Checking, repairing and replacing the heating element of a Bosch dishwasher

If the dishwasher thermometer does not show the desired temperature (for example, 40 or 50 degrees), you will need to repair the Bosch dishwasher heating element. First, be sure to do diagnostics using a multimeter. This material describes how to correctly identify the signs of a malfunction and eliminate them.

How to check heating element and temperature sensor

Replacing the heating element in a dishwasher is possible only after correct diagnosis. Moreover, you need to check not only the heating element itself, but also the sensor that detects the temperature. This device has several names:

• temperature sensor (classic version);
• thermistor (same as temperature sensor);
• thermistor (a type of sensor, used mainly in modern devices).

The main sign that clearly indicates that the heating element in a Bosch dishwasher needs to be replaced is related to the thermometer. If during operation of the device the readings on the device do not change, that is, the temperature does not actually increase, this clearly indicates a failure.

However, this may not be enough, so it is important to more accurately understand how to check the heating element of a dishwasher. To do this you need the following tools:

• a set of screwdrivers (regular and figured);
• multimeter;
• awl;
• pliers.

You should disconnect the device from the network, close the tap, remove the drain hose and then proceed as follows:

1. Pull out the unit and turn it upside down.
2. If the machine is a free-standing type, remove the panel from the back, and if it is a built-in type, then remove the panel from the side.
3. To find the heating element for the dishwasher, you will need to remove the drain pipe by disconnecting it from the block where the heating element is located.
4. Then pull the panel towards you and inspect the heating element. There is no need to immediately set yourself the task of how to change the heating element in a Bosch dishwasher, since it may turn out to be quite serviceable. First you should check it, and then make a decision.
5. Now you need to calculate the normal resistance. To do this, divide 48400 by its power (indicated in the description in the instructions). For example, if the power is 2000 watts, the number would be 48400/2000 = 24.0 ohms. This is the normal resistance value for this device.
6. Set up the multimeter, apply the probes to the contacts (terminals) of the part and take the measurement. If it corresponds to the calculated value, there is no need to replace the heating element in the dishwasher. If there is a strong deviation, for example, 1 or infinity, the element is definitely broken - it needs to be replaced (repair is impossible).
7. Next, it is recommended to check whether there is current leakage or not. To do this, turn on the buzzer function of the multimeter and apply probes to the ground terminal, as well as to the power contact. The absence of a signal is considered normal. If the case has a breakdown, the multimeter will start beeping. In this case, you will definitely need to repair the Bosch dishwasher heating element, that is, replace the part.
8. Then the insulation resistance is checked by turning on the megohmmeter function. Set the settings to 500 and attach the alligator clip to the body of the unit. The probe is placed on any contact of the heating element. Normally, 2 MOhms or more should appear on the screen.
9. Checking the heating element of a dishwasher also involves diagnosing the temperature sensor. To do this, switch the multimeter to resistance measurement mode and prepare a container with boiling water. First, the measurement is carried out in the usual way, and then the temperature sensor is placed in boiling water and the readings are taken again. If it has noticeably increased, it means the device is working normally.

Step-by-step replacement instructions

If measurements show that the heating device or temperature sensor is broken, the heating element in the Bosch dishwasher will need to be replaced. Before doing this, you need to estimate the cost of the new device. The fact is that the spare part is quite expensive, often up to 10,000 rubles. If the unit is already old, it would be more expedient to sell it for spare parts and purchase a new device.

But if you decide to replace the heating element for a Bosch dishwasher, proceed as follows:

1. Turn off the device and also disconnect all communications (hoses), after closing the hose.
2. Remove all dishes, as well as baskets, trays and other built-in elements in the unit chamber.
3. The next stage of the instructions on how to change the heating element in a dishwasher involves removing the rocker arm (impeller). Thanks to this, there will be free access to the necessary parts.
4. To ensure that replacing the heating element on a Bosch dishwasher is successful, unscrew the drain filter. There will probably be liquid left there - it needs to be poured into a container prepared in advance. The filter is unscrewed carefully, as it is easy to break.
5. Next, turn the unit upside down and remove the panel at the back, as well as the bottom itself.
6. Remove all wiring elements and dismantle the pump to drain. Now it’s clear how to replace the heating element in a dishwasher. you should remove the clamp that secures it to the body.
7. Unscrew each fastening of the heating element and install a new one. Next, assemble all the parts, moving in the reverse order.

It is enough to simply determine where the heating element is located in the dishwasher. This element can be found at the bottom, next to the engine and pump. The temperature sensor is also located here, a malfunction of which can also lead to breakdown.

Every detail must be checked first. Moreover, it will not be possible to determine the malfunction by the error code, since even in the event of a violation, the dishwasher does not display any message. After measurements, the part is changed as described above. But if you don’t have the skill, it’s better not to risk it and contact the service center.