Cove Dishwasher Error Code 200198

Error code 200198 means the thermostat on the wash pump heater (HTR1) has detected the heater running at excessively high temperatures due to scale buildup on its surface. Hard water minerals coat the heater element over time, insulating it from the water and causing it to overheat. The dishwasher triggers this code as a protective measure to prevent heater damage. Descaling the unit and correcting water softener maintenance are the primary steps to resolve it.

The dishwasher has flagged this condition specifically to prevent the heater from sustaining damage, so continued operation before addressing the fault is not recommended. Running the unit repeatedly with a scaled heater can shorten the life of the heating element and potentially the wash pump assembly. Complete the descale procedure and correct the water softener settings before resuming normal use.

If the fix only requires a descaling cycle and water softener salt, costs are minimal, typically in the range of $5 to $20 for descaling solution and salt. If the water hardness setting simply needs adjustment, there is no parts cost at all. In cases where the fault persists after descaling and the wash pump thermostat or heater component requires replacement, repair costs can range from $150 to $400 or more depending on parts and labor. Addressing the water softener maintenance early is the most cost-effective approach.

Start by running the descale procedure described in your Cove Use and Care Guide, using an appropriate descaling agent. After descaling, check that the internal water softener salt reservoir is filled and verify that the water hardness setting in User Setup Options matches your actual local water hardness. If your home has a whole-home water softener, confirm it is operating correctly and has adequate salt. Once these steps are completed, clear the error and run a normal cycle to confirm the fault does not return.

A simple power reset is unlikely to permanently clear error 200198 because the underlying cause, scale on the heater element, will still be present and the thermostat will detect the same overheating condition during the next cycle. The error will return until the scale is physically removed through the descale procedure and the water softener conditions are corrected. Address the root cause first, then the code should clear on its own or after a successful cycle.