Bosch Dishwasher Not Getting Hot

Hot water is essential to dissolve and remove food particles and grease from your dishes. If your Bosch dishwasher is not getting hot, your dishes may not be getting cleaned properly, which can be frustrating. Without hot water, your dishwasher may take longer to complete a cycle. This can be a nuisance, especially if you have a busy schedule and need your dishes cleaned quickly. Hot water helps to evaporate moisture from your dishes, leaving them dry and ready to use. If your dishwasher is not getting hot, your dishes may not dry properly, leading to water spots and the need to dry them manually. A dishwasher that is not getting hot may require more water and energy to clean your dishes properly, resulting in higher energy bills and a larger carbon footprint.

Overall, a dishwasher that is not getting hot can be inconvenient and frustrating, but it can also lead to poor cleaning performance and higher energy bills.

If your Bosch dishwasher is not getting hot, your dishes may not be getting cleaned properly

There are a few signs that your dishwasher may not be getting hot:

  1. Dishes are not getting clean: If you notice that your dishes are not getting clean after a cycle, it could be a sign that the water is not getting hot enough to dissolve and remove food particles.
  2. Dishes are not dry: If your dishwasher is not getting hot, it may also not be drying your dishes properly. This can be due to the fact that hot water evaporates faster and leaves your dishes dry.
  3. Longer cycle times: If your dishwasher is not heating up, it may take longer for the dishwasher to complete its cycle.
  4. Reduced steam: During a dishwasher cycle, steam is usually produced to help with cleaning and drying. If you notice that there is reduced steam, it could be a sign that the water is not hot enough.
  5. High water bills: If your dishwasher is not heating up properly, it may require more water to clean your dishes, resulting in higher water bills.

Below are some of the reasons that your Bosch dishwasher is not getting hot:


The heating element is faulty

The heating element in your dishwasher is responsible for heating up the water during the wash and rinse cycles. If the heating element is faulty, it may not be able to heat up the water, resulting in a dishwasher that is not getting hot.

If your dishwasher heating element is faulty, you can replace it by following these steps:

  1. Turn off the power: Before you begin any repairs, make sure to turn off the power to your dishwasher. You can do this by unplugging the dishwasher or turning off the circuit breaker that controls the dishwasher’s power.
  2. Locate the heating element: The heating element is usually located at the bottom of the dishwasher tub. Consult your dishwasher’s manual or a repair guide for specific instructions on how to access the heating element.
  3. Remove the faulty heating element: Once you have access to the heating element, disconnect the wires that connect it to the dishwasher. Then, remove any mounting brackets or screws that are holding the heating element in place and remove the heating element from the dishwasher.
  4. Install the new heating element: Take the new heating element and install it in the same position as the old one. Secure it with any mounting brackets or screws that were used to secure the old heating element. Then, reconnect the wires to the new heating element.
  5. Test the dishwasher: Once you have installed the new heating element, turn the power back on to the dishwasher and run a test cycle to ensure that it is heating up properly.

If you are not comfortable performing this repair yourself, it is best to hire a qualified technician to replace the heating element for you. This will ensure that the repair is done safely and properly.


The thermostat has failed

Fixing a faulty dishwasher thermostat may be possible, but it depends on the specific issue that is causing it to malfunction. If the problem is simply a loose connection or a buildup of dirt or debris, it may be possible to clean or tighten the connection to fix the issue.

However, in most cases, a faulty thermostat will need to be replaced to restore your dishwasher’s heating ability. Replacing a dishwasher thermostat can be a complex task that requires specialized tools and knowledge. It is best to have it replaced by a qualified technician to ensure that it is done properly and safely.

Here are the steps you can take if you suspect that your dishwasher thermostat is faulty:

  1. Turn off the power: Before you begin any repairs, make sure to turn off the power to your dishwasher. You can do this by unplugging the dishwasher or turning off the circuit breaker that controls the dishwasher’s power.
  2. Locate the thermostat: The thermostat is usually located near the heating element or on the dishwasher tub. Consult your dishwasher’s manual or a repair guide for specific instructions on how to access the thermostat.
  3. Test the thermostat: Use a multimeter to test the thermostat’s continuity. If it does not have continuity, then it is likely faulty and needs to be replaced.
  4. Replace the thermostat: If the thermostat is faulty, you will need to replace it. Follow the instructions in your dishwasher manual or repair guide to replace the thermostat. Make sure to use the correct replacement part for your dishwasher.
  5. Test the dishwasher: Once you have replaced the thermostat, turn the power back on to the dishwasher and run a test cycle to ensure that it is heating up properly.

Again, it is best to have a qualified technician replace the thermostat for you to ensure that it is done properly and safely.


The spray arm or filter is clogged

Clogged spray arm or filter: If the spray arm or filter in your dishwasher is clogged, it can restrict the flow of water, making it difficult for the heating element to heat up the water.

If your dishwasher spray arm is clogged, you can follow these steps to clean it:

  1. Remove the spray arm: Depending on the model of your dishwasher, the spray arm may be held in place by a clip or a screw. Carefully remove the clip or screw and gently pull the spray arm off of the dishwasher.
  2. Clean the spray arm: Check the spray arm for any visible debris or clogs. If you see any debris, use a toothbrush or a small, soft-bristled brush to gently scrub away the clogs. You can also soak the spray arm in warm water and vinegar for a few hours to help loosen any debris.
  3. Clean the spray arm holes: The spray arm holes may also be clogged with debris. Use a toothpick or a small, sharp object to gently clear any clogs from the holes. Avoid using anything too sharp or forceful, as this can damage the spray arm.
  4. Reassemble and test: Once you have cleaned the spray arm and its holes, reassemble the spray arm and secure it in place. Run a test cycle to ensure that the spray arm is working properly.

If you find that the spray arm is still clogged after cleaning, there may be a deeper blockage in the dishwasher’s plumbing or filter.

If the filter in your dishwasher is clogged, you can follow these steps to clean it:

  1. Turn off the power: Before you begin any repairs, make sure to turn off the power to your dishwasher. You can do this by unplugging the dishwasher or turning off the circuit breaker that controls the dishwasher’s power.
  2. Locate the filter: The filter is usually located at the bottom of the dishwasher. Consult your dishwasher’s manual or a repair guide for specific instructions on how to access the filter.
  3. Remove the filter: Once you have access to the filter, carefully remove it from the dishwasher. Some filters may be secured in place with screws or clips, so make sure to remove these as well.
  4. Clean the filter: Rinse the filter under warm water to remove any debris or clogs. You can also use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub away any stubborn debris. If the filter is heavily clogged, you can soak it in warm water and vinegar for a few hours to help loosen the debris.
  5. Reassemble and test: Once you have cleaned the filter, reassemble it and secure it in place. Run a test cycle to ensure that the dishwasher is working properly.

It’s important to clean your dishwasher’s filter regularly to prevent clogs and ensure that your dishwasher is working effectively. Most manufacturers recommend cleaning the filter once a month or as needed, depending on usage.


The timer or control board is faulty

The timer or control board in your dishwasher regulates the duration of each cycle and controls the heating element. If either of these components is faulty, it can prevent the heating element from functioning properly, resulting in a dishwasher that is not getting hot.

If you suspect that the timer on your dishwasher is faulty, here are some steps you can take:

  1. Check the timer: The timer is usually located near the dishwasher control panel. Check to see if it is damaged or has any visible signs of wear and tear.
  2. Test the timer: Use a multimeter to test the timer’s continuity. If it does not have continuity, then it is likely faulty and needs to be replaced.
  3. Replace the timer: If the timer is faulty, you will need to replace it. Follow the instructions in your dishwasher manual or repair guide to replace the timer. Make sure to use the correct replacement part for your dishwasher.
  4. Test the dishwasher: Once you have replaced the timer, turn the power back on to the dishwasher and run a test cycle to ensure that it is working properly.

Replacing a dishwasher timer can be a complex task that requires specialized tools and knowledge. It is best to have it replaced by a qualified technician to ensure that it is done properly and safely.

If you suspect that the control board in your dishwasher is faulty:

  1. Check the control board: The control board is usually located near the dishwasher control panel. Check to see if it is damaged or has any visible signs of wear and tear. You may also notice that the dishwasher is not responding to any button presses or commands.
  2. Test the control board: Use a multimeter to test the control board’s continuity. If it does not have continuity, then it is likely faulty and needs to be replaced.
  3. Replace the control board: If the control board is faulty, you will need to replace it. Follow the instructions in your dishwasher manual or repair guide to replace the control board. Make sure to use the correct replacement part for your dishwasher.
  4. Test the dishwasher: Once you have replaced the control board, turn the power back on to the dishwasher and run a test cycle to ensure that it is working properly.

Hard water buildup

Hard water can cause mineral buildup in your dishwasher, which can affect the heating element’s ability to heat up the water. Over time, this can cause your dishwasher to not get hot.

There are a few things you can do to prevent and remove hard water buildup in your dishwasher:

  1. Clean the spray arm and nozzles: Hard water can clog the spray arm and nozzles, preventing the dishwasher from properly cleaning dishes. To clean them, remove the spray arm and soak it in a mixture of warm water and vinegar. Use a toothbrush or other small brush to scrub away any buildup. Also, check the nozzles for clogs and clean them out as needed.
  2. Use a rinse aid: A rinse aid helps to prevent mineral buildup by reducing the surface tension of the water. This allows the water to more easily rinse off dishes and prevents minerals from sticking to them. Follow the instructions on the rinse aid package for best results.
  3. Run hot water before starting the dishwasher: Running hot water from your sink before starting the dishwasher helps to ensure that the dishwasher is using hot water from the start. This can help to prevent mineral buildup and improve the overall cleaning performance of the dishwasher.
  4. Use a water softener: A water softener can help to reduce the mineral content in the water, preventing buildup in the dishwasher and on dishes. If you have hard water, consider installing a water softener in your home.
  5. Clean the dishwasher with vinegar: To remove mineral buildup from the dishwasher itself, run a cycle with a cup of white vinegar placed in the top rack. This will help to dissolve any mineral buildup and improve the dishwasher’s performance.

By following these steps, you can help prevent and remove hard water buildup in your dishwasher.


The water inlet valve is faulty

The water inlet valve is responsible for allowing water to enter the dishwasher. If the valve is faulty, it may not be able to allow hot water into the dishwasher.

If you suspect that the water inlet valve on your dishwasher is faulty, you can try the following:

  1. Turn off power and water supply: Before you start working on your dishwasher, turn off the power supply and the water supply to prevent any accidents.
  2. Locate the water inlet valve: The water inlet valve is usually located at the bottom of the dishwasher. You may need to remove the kick plate to access it.
  3. Test the water inlet valve: Use a multimeter to test the water inlet valve’s continuity. If it does not have continuity, then it is likely faulty and needs to be replaced.
  4. Replace the water inlet valve: If the water inlet valve is faulty, you will need to replace it. Follow the instructions in your dishwasher manual or repair guide to replace the water inlet valve. Make sure to use the correct replacement part for your dishwasher.
  5. Test the dishwasher: Once you have replaced the water inlet valve, turn the power and water supply back on to the dishwasher and run a test cycle to ensure that it is working properly.