Replacing the heating element in a Bosch washing machine
Even such reliable equipment as Bosch can fail. A typical failure for machines of this brand is the combustion of the heating element, usually caused by operating conditions.
You can replace the heating element yourself; we will tell you how to do it. And then you decide whether to call a specialist or not.
We prepare everything you need
Replacing the heating element in Bosch brand washing machines can be classified as moderately difficult. At the same time, to carry it out you will need a minimum of tools, but please have a lot of patience. So, prepare:
- flat and figured screwdriver;
- bit key;
- 10mm Torex bit;
- tester for measuring resistance.
As for the heating element, you buy only original spare parts. It is better to look at the markings of the heating element itself when you dismantle it. Or tell the seller the model of your Bosch washing machine, and he will offer you the one that suits you. The original spare part costs slightly more than the analogue; you can purchase it for around $15.
We provide access to the heater
The heating element in a washing machine from the German brand Bosch is located behind the front panel, and this in most cases discourages the user from carrying out independent repairs. To provide access to the heating element, you will have to spend time disassembling the machine. Prepare the equipment in advance by disconnecting it from communications and moving it to a free area of the room. Now move on to the analysis of the technology:
- Using a Phillips screwdriver, unscrew the screws holding the housing cover, they are located on the back.Then remove the cover.
- Pull the powder receptacle out of its seat.
To remove the cuvette in a Bosch washing machine, you need to press the latch located above the conditioner compartment and then pull the powder receptacle towards you.
- Find 2 screws behind the powder receptacle and unscrew them.
- Carefully remove the control panel, do not pull it forward so as not to tear the wires. Place the panel on top of the machine.
- Now, using a flat-head screwdriver, remove the bottom panel of the washing machine, behind which there is a drainage filter and two screws holding the front panel; these are the ones that need to be unscrewed.
- Next, we remove the hatch cuff inside the drum by unclamping and removing the metal clamp to do this.
- Then remove the locking lock by unscrewing two screws and disconnecting the power wires from the lock.
- Now there is nothing holding the front part of the case, so carefully remove it.
Changing the heating element
Once the panel is removed, we find the heating element below, under the tank. For accuracy, you can check its performance using a tester by applying probes to the contacts of the heating element. If the resistance is in the region of 25-35 Ohms, then the heating element is working, otherwise we replace the part.
To remove the heating element from the mounting socket, you need to:
- first remove the terminals with wires,
- then remove the thermistor;
- then, using the Torx head, unscrew the screw located at the base of the heating element;
- press the screw inward, you can hit it lightly;
- use a flat screwdriver to pry the base of the heating element and pull the part towards you.
If you can’t remove the heating element so easily, then spray its base with WD-40 and wait a little, then try again. If you are 100 percent sure that the heating element has burned out, pull it out without fear of breaking it.
So, the heating element has been removed, now you need to clean the seat of dirt for the new heating element. Then install the thermistor removed from the old part onto the new part and lubricate the base of the Fairy heating element for better fit in the tank. When installing a new part, be careful that the heating element must fit without distortion, otherwise leaks will subsequently occur. After installing the heating element into the mounting socket, tighten the nut on the retaining bolt, but do not overtighten it so as not to squeeze out the rubber seal. Finally, connect all the wires according to the polarity and proceed to reassembling the washing machine body in reverse order.
A few words about the symptoms of such a breakdown
A malfunction of the heating element in a Bosch washing machine can manifest itself in different ways. Of course, the primary symptom is the lack of heating of the water, which you will understand when you put your hand on the drum door. In addition, in most models of machines, error code F19 will appear on the display, for others errors in Bosch washing machines read the article on our website.
Another symptom of a heating element failure that requires replacement may be a blown fuse. A faulty heating element can also cause the RCD circuit breaker installed in your electrical panel to trip. Moreover, it is not at all necessary that the heating element burned out; perhaps the contact simply came off.
Timely descaling of the washing machine will help prevent rapid failure of the heater. You can use both special means and citric acid. But Calgon water softener is unlikely to help with this. Watch your technique. And for those who prefer videos to reading, we offer the video below.
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2 reader comments
Well done kid
Thank you very much, everything is sensible and understandable.