What Does Error Code E67 Mean on a Bosch Washing Machine?

Bosch Updated 8 April 2026
Quick Fix

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 E67 clears (takes about 15–20 minutes).

Fault description

Error code E67 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 heating system is not behaving as expected — whether the water isn't warming up, the temperature reading is implausible, or the heater is drawing the wrong amount of current — it logs E67 and typically halts the programme.

In practice, you may notice the machine pausing mid-cycle, refusing to progress past the wash phase, or completing a cycle but leaving clothes washed in cold water. Some models will display E67 immediately at the start of a heated programme, while others only trigger it after several minutes once the control board has had time to assess the heater's performance.

The fault can originate from the heating element itself, the NTC temperature sensor that monitors water temperature, the wiring between these components, or in less common cases, the main control board. Most of these causes are diagnosable at home with basic tools.

Causes

  • Faulty or failed heating element — The heating element is the most common root cause of E67. Over time, elements can burn out, develop internal breaks, or short to the drum casing, causing the control board to detect an abnormal circuit reading and shut down heating.
  • Defective NTC temperature sensor — The NTC (negative temperature coefficient) sensor monitors water temperature and feeds that data to the control board. If the sensor fails or drifts out of its calibrated range, the board cannot confirm that heating is working correctly and raises E67.
  • Loose or corroded wiring connections — The connectors linking the heating element and NTC sensor to the control board can work loose through vibration over time, or corrode in the damp environment inside the machine. A poor connection produces erratic resistance readings that trigger the fault.
  • Limescale build-up on the heating element — In hard-water areas, limescale deposits coat the heating element, reducing its efficiency and causing it to overheat locally. This can lead to premature element failure or cause the control board to detect abnormal heating behaviour.
  • Wiring harness damage — The wiring harness running between the heater assembly and the PCB can be pinched, chafed, or damaged during a previous repair. Even a partial break in a wire can cause intermittent E67 faults that are difficult to reproduce consistently.
  • Main control board (PCB) fault — If all heating components and wiring test correctly, the control board itself may be misreading signals from the heating circuit. PCB faults are the least common cause of E67 but should be considered once all other components have been ruled out.

Step-by-Step Fix

  1. 1

    Power cycle the machine

    Switch the machine off at the mains and leave it unplugged for at least 5 minutes. This allows the control board to fully reset. Plug back in, select a programme with a heated wash (e.g. 40°C cotton), and observe whether E67 returns. If the fault clears and does not come back, it may have been a temporary control board glitch.

  2. 2

    Check the drum for cold water after a heated cycle

    Run a short 40°C or 60°C programme and carefully feel the door glass partway through the wash phase — it should become noticeably warm within 10–15 minutes. If the glass stays cold, the heating element is almost certainly not activating, which confirms the fault is real rather than a sensor misread.

  3. 3

    Inspect and reseat the heater wiring connectors

    Unplug the machine from the mains. Remove the back panel (usually held by two or three screws at the top and sides). Locate the heating element — it sits at the bottom of the drum, identifiable by its two or three spade connectors. Disconnect each connector, check for corrosion or burn marks, and firmly push them back on. Also check the smaller connector for the NTC sensor, which is usually clipped to the element body.

  4. 4

    Test the NTC temperature sensor with a multimeter

    With the machine unplugged, disconnect the NTC sensor connector and set your multimeter to resistance (Ohms). 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, infinity, or wildly outside this range indicates a faulty sensor that needs replacing.

  5. 5

    Test the heating element with a multimeter

    With the machine still unplugged, disconnect both spade connectors from the heating element terminals. Set your multimeter to resistance and place the probes on the two main terminals. A working element typically reads between 20 and 30 Ohms. A reading of infinity (open circuit) means the element has failed. Also test between each terminal and the machine's metal chassis — any reading other than infinity here indicates the element is shorting to earth and must be replaced.

  6. 6

    Descale the heating element if limescale is visible

    If the element tests within range but shows heavy white or grey deposits, run a dedicated washing machine descaler product according to its instructions — typically on a hot empty cycle. In severe cases, the element may need to be removed and soaked in a diluted citric acid solution. Avoid using vinegar directly in the drum as it can damage rubber seals over time.

  7. 7

    Inspect the wiring harness for damage

    Trace the wiring from the heater assembly back towards the control board, looking for any sections where the insulation is chafed, pinched against the drum, or shows signs of heat damage. Repair any damaged sections with appropriate heat-resistant electrical tape or replace the affected section of harness. If the harness appears intact and all components test correctly, the control board should be assessed by a service technician.

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 return readings within the expected range, yet E67 continues to appear, the fault is likely within the main control board or a section of the wiring harness that is difficult to access safely. PCB diagnosis and replacement require specialist equipment and knowledge of live circuit testing that goes beyond safe DIY territory.

You should also call a service technician if you find that the heating element is shorting to earth, as this presents a genuine electrical safety risk. Similarly, if you notice burn marks, melted plastic, or a burning smell near the heater assembly, stop using the machine immediately and arrange a professional inspection before running it again.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still use my Bosch washing machine while it shows E67?

It is not advisable to continue using the machine normally. When E67 is active, the heating circuit is not functioning correctly, which means your laundry will be washed in cold water regardless of the temperature you select. More importantly, a shorted heating element can pose an electrical safety risk, so it is best to diagnose and resolve the fault before running further cycles.

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, that is the only cost involved. A service technician call-out and fitting will add labour charges on top, which vary by region but commonly range from £60 to £120.

Could a power surge cause error code E67?

A power surge can occasionally cause the control board to log a spurious fault code, including E67. This is why a full power cycle — unplugging for at least 5 minutes — is always the first step. If E67 disappears after a reset and does not return, a transient electrical event was likely the cause rather than a failed component.

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

The model number on a Bosch washing machine is printed on a label inside the door frame — open the door and look around the inner rim of the appliance body. The label shows the model number (E-Nr) and serial number (FD). You will need the E-Nr to order the correct replacement heating element or NTC sensor for your specific machine.

Is E67 the same fault as E17 or E18 on Bosch machines?

No — these are distinct fault codes. E17 and E18 on Bosch washing machines relate to water intake and filling issues, whereas E67 is specifically a heating circuit fault. The troubleshooting steps and replacement parts involved are different for each code, so it is important to confirm which code your machine is displaying before beginning any diagnosis.