Error E11 on a Bosch dishwasher

The newer the dishwasher, the more advanced its self-diagnosis system, which allows you to quickly determine the essence of the breakdown. One of the most common problems in Bosch brand appliances is error E11, which informs the user that the water is not heating. In this case, it does not appear due to a failed water heating element, but due to a faulty temperature sensor, or due to a damaged circuit between the temperature sensor and the PMM control board. We'll tell you what to do in this situation.

How does a temperature sensor failure manifest itself?

The appearance of error E11 on the display of a Bosch dishwasher clearly indicates problems with the temperature sensor. However, it is possible to eliminate the malfunction of the temperature sensor earlier if you pay attention to the alarm signals of the element. The sensor itself is installed in the dishwasher tray, so it is very easy to find.

It is much more difficult to understand that the element is failing - to do this you need to pay attention to weak or excessive heating of the water. If the liquid in the washing chamber heats up to excessively high temperatures in a washing mode that does not provide for this, then the temperature sensor may soon completely fail.

The body of the “home assistant” will also help you understand about problems with the sensor - it will get very hot, and when the washing chamber is opened, it will spray the housewife with hot steam.

Any of the described symptoms, as well as the error code that appears, is a reason to begin a thorough diagnosis of the key components of the Bosch dishwasher. You need to find out as quickly as possible the reason why the thermistor does not stop working on time.

How is the PMM temperature sensor checked?

If the machine tells you error E11, then this is not a reason to immediately buy a new temperature sensor. First, you need to assess the condition of the node, and make a decision on replacement based on the test results. Collect all the tools for partial disassembly of the Bosch dishwasher and kitchen unit, if the equipment is built into the furniture. Additionally, you need to get a regular multimeter, thermometer and a large container for water.

What to do for an accurate check? First of all, you need to get to the temperature sensor and check its resistance using a multimeter set to ohmmeter mode. Connect the tester probes to the sensor contacts and measure the resistance under different temperature conditions. The following are considered normal indicators:

• about 6000 Ohms at 20 degrees Celsius;
• approximately 1350 Ohms when heating water to 50 degrees;
• approximately 1200 ohms while heating to 60 degrees.

Depending on the model of the Bosch dishwasher and the version of the temperature sensor, the tolerance margins will be different, so measurement deviations of approximately 10% are possible.

The most accurate test is possible in conditions of several measurements, first at room temperature, which is approximately 25 degrees Celsius, and then in water heated to high values. If everything is clear with the first test, then for the second you need to place the temperature sensor in a container with water heated to 60 degrees, and wait at least five minutes until the thermistor reaches the temperature of the liquid.

If, as a result of the test, it turns out that the resistance drops as the temperature rises, then the temperature sensor is working. If there is no resistance at all, then the element has failed.Typically, temperature sensors do not need to be replaced and work great for many years, so failure may be due to factory defects, mechanical damage, or wear due to a long and active period of operation. Therefore, in this case, you can reset error E11 only by replacing the key element.

How is the thermistor replaced?

In this situation, it is very easy to eliminate the error code even at home, so there is no need to call a repairman. To deal with error E11 in a Bosch dishwasher yourself, follow our instructions.

• Disconnect the “home assistant” from all communications.
• Drain any waste fluid that remains in the pan after the last operating cycle.
• Carefully remove the dishwasher from the kitchen unit if you have built-in appliances, or simply move the dishwasher away from the wall to gain free access to it.
• Remove the screws holding the bottom panel of the PMM.
• Usually the temperature sensor is installed directly at the base of the water heating element, so you will have to use a key to loosen the fastening of the heating element.
• Carefully disconnect the wires from the element.

Just in case, take a few photos of the correct wiring connections, which will help when connecting the new temperature sensor.

• Examine the thermistor for damage and also test it with a multimeter.

After that, all that remains is to buy a new temperature sensor if the old one is really broken. Try to buy original spare parts so that they last longer than analogues. Be sure to run an idle cycle to evaluate the performance of your Bosch dishwasher.

If it turns out that the temperature sensor and heating element are working properly, but there is no water heating, then most likely the cause of the problem is damage to the PMM control board. In this situation, you won’t be able to cope without calling a service center specialist, because only a technician with professional equipment can restore the “brain” of the dishwasher.

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