170961 Genuine NTC Temperature Sensor for Bosch, Siemens Front Load Washing Machines, BSH 00170961 Heater Element Sensor

Genuine BSH sensor 170961, also written 00170961, is the NTC temperature sensor that fits into the heating element of a front load washing machine. It suits Bosch and Siemens washers that use this number. The control board reads it to know how hot the wash water is. Check the parts list for your E-Nr, or compare it with the sensor plugged into your old element.

Signs of a faulty washing machine NTC sensor

An NTC sensor changes its electrical resistance as the water warms up, and the board uses that reading to decide when to stop heating. If the sensor fails or its plug corrodes, the machine can't tell the temperature. Common symptoms are a heating fault code, washes that never get warm, water that overheats, or a program that stalls at the heating stage. Because the element itself may be fine, testing the sensor's resistance first can save buying a new heater.

Part details

• Genuine BSH part 170961
• Also written 00170961
• NTC temperature sensor for the wash heating element
• For Bosch and Siemens front loaders that list this number

Changing the NTC sensor

Unplug the machine and close the taps. Take off the panel that gives access to the element, usually the back or the lower front. The NTC pushes into a pocket in the element's mounting, held by friction or a small clip. Unplug its connector, pull the old sensor straight out and press the new one fully home. Reconnect, refit the panel and run a warm wash to confirm it heats normally.

Questions about this part

Will this fit my element if I'm keeping the old heater?

If your element uses an NTC of this type, yes, the sensor is replaced on its own. Match 170961 against your parts list first, as BSH has used more than one sensor style over the years.