Dishwasher
E16
The E16 error code on an Electrolux dishwasher indicates a water heating fault — specifically that the appliance is detecting water temperature rising too quickly or heating when it shouldn’t be. Left unresolved, it will prevent your dishwasher from completing a cycle.
What does this error mean?
E16 signals that the control board has detected an abnormal temperature increase during a wash cycle — water is heating faster than the programme expects, or the heating element is activating at the wrong time. This is most commonly caused by a fault in the NTC temperature sensor or the heating element itself. The dishwasher cuts out to prevent overheating or damage to your crockery and internal components.
Est. repair cost
£10–£25 DIY (NTC sensor) | £80–£180 professional repair (heating element or control board)
🔍 Likely causes
🛠️ Step-by-step fix
Perform a hard reset: switch off the dishwasher at the wall socket, wait 5 minutes, then switch back on and start a new cycle. A temporary control board glitch can trigger E16 and a reset often clears it.
Check and clean the filter and spray arms: blocked water circulation can cause uneven heating. Remove the bottom basket, unscrew the filter, rinse it under the tap, and clear any debris from the spray arm holes with a cocktail stick.
Run a descaling cycle: if you live in a hard water area (most of England), limescale on the heating element can cause overheating faults. Use a dishwasher descaler tablet (e.g. Finish Dishwasher Cleaner) on an empty hot cycle.
Inspect the NTC sensor wiring: pull the dishwasher out from its housing, remove the kickplate (two screws), and visually check the wiring loom connected to the sensor at the base of the tub for any obvious damage, burns, or disconnected plugs. Reconnect any loose connectors. Do not open the control board housing.
Test or replace the NTC temperature sensor: this is a DIY-accessible part on most Electrolux models. The sensor is typically clipped onto the heating element at the base of the tub. Replacement sensors cost £10–£25 online — search your full model number (printed inside the door frame) to get the correct part.
If the above steps fail, stop DIY work. A faulty control board or a heating element wired into the board requires a qualified appliance engineer — do not attempt to open or repair the control board yourself.
📞 When to call a professional
If replacing the NTC sensor does not clear the E16 code, the fault is most likely a failed heating element or a faulty control board — both require professional diagnosis and replacement. Call a Domestic and General approved engineer or a local appliance repair specialist, and tell them: ‘My Electrolux dishwasher is showing error code E16, I’ve already reset it and replaced the NTC sensor, and the fault persists.’ This saves diagnostic time and money.
⚖️ Repair or replace?
A professional repair for an E16 fault typically costs £80–£180 depending on whether the NTC sensor, heating element (£40–£70 part), or control board (£80–£150 part) needs replacing. If your Electrolux dishwasher is under 5 years old, repair is almost always worthwhile. If it’s 8 years or older and the control board has failed, a replacement dishwasher — entry-level models start at £300 — is likely the more cost-effective long-term choice.