Dishwasher
E11
The E11 error code on an Electrolux dishwasher indicates a water heating fault — the appliance cannot confirm the water has reached the correct temperature within the expected time. It’s a moderately serious fault that will stop your machine completing a wash cycle, but it’s often fixable without a call-out.
What does this error mean?
Your Electrolux dishwasher uses a temperature sensor (NTC sensor) to monitor water temperature throughout the wash programme. The E11 code triggers when the control board detects that the water temperature has not risen to the required level within a set timeframe — typically during the main wash or rinse phase. This usually points to a problem with the heating circuit: the heating element, the NTC sensor itself, or the wiring connecting them to the control board.
Est. repair cost
£60–£150 professional repair (element or sensor); £15–£45 DIY part if you are competent with appliance repair
🔍 Likely causes
🛠️ Step-by-step fix
Reset the dishwasher: switch it off at the wall socket, wait 60 seconds, then switch back on and start a new cycle. A one-off sensor glitch can trigger E11 and a reset often clears it.
Check and clean the filter and spray arms: a heavily blocked filter restricts water flow, which can affect heating. Remove the bottom filter basket, rinse under the tap, and refit it securely.
Run a hot descale cycle: fill the rinse aid compartment with white vinegar or use a proprietary dishwasher descaler (e.g. Finish Dishwasher Cleaner). Select the hottest programme. Limescale on the element is a very common cause of E11 in UK hard water areas.
Inspect the heating element for visible damage: pull out the lower basket and look at the exposed element at the base of the tub. If you can see cracks, burn marks, or heavy white scaling that won’t shift, the element likely needs replacing.
Check the water supply: ensure the inlet hose is not kinked and the isolation valve under the sink is fully open. Low water fill can cause the machine to fail its heating check.
If the above steps don’t resolve E11, do not attempt to open the appliance or test electrical components yourself — the heating element and NTC sensor require safe appliance disassembly and multimeter testing. This is the point to call a qualified appliance engineer.
📞 When to call a professional
If E11 persists after a reset, descale, and filter clean, call a domestic appliance engineer — the fault is most likely a failed heating element or NTC sensor that requires safe disassembly and electrical testing. When you call, tell the engineer the exact error code (E11), your machine’s model number (found inside the door on a sticker), and roughly how old the appliance is. An experienced engineer will likely diagnose and repair this in a single visit.
⚖️ Repair or replace?
A heating element replacement typically costs £80–£150 fitted by a UK appliance engineer, while an NTC sensor is cheaper at £60–£100 fitted. If your Electrolux dishwasher is under 5–6 years old, repair is almost always the right call. If it’s over 8 years old and the repair quote exceeds £120, replacement with a new mid-range model (from around £350) is worth serious consideration — older machines often develop further faults shortly after one repair.