How to clear an E11 error on a Bosch dishwasher

Are you seeing an E11 error on your Bosch dishwasher? Don’t toss it out yet! This code is usually related to a problem with the heater. If you live in an area with hard water, it may also be caused by elevated levels of minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium, which can accumulate as limescale on dishwasher parts. You can resolve the E11 error message by following a few troubleshooting steps so you can get your machine back to its usual self.

If you find out that you need any replacement parts for your Bosch dishwasher while you’re troubleshooting, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.

Disclaimer: 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.

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What causes the E11 error code?

The E11 error code can be caused by the following:

• Limescale build-up due to the presence of hard water
• Lack of a water softening system or malfunctioning softening system
• Failure to maintain and clean the dishwasher
• Using the wrong type or amount of dishwasher detergent, which can contribute to limescale accumulation
• High water temperatures in the dishwasher, which can lead to more rapid limescale accumulation

Read more: What cycle should I run my dishwasher on?

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.
• 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.
• 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.

Read more: How to Clean a Dishwasher

How to troubleshoot an E11 error code

Ready to get your dishwasher back up to speed? Follow these steps to do just that.

Step 1: Power cycle the dishwasher

1. Unplug the dishwasher.
2. Leave the dishwasher unplugged for at least 2-3 minutes. This may help reset the system if the error is just a glitch.
3. Plug the dishwasher back in and turn it on to see if the E11 error is still displaying. If it is, move on to the next step.

Step 2: Check for limescale deposits

1. Unplug the dishwasher.
2. Open up the dishwasher and inspect its parts for any limescale deposits, particularly around the heat pump. Remove any loose deposits or debris that you find.

Step 3: Test the NTCs

Negative Temperature Coefficients (NTCs) are sensors that alter their resistance depending on the temperature in the dishwasher. Their resistance decreases as the temperature increases. The relationship between temperature and resistance is used to measure the temperature in the machine.

Dishwasher NTCs are used to keep the water heated to the correct temperature for cleaning. The sensor helps maintain the temperature by providing feedback from the heating element. Additionally, NTC sensors help monitor the temperature so it’s kept high enough to evaporate moisture but not so high as to damage dishes or the dishwasher itself.

1. Unplug the dishwasher from the power outlet.
2. Remove the access panel or open up the dishwasher to access the power module.
3. Set your multimeter to measure resistance (Ω).
4. Use the multimeter probes to measure the resistance between terminals 4 and 5.
5. Check the meter reading, The resistance should be around 10kΩ at room temperature.
6. Test the resistance between terminals 5 and 6. The resistance should also be around 10kΩ at room temperature.
7. Test terminals 4 and 6. The resistance should be around 20kΩ at room temperature.

If the heat pump NTC resistance values aren’t within the acceptable ranges, then the heat pump needs to be replaced.

If the NTC resistance values are within the expected ranges, then the power module needs to be replaced.

Read more: Best Loading Techniques For Your Dishwasher

Additional information

Thanks for reading! We hope this article helped you get your dishwasher running again.

If you still need some replacement parts, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com. We offer over 2 million parts and most orders arrive in 2-3 business days. If you need some help with finding the right part or placing an order, you can contact our team at 1 (877) 477-7278.

While you’re waiting for your new part to arrive, you can explore our DIY blog and watch thousands of video tutorials on our YouTube channel.

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