Bosch E2 is specific to the ice maker system and most commonly appears on Bosch 800 Series and Benchmark refrigerators with built-in ice makers. The ice maker has its own temperature sensor separate from the freezer sensor. E2 triggers when this sensor reads outside the expected range.
I see this code most on the 800 Series when moisture gets trapped in the ice compartment. Looks like a part failure, but it's usually just localized frost. Before you call a pro, try a manual defrost of the ice bin area. If the error comes back after the ice is gone, you're looking at the thermistor or a pinched wire harness. Don't ignore it long-term though, your ice maker won't produce a single cube until it's fixed.
Phillips #2 screwdriver, Small flathead screwdriver
What Does the E2 Code Mean?
What catches homeowners off guard is that the freezer stays at zero degrees while the ice maker stops dead. On Bosch Benchmark models, the E2 code means the ice maker thermistor is sending back faulty data. In my experience it's usually either a block of ice around the sensor or a loose connector behind the assembly. Honestly the repair is pretty manageable if you're comfortable pulling the ice bin out.
Most Likely Causes
Based on aggregated repair data, here is the probability breakdown for this error code:
Frost buildup around ice maker sensor40%
Ice maker sensor failed24%
Sensor wire pinched by ice maker assembly14%
Sensor connector corroded from moisture12%
Ice maker fan not circulating air10%
Symptoms You May Notice
E2 flashing on the display, sometimes with an alarm beeping to go along with it.
Ice maker completely stops producing ice. No cycling, no harvesting, nothing at all.
Heavy frost or a solid ice sheet on the back wall of the ice maker compartment.
Ice that's already in the bin starts to taste stale or has a faint plastic smell, usually from the defrost heater nearby running longer than normal.
Freezer section is totally normal temperature-wise but the ice maker acts completely dead.
Can you reset a Bosch refrigerator to clear the E2 code?
Press and hold the 'Alarm' or 'Options' button for three seconds to clear the display. If that doesn't work, flip the circuit breaker off and leave it off for five full minutes. Don't just flip it right back on. Bosch boards won't let E2 stay cleared if the sensor's still reading a short or open loop, so if the code comes right back, you've still got a real problem to fix.
Tools Required for Diagnosis
Phillips #2 screwdriverSmall flathead screwdriverDigital multimeterFlashlight or headlampHair dryerDry towels or rags
Diagnostic Checklist
Follow these steps in order. We start with the easiest external fixes before opening up the machine.
ComponentComponent Under Test
Expected Range9000–11000 ohms
ConditionIf Open (OL) or infinite, replace component.
Replacement Parts
If your diagnostic testing proves the component has failed, you will need a replacement. We recommend OEM parts over aftermarket for water-handling components.
Part Name
OEM Number
Estimated Price
Bosch Ice Maker Temperature SensorModel-specific · $20–$40
Absolutely, and it's way more common than people expect. If a door gets left open even slightly, humid air rushes into that cold ice compartment and flash-freezes right on the sensor probe. The sensor then reads out of range because it's basically encased in ice. A 10-minute defrost with a hair dryer on low heat often saves you a $300 service call. Honestly I'd say this is the fix about 40% of the time I show up to one of these calls. Try it first before you start ordering parts.
My Bosch freezer works fine but the ice maker shows E2. Why?
Bosch designs these with completely independent monitoring systems for the freezer and the ice maker. The freezer has its own thermistor keeping your food frozen, but the ice maker needs a separate sensor to know when the tray is cold enough to run a harvest cycle. When the ice maker sensor fails, the freezer keeps right on humming because it's on a completely separate circuit. So yeah, you can have perfect freezer temps and a totally dead ice maker at the same time. It's actually a pretty smart design even if it's confusing when something goes wrong.
E2 keeps coming back after I defrost it. What's going on?
If you've defrosted it and E2 returns within a week, you've got a leaky door seal letting humid air back in. Check the gasket around the ice compartment door for tears, flat spots, or areas where it's not sealing flush. Also check if the ice dispenser flap closes completely after dispensing. If air keeps getting in, frost keeps forming on that sensor. Fix the seal before you replace any parts, otherwise you're just going to repeat this whole cycle every few weeks and spend money you don't need to.
How much does it cost to fix Bosch E2?
If it's just frost, it costs you nothing but 20 minutes of your time. A replacement thermistor sensor runs about $20 to $40 for parts and it's an easy swap. If the whole ice maker assembly needs replacing, you're looking at $150 to $250 for parts and maybe 45 minutes of labor if you're doing it yourself. A service call from a Bosch-certified tech will typically run $150 to $300 depending on your area, plus parts on top of that. So yeah, DIY is worth it here if you're even a little handy.
Can I still use my Bosch freezer while E2 is showing?
Yeah, your freezer will keep working normally. E2 is isolated to the ice maker system. Your food stays frozen, the compressor runs, everything else is fine. You just won't get any ice. That said, don't let it sit for months without addressing it. If there's frost buildup causing the error, that frost can spread and eventually start affecting airflow in the freezer compartment, which turns into a much bigger and more expensive problem down the road.
What's the part number for the Bosch ice maker thermistor?
The most common replacement sensor for Bosch 800 Series ice makers is part number 00499736. That fits a bunch of the B36 models. But double-check your model number on the label inside the fridge door before you order anything. Bosch has several variations across their lineup and you want the exact right one. The part usually ships in a day or two from most appliance parts suppliers and some big box stores carry it too.
Same Fix Works on These Brands
Bosch shares the same hardware platform with these brands. The diagnosis and repair steps are identical.