. Remove the terminal block wiring connectors from the base.
6. Disconnect the hose from the water valve. You can remove the water valve from the base if it’s easier to do so.
7. Disconnect the J-box ground wire and pull the wires out of the J-box.
8. Pull out the inlet hose from the sump.
9. Carefully pull the base away from the tank and sump.
10. Remove the two T-20 Torx screws that hold the heater assembly to the sump.
11. Note the wiring connections to the heater, flow switch, NTC and high-limit thermostat. Take a photo of them to help with reassembly.
12. Disconnect the wires from the heater, flow switch, NTC, and high-limit thermostat.
13. Pull the clips, then carefully pull the heater assembly from the sump and pump.

Step 4: Test the heater

1. Set a multimeter to resistance mode (Ω).
2. Use the meter probes to measure the resistance at the heater terminals.

If the resistance is infinite (∞), the heater has failed (open circuit) and needs to be replaced.

If the resistance is around 0Ω, the heater has failed (shorted) and needs to be replaced.

If the resistance is around 11Ω, use the probes to measure the resistance of the high-limit thermostat, flow switch, and circulation pump. If the high-limit thermostat, flow switch, or circulation pump has an infinite resistance (∞), replace the faulty part(s).

If the high-limit thermostat has a resistance of around 0.3Ω, the flow switch has a resistance of around 0.4Ω, and the circulation pump is working correctly, check the wire harnesses for any damage such as frays, tears or burn spots. Replace the wiring as needed.

If everything has passed testing and looks good so far, replace the control module as a last resort.

Read more: Best Loading Techniques For Your Dishwasher

More for you

Thank you for reading! We hope this guide helped you get your Bosch dishwasher working again.

If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, don’t hesitate to explore our other troubleshooting guides and videos.

If you need replacement parts or some extra help with ordering them, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com, where you can chat with a pro, read our DIY blog and more.

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