What Does Error Code E64 Mean on a Bosch Washing Machine?
Check and clean the filter at the bottom front of the machine to rule out any drainage restriction that may be causing the heating system to cut out, then restart the cycle — if the fault is a temporary sensor glitch, the machine should complete the programme normally (takes about 10 minutes).
Fault description
Error code E64 points to a problem in your Bosch washing machine's heating circuit. This circuit is responsible for warming the water to the temperature you select on the dial or display. When the machine's control board detects that the water is not reaching the correct temperature — or that the heating element is drawing an unexpected amount of current — it stops the cycle and displays E64 to prevent damage or unsafe operation.
When this error appears, the wash cycle will typically pause or stop mid-programme. You may notice that the water inside the drum feels cold even though you selected a warm or hot wash. On some models the error appears at the start of a cycle; on others it only triggers once the machine has been running for several minutes and the control board has had time to check the heating circuit's performance.
In many cases the fault is caused by a failed heating element or a faulty NTC temperature sensor, both of which are relatively straightforward parts to replace. However, a wiring issue or a problem with the main control board can produce the same code, so it is worth working through the checks below before ordering parts.
Causes
- Failed heating element — The heating element is the most common cause of E64. Over time, limescale build-up or normal wear causes the element to burn out, break its internal resistance wire, or develop a short to earth, all of which the control board detects as a heating circuit fault.
- Faulty 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 its calibrated range, gives an open-circuit reading, or fails completely, the board cannot confirm that heating is occurring and triggers E64.
- Damaged or corroded wiring to the heating circuit — The wires and connectors linking the heating element and temperature sensor to the control board can corrode, chafe, or work loose over years of vibration. A poor connection produces intermittent or incorrect resistance readings that mimic a component failure.
- Limescale build-up on the heating element — In hard-water areas, heavy limescale deposits insulate the element and prevent efficient heat transfer. The element overheats internally, trips its thermal cut-out, or fails prematurely, causing the control board to log a heating fault.
- Main control board fault — If the control board's relay or the circuit that drives the heating element develops a fault, the element may receive no power even though it is physically intact. This is less common but should be considered if all other components test correctly.
Step-by-Step Fix
- 1
Power cycle the machine
Switch the machine off at the mains socket and leave it unplugged for at least two minutes. Plug it back in, select a wash programme, and observe whether E64 returns. Occasionally a one-off sensor spike triggers the code and a full power reset clears it without any further action needed.
- 2
Clean the pump filter
Locate the small access panel at the bottom front of the machine. Place a shallow tray and a towel underneath, then slowly unscrew the filter cap to drain residual water. Remove the filter, rinse it under a tap, and check the filter housing for debris. A blocked filter can cause the machine to behave erratically and, on some models, affect heating cycle logic.
- 3
Inspect the wiring to the heating element and sensor
Disconnect the machine from the mains before doing this. Pull the machine forward and remove the rear panel (usually held by two or three screws). Locate the heating element at the base of the drum and the NTC sensor nearby. Check that all connectors are firmly seated, look for any wires that appear burnt, melted, or corroded, and reseat any loose connectors. Refit the panel, reconnect power, and test.
- 4
Test the NTC temperature sensor with a multimeter
With the machine unplugged and the rear panel removed, disconnect the two-pin connector from the NTC sensor. Set your multimeter to resistance (Ohms) and measure across the sensor terminals. At room temperature (around 20°C) a healthy NTC sensor typically reads between 4,000 and 6,000 Ohms — check your model's service data if available. A reading of zero or infinite resistance indicates a failed sensor that needs replacing.
- 5
Test the heating element with a multimeter
Disconnect both spade connectors from the heating element terminals. Set your multimeter to resistance and measure between the two main terminals — a working element usually reads between 20 and 50 Ohms depending on wattage. Then measure between each terminal and the element's earth tag; any reading other than infinite resistance (open circuit) indicates the element has shorted to earth and must be replaced.
- 6
Descale the machine if limescale is suspected
If you live in a hard-water area and have never descaled the machine, run a hot empty cycle using a proprietary washing machine descaler following the product instructions. Limescale on the element can cause it to overheat and fail; descaling regularly extends element life and may restore normal operation if the element has not yet fully failed.
- 7
Replace the faulty component
If testing has identified a failed NTC sensor or heating element, replace the defective part with a genuine Bosch-compatible spare matched to your model number (found on the label inside the door frame). Both parts are accessible from the rear of the machine and require only basic tools. After fitting the new part, run a short hot cycle to confirm the error has cleared.
Affected models
Select your model to see its full troubleshooting page.
When to call a service technician
If you have tested both the NTC sensor and the heating element and both components measure within their correct resistance ranges, the fault is likely in the wiring harness or the main control board itself. Diagnosing and replacing a control board requires specialist knowledge and equipment, and an incorrect diagnosis can be an expensive mistake.
You should also contact a service technician if you notice any signs of burning, scorching, or melted plastic around the heating element or its wiring, or if the machine trips your household circuit breaker when it attempts to heat. These symptoms suggest an electrical fault that poses a safety risk and should not be investigated further without professional help.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still use my Bosch washing machine while it shows E64?
It is not advisable. When E64 is active, the machine is not heating the water correctly, which means laundry will not be properly cleaned or sanitised on warm and hot programmes. Running repeated cycles with a faulty heating circuit can also place additional stress on the control board. Use cold-wash programmes only as a short-term measure while you arrange a repair.
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 are comfortable doing the replacement yourself it is a manageable DIY job. A service technician call-out to supply and fit the element will usually add £60–£120 in labour, varying by region and provider.
How do I find my Bosch washing machine model number?
The model number (E-Nr) is printed on a sticker inside the door opening, usually on the front edge of the drum housing or on the door frame itself. It is a combination of letters and numbers, for example WAN28281GB. You will need this number to order the correct heating element or NTC sensor, as these parts vary between models.
Could a power surge cause error code E64?
A power surge can occasionally cause the control board to log a spurious fault code, including E64. If the error appeared immediately after a power cut or surge, try a full power cycle by unplugging the machine for two minutes before running a test cycle. If the code does not return, no further action is needed. If it persists, a genuine component fault is the more likely explanation.
Is E64 the same fault as E61 or E65 on Bosch machines?
They are related but distinct. E61 typically indicates that the machine is not heating at all within a set time, while E65 points to overheating. E64 specifically flags an out-of-range condition in the heating circuit, often linked to the element's electrical characteristics or the sensor's readings. The diagnostic steps overlap — checking the element and NTC sensor is relevant for all three codes — but the exact fault and the component most likely to blame can differ.