What Does Error Code E60 Mean on a Siemens Washing Machine?
Check and clean the filter at the bottom front of the machine to rule out restricted water flow affecting heating performance, then run a short cycle to see if E60 clears (takes about 10 minutes).
Fault description
Error code E60 points to a problem within your Siemens 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 detects that the water is not reaching the correct temperature — or that the sensor monitoring the temperature is sending back an unexpected reading — it stops the cycle and displays E60 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. The machine will typically pause and refuse to continue until the fault is resolved. In some Siemens models the error may also appear at the start of a cycle before heating has even begun, which usually points to a sensor or wiring issue rather than the element itself.
The good news is that not every E60 fault requires a replacement part. Some cases are caused by limescale build-up or a loose connection that you can address at home before calling anyone out.
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 power and cannot heat the water at all.
- Defective NTC temperature sensor — The NTC (negative temperature coefficient) sensor monitors water temperature and feeds that data back to the control board. If the sensor fails or drifts out of range, the machine cannot confirm that heating is working correctly and triggers E60.
- Heavy limescale build-up on the heating element — In hard water areas, limescale coats the heating element over time, insulating it and reducing its efficiency. The machine may detect that the water is not warming at the expected rate and flag a heating fault.
- Wiring or connector fault between the element and control board — Loose, corroded, or damaged wiring between the heating element, the NTC sensor, and the main PCB can interrupt the signal. The control board then reads this as a heating circuit failure even if the element itself is fine.
- Main PCB (control board) fault — In less common cases, the control board itself may misread signals from the heating circuit or fail to send power to the element. This is usually only confirmed after the element and sensor have been tested and found to be working correctly.
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 it back in and starting a fresh cycle. Occasionally a temporary sensor glitch can trigger E60, 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 towel and a shallow tray underneath, then unscrew the filter cap slowly to drain residual water. Remove any debris — fluff, coins, or grit — from the filter and housing. A blocked filter can restrict water circulation and indirectly affect heating performance.
- 3
Run a hot maintenance wash
Select a 90°C cotton cycle with no laundry inside and add a washing machine cleaner or a cup of white vinegar to the drum. This can dissolve light limescale from the heating element and restore its efficiency. If E60 does not appear during or after this cycle, limescale was likely the cause.
- 4
Inspect the wiring connections to the heating element and NTC sensor
Unplug the machine and remove the back panel (usually held by several screws around the edge). Locate the heating element at the base of the drum and the NTC sensor clipped nearby. Check that all connectors are firmly seated and look for any signs of burning, corrosion, or broken wires. Reseat any loose connectors carefully.
- 5
Test the NTC temperature sensor with a multimeter
Disconnect the NTC sensor's connector and set your multimeter to resistance (Ohms). At room temperature, a healthy NTC sensor typically reads between 20,000 and 30,000 Ohms — check your model's service data if available. A reading of zero or infinity indicates the sensor has failed and needs replacing.
- 6
Test the heating element with a multimeter
With the machine still unplugged, disconnect the two spade connectors from the heating element terminals. Set your multimeter to resistance and touch the probes to the two terminals. A working element typically reads between 20 and 50 Ohms. A reading of infinity (open circuit) confirms the element has failed and must be replaced.
- 7
Replace the faulty component
If testing has identified either the NTC sensor or the heating element as faulty, replace the defective part with a genuine Siemens-compatible component matched to your model number. Reassemble the machine, restore power, and run a test cycle to confirm the E60 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 heating element and the NTC sensor with a multimeter and both appear to be within normal resistance ranges, the fault is likely inside the main control board (PCB). PCB diagnosis and replacement requires specialist equipment and knowledge of live circuit testing — this is not a safe DIY task and a service technician should carry it out.
You should also call a service technician if you notice any signs of burning smells, scorch marks around the element terminals, or melted wiring insulation when you open the back panel. These indicate a more serious electrical fault that needs professional assessment before the machine is used again.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still use my Siemens washing machine while it shows E60?
It is not advisable. When E60 is active, the machine has detected a heating circuit fault and will typically stop mid-cycle anyway. Running it repeatedly without resolving the fault could cause further damage to the element, wiring, or control board, making the repair more expensive.
How do I find the model number on my Siemens washing machine?
The model number is printed on a label inside the door frame — open the door and look around the inner rim. You will see a sticker showing the model number (E-Nr) and serial number (FD). You need this number to order the correct heating element or NTC sensor for your specific machine.
How much does it typically cost to replace a heating element on a Siemens washing machine?
A replacement heating element for a Siemens washing machine generally costs between £20 and £50 for the part, depending on the model. If you are comfortable doing the replacement yourself, that is the total cost. A service technician call-out will add labour charges on top of the part price.
Could a power surge have caused the E60 error?
A power surge can occasionally cause a temporary fault code, including E60. Always try a full power cycle first — unplug the machine for two minutes and restart. If the error does not return, a transient electrical event was likely the cause. If it returns consistently, a physical component fault is more probable.
Is E60 the same fault on all Siemens washing machine models?
E60 consistently relates to the heating circuit across Siemens washing machine ranges, but the exact component that triggers it can vary slightly between models. On some models it may be more sensitive to NTC sensor readings, while on others the element itself is the more common failure point. Always cross-reference with your model's documentation if available.