Seeing E10 on a Bertazzoni dishwasher usually points to a problem with the dry cycle motor (the fan that moves heated air around the tub). When that motor isn’t running—or isn’t getting power—dishes come out wet or warm but not truly dry.
Common causes (in plain English)
Most E10 cases trace back to one of three things: a loose or damaged wire at the fan motor, a failed motor, or the control board not sending power when it should. Occasionally, related issues like a stuck fan wheel, moisture in a connector, or a blown inline fuse can show up too.
Quick signs you might notice
- Dishes consistently come out damp even after heated dry
- You don’t hear the usual gentle fan sound near the end of the cycle
- Faint burning or “hot plastic” smell if the motor is stalled (stop the cycle and investigate)
DIY checks you can try (safely)
Unplug the dishwasher or switch off its breaker before touching anything.
- Look and wiggle test
Remove the toe-kick panel, locate the dry fan assembly, and check the harness. Reseat any loose plugs, look for heat-darkened pins, and inspect the wire run for nicks or crushed spots. - Spin test
If you can reach the fan wheel, try spinning it gently. It should move freely without scraping. A jammed wheel can trigger E10 and will burn out a motor over time. - Continuity on the motor
With a multimeter (power still off), check continuity across the motor terminals. No continuity usually means the motor is open and should be replaced. - Voltage during dry
Restore power, run a cycle, and measure voltage at the motor only if you’re confident with live testing. If there’s no voltage when the machine should be drying, the control board (or a relay/fuse feeding it) is suspect.
If any of that feels outside your comfort zone, it’s completely fine to stop here and call a qualified technician—especially for live-voltage tests.
When replacement is the right move
- Motor faulty: Replace as an assembly; don’t keep running a noisy or stuck fan—it can pull excess current and stress the board.
- Board not energizing the motor: After verifying wiring and fuses, a control board repair or replacement is the cleanest fix.
Preventing E10 from coming back
Keep the basics tight and tidy:
- Level the dishwasher. A properly leveled unit drains better and avoids moisture collecting where electronics live.
- Clean the filters regularly. Good water circulation improves overall drying and keeps humidity lower at the end of the cycle.
- Use the right detergent and rinse aid. Residue blocks sheet-off and leaves dishes damp; rinse aid helps water release.
- Open the door briefly after cycles (if safe for your model). Letting steam escape speeds dry times and reduces condensation around the fan area.
E10 is the machine’s way of saying: “I’m not moving hot air.” Start with wiring and a quick spin check, confirm the motor’s health, and then verify the board is sending power. Handle live tests only if you’re experienced; otherwise, a pro can quickly zero in on whether you need a motor, a board, or just a connector refresh—and get your dishwasher drying like new again.
