What Does Error Code E60 Mean on a Bosch Washing Machine?
Check and clean the filter, then inspect the heating element connections — unplug the machine, remove the back or front panel to access the heater wiring, reseat any loose connectors, and restart a wash cycle to see if E60 clears (takes about 15–20 minutes).
Fault description
Error code E60 on a Bosch washing machine points to a problem within the heating circuit. This circuit is responsible for raising the water temperature to the level you select on the dial or display. When the machine's control board detects that the water is not reaching the expected temperature — or that the heating system is behaving outside normal parameters — it stops the programme and displays E60 to prevent damage or unsafe operation.
When this error appears, the wash cycle will typically pause or fail to progress past the heating phase. You may notice the drum has stopped rotating, or the programme timer appears frozen. The machine is not broken beyond use, but it will not complete a heated wash until the underlying fault is resolved.
The good news is that several of the most common causes behind E60 are accessible to a careful homeowner with basic tools. Working through the steps below in order will help you identify whether this is a simple wiring issue or something that needs a replacement part.
Causes
- Faulty or failed heating element — The heating element is the most common cause of E60. Over time, elements can burn out or develop an internal break, meaning they draw no current and cannot heat the water at all.
- Defective NTC temperature sensor — The NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) sensor monitors water temperature and reports back to the control board. If it fails or drifts out of calibration, the board may incorrectly conclude the heating circuit has a fault even if the element itself is fine.
- Loose or corroded wiring connections — The connectors linking the heating element and NTC sensor to the main wiring loom can work loose over time due to vibration, or corrode in the damp environment inside the machine. A poor connection can mimic a component failure.
- Tripped or failed thermal cut-out — Many Bosch heating elements include a thermal cut-out — a safety device that trips if the element overheats. Once tripped, it breaks the circuit permanently and the element assembly will need replacing.
- Control board (PCB) fault — In less common cases, the main PCB itself may be misreading signals from the heating circuit or failing to send the correct voltage to the element. This is usually only suspected after all other components have been tested and found to be in good condition.
Step-by-Step Fix
- 1
Power cycle the machine
Switch the machine off at the mains and unplug it. Wait at least two minutes before plugging back in and selecting a new programme. Occasionally a transient electrical spike can trigger E60 without a genuine component fault, and a full power reset clears it.
- 2
Check the selected wash temperature
Run a cold wash (30°C or a 'cold' setting) to see if the machine completes the cycle without error. If it does, the fault is specifically triggered under heating load, which confirms the heating circuit rather than a general electronics issue.
- 3
Inspect the wiring connections at the heating element
Unplug the machine and remove the rear panel (or front lower panel on some models) using a Torx or Phillips screwdriver. Locate the heating element at the base of the drum and check that all spade connectors are firmly seated and free from corrosion. Reseat any that feel loose and look for any signs of burning or melted plastic around the terminals.
- 4
Test the heating element with a multimeter
With the machine still unplugged, disconnect the element terminals and set your multimeter to resistance (Ohms). A healthy Bosch heating element typically reads between 20 and 50 ohms. A reading of zero (short circuit) or infinite resistance (open circuit) confirms the element has failed and needs replacing.
- 5
Test the NTC temperature sensor
The NTC sensor is usually clipped onto or near the heating element. Disconnect its two-pin connector and measure resistance across the terminals at room temperature — a typical NTC reads around 10,000–15,000 ohms at 20°C. A reading far outside this range, or an open circuit, means the sensor needs replacing. NTC sensors are inexpensive and straightforward to swap out.
- 6
Check for a tripped thermal cut-out
Some Bosch element assemblies have a small thermal cut-out device attached to the element body. Test continuity across its terminals with your multimeter — it should show near-zero resistance. If it shows open circuit, the cut-out has tripped and the entire element assembly will need to be replaced, as the cut-out is not separately resettable on most models.
- 7
Reassemble, run a test cycle and monitor
After replacing any faulty component, refit the panel securely, plug the machine back in, and run a full 60°C wash cycle to confirm the error has cleared. If E60 returns after replacing both the element and NTC sensor, the fault is likely within the control board and a service technician should be consulted.
Affected models
Select your model to see its full troubleshooting page.
When to call a service technician
If you have tested and replaced both the heating element and the NTC temperature sensor and the E60 error still returns, the fault most likely lies within the main control board (PCB). PCB diagnosis requires specialist equipment and knowledge of circuit-level testing — it is not a practical DIY repair for most homeowners, and an incorrect replacement can be costly.
You should also call a service technician if you find any signs of burning, scorching, or melted wiring inside the machine, or if you are not comfortable working around electrical components. A qualified technician can carry out a full heating circuit test safely and advise whether repair or replacement is the more economical route.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still use my Bosch washing machine while it shows E60?
You can run cold wash cycles (where no heating is required) and the machine should complete them normally. However, any programme that requires heated water will stall at the heating phase. It is best to resolve the fault before relying on the machine for regular use, as an open-circuit element can occasionally cause control board issues if left unaddressed.
How much does it cost to replace a Bosch washing machine heating element?
A replacement heating element for a Bosch washing machine typically costs between £20 and £50 for the part, depending on the model. If you fit it yourself the total cost is just the part. A service technician call-out and fitting will add labour costs on top, usually bringing the total to £80–£150 depending on your location.
Is E60 the same fault on all Bosch washing machine models?
E60 consistently refers to a heating circuit fault across Bosch washing machine ranges, but the exact component that has failed can vary by model. On some models the NTC sensor is the more common culprit, while on others the element itself fails first. Always cross-reference your model number when ordering replacement parts to ensure compatibility.
How do I find the heating element on my Bosch washing machine?
On most Bosch front-loading washing machines, the heating element is located at the lower rear of the drum and is accessed by removing the back panel. On a small number of models it is accessed from the front by removing the lower kick plate and front panel. Check your model's service diagram or search your model number online to confirm the correct access route before starting.
Could limescale cause the E60 error code?
Yes, indirectly. Heavy limescale deposits on the heating element act as insulation, causing the element to overheat in order to transfer heat to the water. This can trigger the thermal cut-out or cause the element to burn out prematurely, both of which result in E60. Running regular maintenance washes and using a washing machine descaler every few months significantly reduces this risk.