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Error code reference

Bosch Dryer Error Code E:13

Maximum drying time exceeded

Bosch codesBosch dryer codes

Maximum drying time exceeded — heater or heater control damaged, bimetal switch triggered, or laundry load too heavy or too wet.

First step from the service manual

Check heating circuit and bimetal switch, replace damaged parts; reduce laundry load or select adequate program.

The complete diagnostic procedure includes additional test steps, resistance specifications, wiring diagram references, and component test points.

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What E:13 means on a Bosch dryer

The E:13 error code on a Bosch dryer indicates that the maximum allowable drying time has been exceeded without the load reaching the target dryness level. The dryer's control board monitors cycle duration and triggers this fault when the cycle runs beyond its programmed time limit. This protection mechanism exists to prevent continuous operation that could damage internal components or create unsafe conditions. The fault points to a failure somewhere in the heating circuit, a problem with the heater control components, or an issue with the load itself preventing normal drying progress.

The heating circuit includes the heating element, the heater control circuitry on the control board, and the bimetal thermal switch. The bimetal switch is a safety device that opens the heating circuit when it detects excessive temperatures. If this switch has tripped or failed in the open position, the dryer will run without producing adequate heat, extending cycle time until the E:13 fault is logged. A damaged heater or faulty heater control can produce the same result: insufficient heat output that cannot dry the load within the maximum time window.

Load-related causes are also common. Overloading the drum restricts airflow and prevents even heat distribution, dramatically slowing the drying process. Excessively wet laundry, such as items that have not completed a full spin cycle in the washer, places a higher moisture burden on the dryer than it is designed to handle in a single cycle. Selecting an incorrect program for the load type can also contribute to this fault, as the cycle parameters may not match the actual drying requirements.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of E:13

  1. 01

    Overloaded or excessively wet laundry

    Wiring / connection

    Too much laundry or items that still carry a large amount of moisture from an incomplete washer spin cycle can prevent the dryer from finishing within its maximum time limit. Reduce the load size and ensure the washer completes a full spin before transferring items.

  2. 02

    Bimetal thermal switch tripped or failed

    Part replacement

    The bimetal switch is a thermal safety device in the heating circuit that opens when temperatures exceed a safe threshold. If it has tripped due to overheating or failed in the open position, no heat will be produced and the cycle will run indefinitely until E:13 is triggered.

  3. 03

    Faulty heating element

    Part replacement

    A damaged or burned-out heating element will not generate sufficient heat, causing cycle times to extend beyond the maximum limit. Inspect the element for visible damage and test it for continuity to confirm failure.

  4. 04

    Heater control circuit damage

    Part replacement

    The control board circuitry responsible for activating and regulating the heater can fail, preventing the heating element from operating correctly. This type of fault may require board-level diagnosis or full control board replacement.

  5. 05

    Incorrect program selection

    Wiring / connection

    Using a program that does not match the load type, such as a delicate or low-heat setting for heavy fabrics, can result in insufficient drying within the allotted cycle time. Select a program appropriate for the load weight and fabric type.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about E:13

What does E:13 mean on a Bosch dryer?
E:13 means the dryer exceeded its maximum allowable drying time without completing the cycle. This fault is triggered when the control board determines the load has not reached the target dryness level within the time limit. The cause can be a damaged heating element, a failed bimetal thermal switch, a faulty heater control circuit, or a load that is too large or too wet for a single cycle.
Can I fix the E:13 error myself without replacing parts?
Yes, in some cases. If the fault was caused by an oversized or overly wet load, you can resolve it by reducing the drum load, ensuring your washing machine completes a full spin cycle before transferring clothes, and selecting the correct drying program. If the issue is a component failure such as a tripped bimetal switch, a damaged heater, or faulty heater control, those parts will need to be inspected and replaced by someone comfortable working with appliance electrical systems.
Will resetting the dryer clear the E:13 code?
Resetting the dryer may clear the fault code temporarily, but if an underlying component failure is causing the error, the code will return once the dryer runs another cycle and again fails to heat properly. A reset is a reasonable first step, but you should also inspect the heating circuit and reduce the load size to address the root cause before running another full cycle.
Is it safe to use my Bosch dryer when E:13 is displayed?
The E:13 code indicates the dryer has already shut down as a protective measure, so it will not continue operating in a normal cycle with the fault active. You should not attempt to bypass this safety feature. If the bimetal switch has tripped due to overheating, operating the dryer before diagnosing the cause of that overheating could create a fire hazard. Address the fault before resuming normal use.
How much does it cost to repair a Bosch dryer showing E:13?
Repair costs vary depending on the cause. If only program selection or load size is the issue, there is no parts cost. Replacing a bimetal thermal switch is typically one of the lower-cost repairs, often ranging from $20 to $80 for the part. A heating element replacement generally runs in the $30 to $120 range for parts. If the heater control circuitry on the main control board is damaged, board replacement can cost $100 to $300 or more. Adding professional labor will increase these estimates.

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