Bosch Dishwasher Error Code E14 — What It Means
The Bosch dishwasher error code E14 typically signals a problem in the dishwasher’s heating circuit or temperature sensing system. In practice, E14 often appears when the dishwasher cannot reach or detect the correct wash or drying temperature. This can be caused by a failed heating element, a faulty temperature sensor (NTC thermistor), a blown thermal fuse, corrosion or damaged wiring, or a malfunctioning control board. Users commonly notice longer cycle times, poor or no drying, recurring sanitization warnings, higher energy use, and in some cases repeated error messages or a machine that stops mid-cycle. While many causes are not immediately dangerous, electrical faults or overheating components can present safety risks, so careful troubleshooting and safe handling are important.
Common Causes
- Failed or broken heating element
- Defective temperature sensor or NTC thermistor
- Blown thermal fuse or thermostat
- Faulty relay or heating circuit on the control board
- Loose, corroded, or damaged wiring and connectors
- Excessive limescale buildup on heating elements or sensors
- Poor grounding or tripped electrical protection (fuse/MCB)
Troubleshooting Steps
- Reset the dishwasher by turning off power at the wall or circuit breaker for 5 minutes, then restore power and try a short cycle to see if E14 clears.
- Check for obvious signs of damage: inspect the heater element and wiring under the dishwasher for burns, breaks, or corrosion. Ensure the door is properly latched and seals are intact.
- Run a diagnostic/service mode if your Bosch model supports it and review the heater/temperature readings to confirm a heater or sensor fault.
- Test the heating element for continuity with a multimeter. A reading far from the expected resistance indicates a failed element and replacement is likely needed.
- Test the NTC temperature sensor (thermistor) resistance at room temperature and compare to Bosch specifications. Large deviation indicates a bad sensor.
- Inspect and test the thermal fuse or thermostat for continuity. Replace if open or out of spec.
- Examine wiring harness connections to the heater and sensor for loose pins or corrosion. Reseat or replace connectors as necessary.
- If the heater and sensor test good, check the control board and heater relay for burnt components or failed relays. Swap or replace the control board if diagnostics point to it.
- Descale the dishwasher and clean filters to remove limescale that can insulate the heater or coat sensors and lead to incorrect readings.
- If you are not comfortable with electrical testing or the issue involves the control board, contact Bosch support or a qualified appliance technician to avoid risk of shock or further damage.
Maintenance / Prevention Tips
- Use dishwasher salt and a rinse aid as recommended to reduce limescale and improve drying.
- Run a monthly cleaning or descaling cycle with a dishwasher descaler if you have hard water.
- Clean the filter and spray arms regularly to ensure efficient water flow and heating performance.
- Wipe and inspect door seals and hinges to ensure correct closure and heat retention.
- Avoid overloading the dishwasher so hot water and heat can circulate properly.
- Use the appropriate detergent type and quantity to prevent residue buildup on elements and sensors.
- Periodically check under the machine for signs of leaks or corrosion around electrical connections.
- Run the dishwasher on a high-temperature cycle occasionally to help clear deposits.
- Schedule professional servicing every 1 to 3 years if you have heavy use or very hard water.
- Ensure the appliance is installed with proper grounding and stable electrical supply.
- Replace worn or brittle wiring and connectors promptly rather than postponing repairs.
- Keep the area around the dishwasher free of dust and debris that can enter vents or control areas.
FAQs
Q: What exactly does E14 mean on my Bosch dishwasher?
A: E14 generally points to a heating or temperature sensing fault. The machine either cannot heat water to the expected temperature or cannot read temperature correctly. The root cause is often the heating element, thermistor, thermal fuse, wiring, or control electronics.
Q: Can I keep using the dishwasher with an E14 error?
A: It is not recommended to keep using the dishwasher repeatedly with E14. You may get washed but not properly dried or sanitized loads, and an electrical fault could worsen and become a safety hazard. At minimum, run only occasional cycles and seek diagnosis.
Q: How much does it cost to fix an E14 error?
A: Costs vary by the failed part and labor rates. Replacing a heating element or sensor is typically moderate in cost, while control board replacement can be significantly higher. Expect to pay more if the technician identifies multiple failed components.
Q: Is this something I can fix myself?
A: If you are comfortable with basic electrical testing (multimeter) and follow safety steps, you can check continuity on the heater and sensor and replace those parts. Anything involving the control board or complex wiring is best left to a professional.
Conclusion and Safety Notice
Because E14 can indicate an electrical or heating fault, always disconnect power before inspecting or working on internal components. Do not attempt repairs if you are unsure about working with mains voltage. If troubleshooting points to a failed control board, relay, or complex wiring damage, call a certified Bosch technician or qualified appliance repair service. Prompt professional diagnosis prevents fire risk and further damage.
If you decide to repair the machine yourself, follow the manufacturer service manual, use correct replacement parts, and prioritize safety. When in doubt, contact Bosch support or schedule a professional service visit to ensure a safe, long-lasting repair.
Affected Appliance Models
| Model Number |
|---|
| SHP65T55UC |
| SHX68T55UC |
| SMS25CI05A |
| SMI68TS06E |
| SMS46KI01B |
| SMV68TX06E |
