Dishwasher
E13
The E13 error code on an AEG dishwasher signals a water temperature problem — specifically, the water is too hot when the cycle begins. It’s not a critical fault in most cases, but it will stop your machine from running until resolved.
What does this error mean?
AEG dishwashers use an NTC temperature sensor to monitor incoming water temperature. E13 appears when the sensor detects that the water entering the machine is above the expected threshold — typically over 65–70°C — before the wash cycle has even started. The dishwasher locks out as a precaution to prevent damage to the pump, seals, and plastic components inside the tub.
Est. repair cost
£10–£25 DIY (NTC sensor part only); £80–£160 for a professional repair including labour
🔍 Likely causes
🛠️ Step-by-step fix
Reset the machine: switch it off at the wall, wait 5 minutes, then switch back on and start a new cycle. A one-off temperature spike — especially after hot water use nearby — often clears itself.
Check your water inlet connection: trace the inlet hose (usually at the back, bottom-left) to the under-sink supply valve. It must be connected to the cold water supply, not the hot. If it’s on a hot feed, reroute it to the cold.
Run a cold tap near the dishwasher for 30–60 seconds before starting a cycle. This purges residual hot water from shared pipework and brings cooler water to the inlet valve.
Inspect the inlet hose and valve for kinks, blockages, or scale build-up that could trap hot water. Disconnect the hose (with the water off) and flush it through into a bucket to clear any debris.
If E13 persists after the above, the NTC temperature sensor is the most likely culprit. It’s a small, inexpensive component (£10–£25) clipped into the sump or heating element assembly. You can replace it yourself if you’re comfortable removing the lower panels — unplug the machine first, always.
If replacing the sensor doesn’t clear the fault, stop DIY here — a wiring harness fault or control board issue requires a qualified appliance engineer.
📞 When to call a professional
Call an engineer if E13 returns after you’ve confirmed a cold water supply connection, reset the machine, and replaced the NTC sensor. Tell them: ‘My AEG dishwasher is showing E13 — I’ve ruled out a hot water supply issue and replaced the NTC sensor, so I suspect a wiring or control board fault.’ This saves diagnostic time and money.
⚖️ Repair or replace?
A professional repair for E13 — covering diagnosis, NTC sensor or control board replacement — typically costs £80–£160 in the UK. If your dishwasher is under 5 years old, repair is almost always worth it. Over 8 years old with a control board fault, replacement starts to make financial sense, as a new mid-range AEG dishwasher costs £450–£700.