Bosch Refrigerator Error Code E01 — Refrigerator Compartment Temperature Sensor Fault
What this means
The E01 error code on Bosch side-by-side and French-door refrigerators indicates that the refrigerator compartment temperature sensor (NTC thermistor) has failed or is sending an incorrect signal to the main control board. This sensor monitors the air temperature in the fresh food section to regulate compressor and fan operation. When it fails, the refrigerator may run continuously, not cool at all, or cool inconsistently. Food may freeze or spoil depending on how the control board responds to the faulty reading.
Alternate codes: E1
Step-by-step fix
4 stepsPower-reset the refrigerator
Turn off the refrigerator's breaker or unplug it for 30 seconds, then restore power. Some transient sensor faults clear after a power reset. Wait 5 minutes and check if the E01 error returns on the display.
Note the current temperature settings before resetting so you can restore them afterward.
Locate the refrigerator compartment temperature sensor
The sensor is typically located inside the fresh food compartment, mounted behind the rear wall panel or near the air damper. Remove any shelves in the way, then unscrew the rear cover panel to access the sensor — a small probe attached to a wire harness.
The sensor location varies by model. Check your owner's manual or the tech sheet (usually attached inside the machine compartment) for the exact location.
Test the temperature sensor
Disconnect the sensor wires and measure resistance with a multimeter. At room temperature (25°C/77°F), a typical NTC sensor should read approximately 5,000–10,000 ohms. Place the sensor in a glass of ice water — the resistance should increase significantly. An open circuit or no change in resistance indicates a faulty sensor.
Compare your reading to the resistance chart on the tech sheet. Even a sensor that reads 'close' but is off by 20% can cause temperature regulation problems.
Replace the temperature sensor
If the sensor tests out of specification, unclip it from its mounting bracket and disconnect the wire harness. Install the new sensor, ensuring it is positioned in exactly the same location. Reconnect the harness, reattach the rear panel, and restore power.
After replacing the sensor, allow the refrigerator 24 hours to stabilize at the set temperature before evaluating performance.
When to call a professional
If the sensor tests correctly but the E01 error persists, the main control board may have a faulty input circuit. Control board diagnosis requires specialized equipment and should be done by a certified technician.
Related error codes
Information compiled from manufacturer service manuals, official troubleshooting documentation, and appliance repair industry resources. This guide is for informational purposes only — always consult a qualified technician for complex repairs.
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