Dishwasher
E16
The E16 error code on a Bosch dishwasher indicates a problem with water heating — specifically, the appliance is detecting that the water temperature is too high or rising too quickly. It’s a moderately serious fault that will stop your wash cycle, but it’s often fixable without a professional.
What does this error mean?
E16 signals that the dishwasher’s control board has detected the water in the wash tub has exceeded safe temperature limits, or that the heating element or thermostat has sent an abnormal reading. Bosch dishwashers use an NTC temperature sensor to continuously monitor water heat; when that sensor reports a value outside the expected range, the machine halts and displays E16 to prevent damage or a safety hazard. In most cases, the fault lies with a faulty NTC sensor, a stuck or failed heating element, or a wiring issue — not an actual overheating event.
Est. repair cost
£10–£25 DIY (NTC sensor only) or £80–£160 for a professional repair including parts and labour
🔍 Likely causes
🛠️ Step-by-step fix
Reset the dishwasher: Turn it off at the mains, wait 5 minutes, then switch it back on and run a short cycle. A one-off software glitch can trigger E16, and a power reset often clears it.
Check and run a descale cycle: Heavy limescale on the heating element can cause temperature spikes. Add a dishwasher descaler (such as Finish Dishwasher Cleaner) and run the hottest cycle available empty.
Inspect the dishwasher filter and spray arms: A blocked filter forces the machine to work harder and can contribute to heat irregularities. Remove, rinse, and replace the filter assembly found at the base of the tub.
Check the NTC sensor connection: If you’re comfortable doing so, isolate the appliance from the mains and remove the lower kick plate. Locate the NTC sensor (a small probe clipped to the sump or tub base) and check that its connector is firmly seated and the wires are not visibly burned or broken. Reseat any loose connectors.
Test or replace the NTC sensor: NTC sensors for Bosch dishwashers typically cost £10–£25 online. If you have a multimeter, a healthy NTC should read approximately 10–15 kΩ at room temperature. A reading of zero, infinity, or wildly out of range confirms a faulty sensor that needs replacing.
Do NOT attempt to test or replace the heating element or control board yourself — these steps require dismantling electrical components and should be left to a qualified appliance engineer.
📞 When to call a professional
If the error returns after a reset, descale, and NTC sensor check or replacement, call a qualified appliance repair engineer — the fault likely lies with the heating element, thermal fuse, or control board. Tell them you have a Bosch dishwasher displaying error code E16, that you’ve already reset the machine and inspected the NTC sensor, and give them the full model number (found on the inner door edge). Do not continue running the dishwasher if E16 reappears repeatedly, as a genuinely overheating element poses a risk of damage to the appliance.
⚖️ Repair or replace?
A professional repair for an E16 fault — covering diagnosis, NTC sensor or heating element replacement — typically costs £80–£160 in the UK including parts and labour. If your Bosch dishwasher is under 5 years old, repair is almost always worth it given that Bosch appliances retail at £400–£900 new. For machines over 8–10 years old, weigh the repair cost carefully; if the control board is at fault (£100–£200+ to replace), replacement may make more financial sense.