Thermador Oven Error Code E011 — Temperature Sensor (RTD) Short Circuit
What this means
Error E011 on Thermador ovens indicates the oven temperature sensor (RTD — Resistance Temperature Detector) has a short circuit. The control board expects the sensor resistance to fall within a specific range based on the oven temperature. When the resistance drops below the minimum threshold, the control interprets this as a short circuit and displays E011. Causes include a damaged sensor probe, pinched or bare wires touching the oven frame, or moisture on the sensor connectors. The oven will not heat until the sensor is repaired.
Alternate codes: E11, E0-11
Step-by-step fix
3 stepsTest the oven temperature sensor
Turn off the oven at the circuit breaker. Locate the temperature sensor inside the oven — it is a metal probe mounted to the rear wall of the oven cavity, secured by one or two screws. Disconnect the wire harness connector (accessible from behind the oven). Set your multimeter to the 20K-ohm range and measure the resistance across the sensor leads. At room temperature (72°F / 22°C), a good sensor reads approximately 1080–1100 ohms.
A short-circuit sensor will read significantly below 1000 ohms, often near zero. This confirms the E011 diagnosis.
Inspect the sensor wiring
Even if the sensor tests correctly, the wiring between the sensor and the control board could be causing the short. Check for bare or damaged wire insulation where the wires pass through the oven rear wall. Look for any spots where wires are pinched against metal components.
The oven cavity wall can reach extreme temperatures during self-clean. Wire insulation near the wall penetration point is especially prone to heat damage.
Replace the temperature sensor
Remove the sensor mounting screw(s) inside the oven cavity. Carefully pull the probe out. Thread the new sensor into the same position, secure the mounting screws, and reconnect the wire harness. Restore power and test by running a bake cycle.
Thermador oven sensors are RTD-based (like Bosch) — make sure you order the correct sensor for your model, as resistance values vary between Thermador oven lines.
When to call a professional
If the new sensor still triggers E011, the control board may have a failed input circuit. A Thermador technician can run factory diagnostics to confirm.
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.
Learn more about our sourcesParts you may need
Oven Temperature Sensor (RTD Probe)
Part #00492425 · $20–$40
If sensor reads below 1000 ohms at room temperature
Links may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend parts relevant to this repair.