Dishwasher
E11
The E11 error code on a Bosch dishwasher indicates a water heating fault — specifically that the water isn’t reaching the required temperature within the expected time. It’s a moderately serious fault that will stop your machine completing a wash cycle, but it’s often fixable without a call-out.
What does this error mean?
Your Bosch dishwasher continuously monitors water temperature during a cycle. The E11 code is triggered when the control board detects that the water hasn’t heated up fast enough — or at all — within a set timeframe. This usually points to a problem with the heating element, the NTC temperature sensor, or the wiring connecting them to the control board.
Est. repair cost
£80–£150 professional repair; £10–£60 DIY depending on whether it’s the NTC sensor (£10–£25) or heating element (£25–£60)
🔍 Likely causes
🛠️ Step-by-step fix
Reset the machine first: turn it off at the mains, wait 60 seconds, then switch it back on and restart a short cycle. A one-off software glitch can trigger E11 and a reset often clears it.
Check and clean the filter and spray arms: a blocked filter can restrict water flow and indirectly affect heating. Remove the bottom filter basket, rinse it under the tap, and reinstall it firmly.
Run a hot descale cycle: if you’re in a hard water area, add a dishwasher descaler (such as Finish Dishwasher Cleaner or Durgol) and run the hottest available programme. Limescale on the element is a very common cause of E11.
Inspect the heating element for visible damage: remove the lower basket and look at the element at the bottom of the tub. White chalky deposits are limescale; dark scorch marks or a crack indicate the element has failed and needs replacing.
Test or replace the NTC temperature sensor (DIY-suitable if confident): the NTC sensor is a small component near the heating element, usually with a two-pin connector. Unplug the machine, disconnect the sensor, and test resistance with a multimeter — it should read around 10,000–15,000 ohms at room temperature. A reading of zero or infinity means it has failed. Replacement sensors cost £10–£25 and clip in without tools.
If the element or wiring needs replacing: replacing the heating element requires removing the lower spray arm, filter assembly, and in some models the base panel. This is within reach of a confident DIYer — genuine Bosch elements cost £25–£60 — but if you’re unsure, stop here and call a professional.
📞 When to call a professional
If descaling and a reset don’t clear the E11 code, and you’re not comfortable testing components with a multimeter or removing the base panel, call an appliance repair engineer. Tell them: ‘My Bosch dishwasher is showing error code E11 — I suspect either the heating element or the NTC thermistor.’ This lets them bring the right parts and reduces call-out time.
⚖️ Repair or replace?
A professional repair for E11 typically costs £80–£150 including parts and labour, depending on which component has failed. If your dishwasher is under 7 years old, repair is almost always the better value. For machines over 8–10 years old — particularly if this isn’t the first fault — a new mid-range Bosch dishwasher starts at around £400–£500, and replacement may be more sensible long-term.