How to fix E11 & E12 errors on a Bosch dryer

Is your Bosch dryer displaying an E11 or E12 error? Don’t panic. By following a few troubleshooting steps, you should be able to resolve these errors yourself and get back to your regular laundry routine.

If you find out that you need any replacement parts for your Bosch dryer 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 provided 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 causes the E11 and E12 error codes?

The E11 error code usually means the dryer is overheating due to a clogged lint filter. The E12 error usually indicates a more serious overheating situation for the same reason. Both error codes are triggered when the airflow is severely restricted, which may be due to a lint filter that’s blocked up with lint, debris, or other residue.

Restricted airflow causes the dryer temperature to rise higher than normal, which can increase the chance of a fire. A sensor in the dryer measures the reduced airflow and estimates the elevated temperature. Once it reaches a certain threshold, an E11 or E12 overheating error is triggered and displayed.

Read more: Why Is My Dryer Overheating? Understanding The Common Causes And Solutions

Safety tips

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 preventing 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.

How to troubleshoot an E11 or E12 error code

Follow these steps to troubleshoot an E11 or E12 error message on your Bosch dryer.

Step 1: Clean the lint filter

1. Rotate the cycle selector knob on the dryer to the “Off” position to stop the dryer if it’s running.
2. Open the dryer door to access the lint filter.
3. Carefully remove the lint filter from its housing.
4. Clean the lint filter by using your hand or a soft brush to remove any accumulated lint or debris.
5. Once the lint filter is clean, put it back into its original position.
6. Make sure the dryer has cooled down.
7. Close the dryer door.

Pro tip: Clean the lint filter after every load of laundry to prevent excessive lint buildup.

Step 2: Check the exhaust duct

1. Find the dryer vent outlet on the exterior of your home. This is typically a small metal or plastic flap on the outside wall or roof.
2. Remove any obstructions or debris around the vent outlet, such as leaves and lint.
3. Inspect the vent cover for any visible lint or debris buildup and clean it if necessary.
4. Access the dryer vent inside your home. It’s located behind the dryer and may be connected with a flexible duct.
5. Detach the dryer vent from the back of the dryer by loosening the clamp or disconnecting any fasteners.
6. Use a vacuum cleaner or a dryer vent cleaning brush to remove lint and debris from the inside of the vent. Insert the brush or vacuum hose as far as possible to reach deep into the vent.
7. Use the brush or a vacuum cleaner to clean the flexible duct connecting the dryer vent to the wall. If the vent is excessively clogged or difficult to clean, you may need to use a specialized dryer vent cleaning kit. These kits typically include a long brush or flexible rods that can move through the entire length of the vent. You’ll insert the brush or rods into the vent from both ends and gradually push and rotate them to dislodge and remove lint buildup. Continue cleaning until the brush or rods come out clean from both ends of the vent.
8. Once the vent and duct are clean, reattach the vent to the back of the dryer and secure it with the clamp or fasteners.

Pro tip: Whenever possible, avoid using flexible ducts for dryer venting. Only use rigid metal ducts to prevent excessive lint buildup. 

Read more: How to Clean a Dryer Vent 

Step 3: Clean the lint filter housing

1. Pull out the lint filter from the housing.
2. Attach a narrow nozzle attachment to your vacuum cleaner.
3. Insert the vacuum cleaner nozzle into the lint filter housing, reaching as far as possible to remove any accumulated lint or debris. Move the nozzle around to cover all areas inside the housing.
4. Vacuum the area around the lint filter housing to remove any loose lint or debris.

Step 4: Test the dryer

1. Rotate the cycle selector knob to the desired drying cycle.
2. Press the Start/Stop button to restart the dryer.

If the “lint filter” light fails to turn off, it may indicate that the lint filter is still clogged. In such cases, gently scrub the lint filter with dish soap under running water to remove any film left from fabric softeners or softener sheets.

Read more: How To Disassemble A Dryer

More Information

Thank you for reading! We hope this guide helped you get your Bosch dryer 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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