What Does Error Code E62 Mean on a Bosch Washing Machine?

Bosch Updated 8 April 2026
Quick Fix

Check and clean the filter, then run a short hot cycle to confirm the heating element is receiving power — if the error clears, the blockage was causing thermal overload (takes about 10 minutes).

Fault description

Error code E62 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 detects that the water is not reaching the correct temperature — or that the temperature sensor is sending readings outside the expected range — it stops the programme and displays E62 to prevent damage to your laundry or the appliance itself.

When this error appears, the drum may stop mid-cycle, often during the main wash phase when heating is most active. You might notice the machine has filled with water but is not progressing, or that it has drained and locked out completely. In some cases the display flashes E62 immediately after the cycle starts. The fault can be intermittent at first, appearing only on high-temperature programmes before becoming more consistent.

Causes

  • Faulty heating element — The heating element is the most common cause of E62. Over time, limescale build-up or general wear causes the element to fail, either burning out completely or developing an intermittent open circuit that the control board detects as a heating fault.
  • Defective NTC temperature sensor — The NTC (negative temperature coefficient) sensor monitors water temperature and reports back to the control board. If the sensor drifts out of calibration, develops a short, or fails entirely, the board receives implausible temperature readings and triggers E62.
  • Wiring or connector damage — The wiring harness connecting the heating element and temperature sensor to the control board can suffer from heat stress, vibration, or corrosion over time. A loose or corroded connector can interrupt the circuit and produce the same error as a component failure.
  • Limescale build-up on the heating element — In hard-water areas, heavy limescale deposits insulate the heating element, causing it to overheat and trip an internal thermal cut-out. The machine interprets this as a heating circuit fault and logs E62.
  • Control board (PCB) fault — If the main PCB cannot correctly send power to the heating circuit or read the sensor signal, it may generate a false E62 code. This is less common but should be considered if all other components test correctly.

Step-by-Step Fix

  1. 1

    Reset the machine

    Switch the washing machine off at the mains and leave it unplugged for at least 5 minutes. This allows the control board to fully discharge and can clear a temporary fault. Plug back in, select a 60°C programme, and observe whether E62 returns.

  2. 2

    Clean the pump filter

    A blocked filter can cause the machine to overheat during pumping, which sometimes triggers heating-related errors. Locate the filter behind the small access panel at the bottom front of the machine, place a towel and shallow tray underneath, then unscrew and rinse the filter thoroughly under running water.

  3. 3

    Run a descaling cycle

    If you live in a hard-water area, heavy limescale on the heating element can cause it to overheat and cut out. Add a proprietary washing machine descaler to the drum and run the hottest empty cycle available. Repeat if the machine has not been descaled in the past six months.

  4. 4

    Inspect the wiring to the heating element and sensor

    With the machine unplugged and the back panel removed, visually inspect the wiring harness leading to the heating element and NTC sensor at the bottom of the drum. Look for burnt insulation, loose spade connectors, or signs of corrosion. Press each connector firmly onto its terminal to ensure a solid connection.

  5. 5

    Test the NTC temperature sensor

    Disconnect the NTC sensor connector and use a multimeter set to resistance (Ohms). At room temperature, a healthy NTC sensor typically reads between 20,000 and 30,000 Ohms depending on the model — check your model's service data for the exact value. A reading of zero or infinity indicates a failed sensor that needs replacing.

  6. 6

    Test the heating element

    With the machine unplugged, disconnect the heating element terminals and test across them with a multimeter set to resistance. A working element typically reads between 20 and 50 Ohms; a reading of infinity (open circuit) confirms the element has failed. Also test between each terminal and the machine's metal chassis — any reading other than infinity indicates an earth fault and the element must be replaced immediately.

  7. 7

    Replace the faulty component

    If testing has identified a failed heating element or NTC sensor, replace the part with a genuine Bosch-compatible component matched to your model number. Ensure the machine is fully unplugged before any replacement work, and double-check all connectors are firmly seated before reassembling and running a test cycle.

Affected models

When to call a service technician

If you have tested both the heating element and the NTC sensor with a multimeter and both components read within normal ranges, the fault is likely within the main control board (PCB) or the wiring harness deeper inside the machine. Diagnosing and replacing a PCB requires specialist tools and knowledge of live circuit testing — this is not a safe DIY task.

You should also contact a service technician if you find evidence of burning, melted plastic, or a strong electrical smell near the heating circuit. These signs suggest a more serious electrical fault that could pose a fire or shock risk if the machine is operated further without a professional inspection.

Spare parts and service

Visit our partners for spare parts and service

Spare parts

Book a repair

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still use my Bosch washing machine while it shows E62?

It is not advisable. When E62 is active, the machine is not heating water correctly, which means your laundry will not be properly cleaned or sanitised. Running repeated cycles with a faulty heating circuit can also place additional stress on the control board and wiring, potentially turning a straightforward repair into a more expensive one.

How do I find the model number on my Bosch washing machine?

The model number (E-Nr) is printed on a sticker inside the door frame — open the door and look around the inner rim. It typically starts with letters followed by a string of numbers and letters, for example WAN28281GB. You will need this number to order the correct replacement heating element or NTC sensor.

Is E62 always caused by a broken heating element?

Not always. While a failed heating element is the most common cause, a faulty NTC temperature sensor can produce exactly the same error code because the control board cannot distinguish between 'no heat' and 'no accurate temperature reading'. Always test both components before ordering parts to avoid an unnecessary purchase.

How much does it typically cost to fix a Bosch E62 error?

A replacement heating element for a Bosch washing machine generally costs between £20 and £50 for the part alone, and an NTC sensor is usually under £15. If you are comfortable with basic appliance repair, the total DIY cost is modest. A service technician call-out will add labour costs on top, but is worthwhile if the fault turns out to be a PCB issue.

Will descaling my machine fix the E62 error?

Descaling can resolve E62 if the root cause is a limescale-coated heating element that has tripped its internal thermal cut-out. However, if the element or sensor has already failed permanently, descaling alone will not clear the fault. It is still worth descaling as a first step because it is free, quick, and may save you from replacing a part unnecessarily.