Dishwasher Help Forum

Hello,

We have a Bosch free-standing dishwasher, model number SGS53C12UK/01 (etched into the door panel), batch number FD 8703. I think there may be a problem with the heater. The first symptom was that wash programmes were not completing. On one occasion we started the dishwasher before going to bed and it was still running the following morning! The most thorough test I've tried is described below:

The dishwasher has a "rapid" programme which is described in the manual as taking 30 minutes, running a wash at 35 degrees, then a cold rinse, then a rinse aid at 55 degrees. I started the (empty) dishwasher taking note of the time. If everything works correctly then I'd expect, after about 30 minutes, to find the wash cycle had finished and the inside feeling warm. However... after 60 minutes the machine was still running. When I opened the door the water inside was cold. Both rotor arms were rotating freely and correctly. I used the "reset" function to empty the water from machine.

So the questions I have are:

1) Does the fact that we have cold water suggest that the heater element is broken?

2) Why does this then create an infinite wash cycle? Is the cycle timed or is there some kind of control mechanism that's waiting for the water to be hot before it can continue?

3) If the element is broken then what part number would I need and how much is the part?

4) How do I get at and replace the faulty part?

I hope the amount of detail in this message helps you to diagnose our problem.

Thanks!

kevinj wrote:1) Does the fact that we have cold water suggest that the heater element is broken?

Possibly. Resistance check required. Burnt out wiring possible, fault with pcb or underfilling - there is a diaphragm switch in the heater box.

kevinj wrote:2) Why does this then create an infinite wash cycle? Is the cycle timed or is there some kind of control mechanism that's waiting for the water to be hot before it can continue?

PCB is "holding" waiting for correct temperature to be achieved

kevinj wrote:3) If the element is broken then what part number would I need and how much is the part?

491756 - about £80. spares@ukwhitegoods.co.uk will get you one promptly.

kevinj wrote:4) How do I get at and replace the faulty part?

We can't walk you through it. You can access the heater terminals by removing the r/h side panel, physically changing it involves removing the entire stainless cavity.

Stay safe, power off for anything other than observation.

Penguin45.

Thanks. It looks like I'm onto a good start here. Can I check a couple of things with you before I grab a screwdriver please:

Penguin45 wrote:Resistance check required.

OK. I have a multimeter. I take it that a faulty element would read open-circuit but that a working element would have a (low) resistance? What kind of value can I expect to see in a working heater element?

Penguin45 wrote:You can access the heater terminals by removing the r/h side panel, physically changing it involves removing the entire stainless cavity.

Can you describe the procedure for testing the heater element please? Once I unplug the dishwasher and remove the r/h side panel will it be obvious which terminals are those of the heater element?

Thanks for the advice so far...I'll send an email to get a quote for the part.

Typical element reading is 25-30 ohms. The element is in a white plastic housing with a red microswitch in the middle. Remove wiring before testing - you may get a back reading through the rest of the circuit if you don't.

Penguin45.

Remember these have a 2 yr warranty so if you've got the reciept , its still under warranty with an FD of 8703 which means it was made in March 2007

nomadPaul wrote:Remember these have a 2 yr warranty so if you've got the reciept , its still under warranty with an FD of 8703 which means it was made in March 2007

Yes we have the receipt. We purchased the dishwasher in April 2007 so we're still within a two year period. I've also found the warranty registration card...which we didn't return :( I'll ring the number on the that card for After Sales Service and see if they can help. The number is 08705 678910 unless you can suggest an alternative?

Thanks so much fr this piece of advice...I hope it comes to something good.

kevinj wrote:

nomadPaul wrote:Remember these have a 2 yr warranty so if you've got the reciept , its still under warranty with an FD of 8703 which means it was made in March 2007

Yes we have the receipt. We purchased the dishwasher in April 2007 so we're still within a two year period. I've also found the warranty registration card...which we didn't return I'll ring the number on the that card for After Sales Service and see if they can help. The number is 08705 678910 unless you can suggest an alternative?

Thanks so much fr this piece of advice...I hope it comes to something good.

The new Bosch call booking number is 08448928979...and don't worry about not registering it. You've still got a 2 yr warranty regardless

nomadPaul wrote:The new Bosch call booking number is 08448928979...and don't worry about not registering it. You've still got a 2 yr warranty regardless

Thanks. So far so good. The lady on the end of that number was very understanding, mighty impressed that I knew the dishwasher had been manufactured in March 2007 :) and we have a visit booked to have it repaired under warranty next Friday afternoon.

Thanks again all...your advice has (hopefully) saved me a lot of money.

Thanks everybody. The dishwasher has now been repaired, for free, under warranty. It was indeed a broken heater element.