Dishwasher
E16
The E16 error code on a Siemens dishwasher indicates a water heating fault — specifically that the appliance isn’t reaching the correct temperature within the expected time. It’s a moderately serious fault that will stop your dishwasher completing a cycle, but it’s often fixable without a call-out.
What does this error mean?
Your Siemens dishwasher monitors water temperature throughout every wash cycle. When it detects that the water isn’t heating up fast enough — or at all — it triggers E16 and halts the programme. The control board has decided the heating element or a related component isn’t performing within safe, expected parameters. Left unresolved, dishes won’t be properly cleaned or hygienically sanitised.
Est. repair cost
£80–£150 professional repair; £10–£20 DIY NTC sensor part (element replacement not recommended as DIY)
🔍 Likely causes
🛠️ Step-by-step fix
Reset the dishwasher: Turn it off at the wall socket, wait 5 minutes, then power back on and start a new cycle. A one-off software glitch can trigger E16 and a reset will clear it.
Check the water supply: Make sure the inlet tap (usually under the kitchen sink) is fully open. Low water pressure can prevent the machine filling enough for the element to heat safely.
Inspect and clean the filters: Remove the bottom basket, unscrew the cylindrical filter, and rinse it under the tap. A blocked filter restricts circulation, which can affect heating performance.
Check for error recurrence: Run a short 60°C cycle and watch for the E16 to return. If it does, the fault is persistent and likely hardware-related — do not attempt to open the appliance base or access the heating element yourself.
If you’re comfortable with basic appliance DIY: The NTC temperature sensor is a low-cost part (around £10–£20) and can be replaced by disconnecting the lower spray arm assembly and locating the sensor probe on the sump — follow your model’s service manual. Isolate the appliance at the mains before any work.
Do not attempt to replace the heating element or inspect wiring yourself unless you are a qualified electrician — these components sit within the base of the machine and involve live mains connections.
📞 When to call a professional
If the E16 persists after a reset and filter clean, call a Siemens-approved or Which?-Trusted appliance engineer. Tell them the exact error code (E16), your model number (printed inside the door frame), and that you suspect a heating element or NTC sensor fault — this helps them bring the right parts. Stop using the dishwasher until it’s repaired, as repeated failed heating cycles can stress other components.
⚖️ Repair or replace?
A professional repair for E16 typically costs £80–£150 including parts and labour, depending on whether it’s the sensor (cheaper) or element (more involved). If your Siemens dishwasher is under 7 years old, repair is almost always worth it — Siemens machines are built to last 10–15 years. If it’s over 10 years old and out of warranty, weigh the repair cost against a new mid-range Siemens dishwasher at £450–£700; replacement may make more long-term sense.