What to do
- Look at the dishes
Cold, greasy dishes alongside this code confirm it.
When to call an engineer
The element needs inspecting and usually replacing. That's mains wiring inside a wet appliance, so unless you're confident, hand it to an engineer.
A repair visit will usually check the heating element, its temperature sensor and the wiring back to the control board.
- Note the model and serial number. They're on a label on the edge of the door or the side of the tub.
- Write down the exact code, and what the appliance was doing when it appeared.
- Check whether it's still under warranty. If it is, the repair may cost you nothing.
Parts people end up buying
Only if the checks above point to a part. Match it to your model number first: it's on a label on the edge of the door or the side of the tub.
- Dishwasher heating elementSearch on Amazon
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Quick answers
What does the E6 error code mean on a dishwasher?
The dishwasher can't heat the water, typically because the heating element has failed.
Can I fix E6 on a dishwasher myself?
Engineer only (not recommended). Start with: look at the dishes. The element needs inspecting and usually replacing. That's mains wiring inside a wet appliance, so unless you're confident, hand it to an engineer.
Is E6 on a dishwasher worth repairing?
Get a quote first. Worth fixing on a machine under about seven years old. Older than that, the bill starts to rival a decent new dishwasher.
About this code
Unbranded and less common appliances don't publish one shared code list, so this page gives the most common meaning across makers. Your manual is the final word, and the model number that finds it is on a label on the edge of the door or the side of the tub.
Last reviewed October 2026.