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Error code reference

Cove Dishwasher Error Code 200198

HTR1 is scaled

Cove codesCove dishwasher codes

HTR1 is scaled — thermostat on wash pump detected excessive heat outside the water due to scale buildup insulating the heater from the water.

First step from the service manual

Follow descale procedure from Use and Care Guide. Check whole-home or internal water softener salt levels. Check water hardness setting in User Setup Options.

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

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What 200198 means on a Cove dishwasher

Error code 200198 on a Cove dishwasher indicates that HTR1, the heater element inside the wash pump assembly, has been detected running at excessive temperatures by the thermostat monitoring that component. This condition is specifically identified as a scaling fault, meaning the heater surface has accumulated a layer of mineral deposits (primarily calcium and magnesium carbonates) that acts as thermal insulation between the heating element and the surrounding wash water. When scale coats the heater, the element cannot efficiently transfer heat into the water, causing the element itself to overheat while the water temperature may remain lower than expected.

Scale buildup is a direct result of hard water passing through the dishwasher over time. In areas with high mineral content in the water supply, calcium and magnesium ions precipitate out of solution when water is heated, bonding to metal surfaces including the heater element. The Cove dishwasher is equipped with an internal water softening system that, when properly maintained with softener salt, is designed to reduce this mineral content before water contacts internal components. If the softener salt reservoir runs low or the water hardness setting in User Setup Options is not correctly configured for the local water supply, the softening system cannot function effectively and scale accumulates rapidly.

The wash pump thermostat monitors heat at the heater surface rather than solely in the water column, allowing the control system to detect this exact failure mode before the heater is damaged. Triggering error 200198 is a protective measure. Resolving the fault requires physically removing the mineral scale from the heater and correcting the underlying water chemistry conditions to prevent recurrence.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of 200198

  1. 01

    Depleted water softener salt

    Wiring / connection

    The most frequent trigger for this fault is an empty or low softener salt reservoir. Without adequate salt, the internal softener cannot remove hardness minerals from the incoming water, allowing rapid scale accumulation on the heater element.

  2. 02

    Incorrect water hardness setting

    Wiring / connection

    If the water hardness level in User Setup Options is set lower than the actual hardness of the local water supply, the softener will regenerate too infrequently and under-treat the water. Check your local water utility report or use a hardness test strip to verify the correct setting.

  3. 03

    Existing scale buildup requiring descale procedure

    Wiring / connection

    Over time, especially if softener maintenance has been neglected, mineral deposits accumulate on the HTR1 heater element to the point where normal operation cannot clear them. The descale procedure outlined in the Use and Care Guide uses a dedicated descaling agent to dissolve these deposits.

  4. 04

    Whole-home water softener not functioning

    Wiring / connection

    If the home has a dedicated water softener system, a malfunction or exhausted resin bed in that unit will result in hard water reaching the dishwasher even if the dishwasher's internal softener salt is full. Verify the home softener is regenerating properly and salt levels are adequate.

  5. 05

    Faulty wash pump thermostat (HTR1 sensor)

    Part replacement

    If the descale procedure is completed, softener salt is full, and the water hardness setting is correct but the error persists, the thermostat monitoring HTR1 may be providing an inaccurate reading. This would require component-level diagnosis and likely replacement of the sensor or pump assembly.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about 200198

What does 200198 mean on a Cove dishwasher?
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.
How do I fix error code 200198 on my Cove dishwasher?
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.
Is it safe to use my Cove dishwasher when error 200198 is displayed?
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.
Will resetting my Cove dishwasher clear error code 200198?
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.
How much does it cost to fix error 200198 on a Cove dishwasher?
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.

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