Warning: Disconnect power before servicing.

Thermador Dishwasher E09 Error Code: Heating Fault

Quick Answer

E09 on a Thermador dishwasher indicates a heating circuit fault. The two components to test are the heating element and the NTC thermistor. Use a multimeter to test the heating element between its two terminals - a working element reads 20-40 ohms.

E09 on a Thermador dishwasher indicates a heating circuit fault. The two components to test are the heating element and the NTC thermistor. Use a multimeter to test the heating element between its two terminals - a working element reads 20-40 ohms. An open circuit (OL) means the element has burned out and must be replaced (OEM 00263981). The NTC thermistor should read 10,000-15,000 ohms at room temperature - outside this range means a failed sensor (OEM 00165374). Most E09 cases are resolved by replacing one of these two components, and the repair success rate is 75%. Dishes that come out cold or wet are the classic symptoms before E09 appears.

ThermadorDishwasherSeverity: moderateDifficulty: intermediate75% DIY Success
Time to Fix
30–90 min
Difficulty
intermediate
Parts Cost
$15 – $65
Tools Needed
Multimeter (required for element and NTC testing), Screwdriver for component removal
Wrong code?

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What Does the E09 Code Mean?

The heating element or NTC temperature sensor has failed. Test both components with a multimeter before ordering parts.

Most Likely Causes

Based on aggregated repair data, here is the probability breakdown for this error code:

Heating element burned out (open circuit)40%
NTC thermistor failed or disconnected24%
Wiring connection failure at the heating element terminals22%
Mineral scale buildup on heating element reducing efficiency until failure14%

Symptoms You May Notice

  • E09 displayed on control panel
  • Dishes come out cold or lukewarm
  • Dishes come out wet - drying cycle not working
  • Cycle may complete without error but wash results are poor
  • Machine stops mid-cycle at the heating phase

Can you reset a Thermador dishwasher to clear the E09 code?

After replacing the failed component, press Start/Stop for 3-5 seconds to clear the error. Unplug for 60 seconds before restarting to ensure the control board resets fully. Run a cycle with a temperature-sensitive wash program to confirm heating is restored.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

Multimeter (required for element and NTC testing)Screwdriver for component removalNeedle-nose pliers for wiring connectors

Diagnostic Checklist

Follow these steps in order. We start with the easiest external fixes before opening up the machine.

1

Disconnect power and allow the machine to cool for 15 minutes

Disconnect power and allow the machine to cool for 15 minutes. Pull out the lower rack. Locate the heating element - it is the circular stainless tube running along the bottom of the tub. Disconnect the wiring connectors at both ends.

2

Set your multimeter to resistance (ohms)

3

Locate the NTC temperature sensor

4

If both element and NTC test within spec

Replacement Parts

If your diagnostic testing proves the component has failed, you will need a replacement. We recommend OEM parts over aftermarket for water-handling components.

Part Name
Heating element00263981 · $35–$65
NTC temperature sensor00165374 · $15–$28

Repair vs. Replace Calculator

Appliance Age (Years)7 Yrs
Labor Approach
Our Verdict
REPAIR
Estimated Cost: $40 (Parts) vs $1800 (New Machine)

Frequently Asked Questions

What resistance should the Thermador dishwasher heating element read?
A working heating element reads 20-40 ohms between its two terminals. If your multimeter shows OL (open circuit), the element has a break in its heating coil and needs to be replaced. The OEM part number is 00263981.
What resistance should the NTC sensor read on a Thermador dishwasher?
At room temperature (around 68 degrees F), the NTC thermistor should read 10,000-15,000 ohms. As water temperature rises, the resistance drops - this is how the control board tracks water temperature during the cycle. A reading far outside the normal range or an OL reading means the sensor has failed.
Can E09 be caused by a control board failure?
Yes, but it is uncommon. If the heating element reads 20-40 ohms and the NTC sensor is within spec, the control board may not be sending voltage to the heating circuit. At that point, a technician should verify whether the board is outputting the correct signal before ordering a replacement board.
My dishes come out wet but I have no error code. Could it still be E09?
Yes. Partial heating element degradation can cause poor drying performance before triggering E09. Run the dishwasher and check if the water feels warm during the cycle. If the machine never heats water above ambient temperature, the element or NTC is likely failing even without a full E09 fault.

Related Thermador Dishwasher Error Codes

Same Fix on Other Brands

Same Fix Works on These Brands

Thermador shares the same hardware platform with these brands. The diagnosis and repair steps are identical.

Models Known to Experience E09 Errors

This repair applies to most Thermador dishwashers with this error code. Common model numbers include:

DWHD440MFP, DWHD640JFP, DWHD640ZFP, DWHD660ZFP, DWHD771WFP

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 14, 2026