Tumble Dryer
F08
The F08 error code on a Bosch tumble dryer signals a heating fault — the machine has detected that it cannot reach or maintain the correct drying temperature. It’s one of the more common Bosch fault codes and, depending on the cause, is often fixable without a call-out.
What does this error mean?
F08 tells you the dryer’s control board has registered a problem with the heating circuit. This typically means the appliance tried to heat but either got no response from the heating element, received an out-of-range reading from the NTC temperature sensor, or triggered the thermal cut-out (overheat safety device) as a protective measure. The drum will usually still turn, but clothes come out damp because no heat is being generated.
Est. repair cost
£80–£150 for a professional repair (parts + labour); £15–£45 DIY if replacing the heating element or NTC sensor yourself
🔍 Likely causes
🛠️ Step-by-step fix
Reset the dryer: switch it off at the wall, wait 5 minutes, then power back on and run a short cycle. A tripped thermal cut-out sometimes resets this way if overheating was a one-off event.
Clean the lint filter thoroughly — remove it, wash it under the tap, and let it dry completely before refitting. A clogged filter is the single most common cause of thermal cut-out trips.
Clean the condenser unit (on condenser or heat-pump models): open the bottom flap, slide out the condenser, rinse it under a cold tap until the water runs clear, and refit it. Do this every 1–2 months as routine maintenance.
Check the dryer’s ventilation (vented models): ensure the exhaust hose is not kinked, crushed, or blocked with lint at the external vent. Restricted airflow causes overheating and trips the safety thermostat.
If the above steps don’t clear the fault, the heating element, NTC sensor, or thermal cut-out will need testing with a multimeter and likely replacing. These parts are inside the machine’s casing — if you are not confident working with internal electrical components, stop here and call a qualified appliance engineer.
Do NOT attempt to bypass the thermal cut-out or remove safety components — these exist to prevent fire.
📞 When to call a professional
If the F08 error returns after cleaning filters and resetting, the fault lies with an internal component — heating element, NTC sensor, thermal cut-out, or wiring. Call a domestic appliance engineer and tell them: ‘My Bosch tumble dryer is showing error code F08; it’s not heating but the drum is still turning.’ This information lets them arrive with the most likely parts. Expect a same-day or next-day fix in most cases.
⚖️ Repair or replace?
A heating element or NTC sensor replacement typically costs £80–£150 all-in with a reputable UK engineer. If your Bosch dryer is under 7 years old, repair is almost always the better value. For machines over 10 years old — especially if other faults have appeared — a new mid-range Bosch condenser dryer starts around £350–£450, and the energy efficiency gains on a newer heat-pump model can offset the cost over time.