E1 Bosch refrigerator error: A troubleshooting guide from the pros

If you’re seeing an E1 error on your Bosch refrigerator’s display, don’t worry! You can troubleshoot this error yourself without the need for an expensive service call or technician.

Let’s get your fridge back up and running.

If you find out that you need any replacement parts for your Bosch refrigerator while you’re troubleshooting, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.

Important: The troubleshooting information in this article is based on general service manuals and may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.

What does an E1 error code mean?

An E1 error code typically means there’s a problem with the refrigerator’s temperature sensor.

The sensor provides constant temperature feedback to the main control board. If the readings go outside expected values, the control board will throw an E1 error code to let you know something is wrong.

The most common cause of the E1 error is a faulty sensor, but it could also mean there’s a problem with the wiring, connections, or the control board itself.

Read more: How to clean and maintain your refrigerator’s water dispenser

Safety precautions

When working on any appliance, remember to keep safety first. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before you attempt any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by eliminating any risk of electric shock.
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down before working on it.
• Take your time while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries. Rushing is the enemy of precision.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can see and access appliance parts.
• Keep your workspace free of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check the user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions related to your appliance or replacement part.
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause personal injury.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts and debris.
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.
• Always take photos or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting them to make reassembly easier.
• Don’t test live voltage with a multimeter if you’re unfamiliar with how to prevent short-circuiting.
• Turn off the water supply at the outlet before beginning repairs. Keep towels ready to catch any residual water in the system when removing parts.

Read more: How to Level a Refrigerator in 6 Easy Steps

How to troubleshoot the E1 error code

Follow these steps to find out what’s causing the E1 fault code on your Bosch refrigerator.

Find & test the sensor circuits

1. Make sure the refrigerator is unplugged from the power source and that the water supply is turned off.
2. Find the main control board that’s usually mounted on the rear left side of the refrigerator.
3. Remove the rear cover plate by unscrewing the 4 corner screws. This will expose the control board and wiring.
4. Check the board, wiring and connectors for any damage or obvious problems like breaks, frays, burn spots and pinching. Replace any damaged parts if needed.
5. Find the sensor wiring connectors: CN11 connects to the refrigerator sensors and CN12 connects to the freezer sensors.
6. Carefully unplug each connector you want to test. Don’t pull on the wires themselves.
7. Set a multimeter to resistance mode and use the probes to check pin-to-pin resistance values per the sensor resistance chart in the unit’s user manual and as follows: Test the refrigerator defrost sensor (CN11 pins 6 & 12) and refrigerator compartment sensor (CN11 pins 8 & 12). Compare the readings on the meter values to the acceptable values listed in the chart. Significant deviations indicate that the sensor is faulty and needs to be replaced.

Acceptable readings:

Refrigerator defrost sensor (CN11 pins 6 & 12)

• At 68°F: 7.6 kΩ
• At 77°F: 7.1 kΩ

Refrigerator compartment sensor (CN11 pins 8 & 12)

• At 68°F: 7.6 kΩ
• At 77°F: 7.1 kΩ

If the sensor readings and the board, wiring and connectors are good, replace the main control board as a last resort.

How to replace a faulty sensor (if needed)

If you found out that you have a blown refrigerator temperature sensor, here’s how you can replace it.

1. Unplug the fridge and turn off the water supply.
2. Remove food and the fridge shelves.
3. Find the mounting bracket on the rear wall. Remove any covers or fasteners that hold the old sensor.
4. Disconnect the wiring connector from the old sensor. Remove the mounting screws to detach it from the bracket.
5. Install a new sensor using the provided fasteners. Make sure it’s firmly seated against the rear wall so it can detect accurate temperatures.
6. Reconnect the wiring connector and make sure it’s locked into place.
7. Put the shelves back into the fridge.
8. Turn on the water supply and plug the refrigerator back into the power outlet.
9. Return the food to the fridge and monitor the fridge for a few hours to make sure it works correctly.

Read more: What Temperature Should A Refrigerator Be Set To?

Additional information

Thank you for reading! We hope this guide helped you get your Bosch refrigerator working again.

If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, don’t hesitate to explore our other troubleshooting guides and videos.

If you need replacement parts or some extra help with ordering them, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com, where you can chat with a pro, read our DIY blog and more.

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