What Does Error Code E63 Mean on a Siemens Washing Machine?
Check that the machine is not overloaded and run a short 30°C cycle to see if the heating fault clears — if the NTC temperature sensor has given a temporary false reading, this reset can resolve it without further action (takes about 10 minutes).
Fault description
Error code E63 points to a problem in your Siemens washing machine's heating circuit. This circuit is responsible for warming the water to the temperature you select, and when the machine's control board detects a reading that falls outside the expected range — either from the heating element itself or from the NTC temperature sensor that monitors water temperature — it stops the programme and displays E63 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 that the water stays cold, or the machine simply stops mid-cycle. In some cases the drum will continue to turn but no heat is produced, and the programme will eventually time out.
The fault can be intermittent or permanent depending on the underlying cause. It is worth working through the checks below before assuming a major component has failed, as a faulty sensor or a loose connection is often the culprit.
Causes
- Faulty NTC temperature sensor — The NTC sensor monitors water temperature and feeds readings back to the control board. If it has drifted out of calibration, developed a short circuit, or failed entirely, the board will log E63 even if the heating element itself is fine.
- Failed or burnt-out heating element — Over time, limescale build-up and normal wear can cause the heating element to burn out or develop an open circuit. When the element cannot draw current, the water temperature never rises and the fault is triggered.
- Wiring or connector fault — The wiring harness connecting the heating element and NTC sensor to the control board can suffer from loose terminals, corrosion, or chafing. A poor connection produces erratic resistance readings that the board interprets as a heating circuit fault.
- Heavy limescale deposits — In hard-water areas, limescale can coat the heating element thickly enough to cause it to overheat and fail prematurely, or to insulate the NTC sensor so it cannot read water temperature accurately.
- Control board (PCB) fault — If the main PCB has suffered a power surge or component failure, it may misread signals from the heating circuit or fail to supply the correct voltage to the element. This is the least common cause 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 5 minutes. This allows the control board to fully reset. Plug back in, select a 30°C or 40°C programme, and observe whether the error returns. Occasionally a temporary sensor spike causes a false E63 that clears on its own.
- 2
Check the load size and redistribute laundry
An overloaded drum can restrict water circulation around the heating element, causing localised overheating. Remove some items, redistribute the remaining load evenly, and restart the cycle. This takes only a couple of minutes and rules out a simple operational cause.
- 3
Run a descaling cycle
If you live in a hard-water area and have not descaled the machine recently, run a hot maintenance wash (60°C or 90°C) with a proprietary washing machine descaler. Heavy limescale on the element can cause it to overheat and trigger E63. Repeat monthly if your water is particularly hard.
- 4
Inspect the wiring to the heating element and NTC sensor
Disconnect the machine from the mains before doing this. Remove the rear panel (usually held by two or three screws) to access the heating element at the bottom of the drum. Check that all connectors are firmly seated, look for signs of burning or corrosion on the terminals, and reseat any loose plugs. Reconnect and test.
- 5
Test the NTC temperature sensor with a multimeter
With the machine unplugged, disconnect the NTC sensor (a small two-wire probe clipped to the heating element or sump area). 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 for the exact value. A reading of zero or infinity indicates a failed sensor that needs replacing.
- 6
Test the heating element with a multimeter
With the machine unplugged and the element terminals exposed, set your multimeter to resistance mode. A working element on a standard domestic machine typically reads between 20 and 30 ohms. A reading of infinity (open circuit) confirms the element has failed and must be replaced. Also check for continuity between each terminal and the machine's metal casing — any reading here indicates an earth fault.
- 7
Replace the faulty component
If testing has identified a failed NTC sensor or heating element, source the correct replacement part for your specific Siemens model number (found on the rating plate inside the door frame). Both parts are generally straightforward to swap with basic tools, but if you are not confident working with electrical components inside the machine, book a service technician at this stage.
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 measure within normal ranges, yet the E63 error persists after a power cycle, the fault is likely inside the main control board (PCB). PCB diagnosis and replacement requires specialist equipment and knowledge of the board's circuit layout — this is not a DIY repair for most homeowners.
You should also call a service technician if you find any signs of burning, melted plastic, or a strong electrical smell near the heating circuit, or if the machine trips your household circuit breaker when it attempts to heat. These symptoms suggest an active electrical fault that could be a safety risk if the machine continues to be used.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still use my Siemens washing machine while it shows E63?
It is not advisable to continue using the machine with an active E63 fault. The machine will not heat the water properly, meaning laundry will not be hygienically cleaned. More importantly, if the fault is caused by an electrical issue with the element, continued use could pose a safety risk or cause further damage to the control board.
How do I find the NTC sensor on my Siemens washing machine?
On most Siemens models the NTC sensor is a small probe attached directly to the heating element at the base of the drum, accessible from the rear panel. On some models it is located on the sump hose near the bottom of the machine. Your model's service manual or a parts diagram (searchable by model number) will show the exact location.
How much does it cost to fix a Siemens E63 error?
If the fault is a failed NTC sensor, the part itself is usually inexpensive — often under £20. A replacement heating element typically costs between £20 and £50 depending on the model. If a service technician is needed, add a call-out and labour charge on top of the part cost. A PCB replacement is significantly more expensive and may not be economical on an older machine.
Will E63 clear itself after the machine cools down?
Occasionally, if the error was triggered by a temporary overheating event rather than a component failure, it may clear after the machine has cooled and been power cycled. However, if the underlying cause is a failing sensor or element, the error will return as soon as the machine attempts to heat water again. A one-off clearance is worth trying, but do not rely on it as a long-term solution.
Is E63 the same fault on all Siemens washing machine models?
The E63 code consistently relates to the heating circuit across Siemens washing machine ranges, but the exact component at fault and the resistance values you should expect when testing can vary between models. Always cross-reference with the specific service data for your model number, which you can find on the rating plate inside the door opening.