Thermador Oven Error Code E115

If your Thermador oven displays Error Code E115, it indicates that the upper oven temperature is too high. This error is designed to protect your oven from potential overheating, which could damage internal components or affect cooking performance. Understanding what triggers E115, how to diagnose it, and how to address it safely will help keep your oven running efficiently.

This guide will cover the causes, troubleshooting steps you can try at home, and preventive measures to minimize the risk of encountering this error again.

What is the E115 Error?

The E115 error occurs when the oven detects that the upper oven is heating beyond its safe operating range. Modern Thermador ovens use sensors and control boards to monitor temperature, and the E115 code appears when these systems detect unsafe levels.

An E115 error may present itself in several ways: the oven may stop heating mid-cycle, display unusually high temperature readings, or fail to respond to temperature settings. Understanding the underlying causes will help you address the problem efficiently.

Common Causes of Thermador Oven E115

While E115 indicates excessive temperature, the root causes are usually linked to sensors, wiring, or the control board.

Some common causes include:

• Defective Upper Oven Temperature Sensor: If the sensor is malfunctioning, it may falsely report high temperatures to the control board.
• Damaged Wire Harness: Loose or frayed wires connecting the sensor to the control board can disrupt accurate readings.
• Faulty Electronic Oven Control Board: A defective relay or circuitry on the control board may cause the oven to overheat or misreport temperatures.
• Environmental Factors: Though rare, residual heat from frequent heavy baking or poor ventilation can exacerbate sensor readings.

Recognizing these causes helps determine whether the issue is something you can troubleshoot at home or if professional service is needed.

Troubleshooting and DIY Fixes

Before performing any inspection, always disconnect the oven from electrical power to ensure safety.

Start with the wire harness and sensor check. Inspect the connections for any loose or damaged wires. Reconnect any loose wires and replace damaged harnesses as needed. This simple step can often resolve the error without replacing major components.

Next, examine the upper oven temperature sensor. Using a multimeter, measure the sensor’s resistance at room temperature (approximately 70°F). A properly functioning sensor should read around 1,080 ohms. Significant deviations from this value indicate that the sensor is faulty and needs replacement.

If both the sensor and wiring are in good condition, the issue likely lies with the electronic oven control board. A defective control board can cause the oven to overheat and trigger the E115 error. Replacing the control board should resolve persistent error codes and restore normal operation.

Step-by-Step DIY Guide

1. Disconnect Power: Unplug the oven or switch off the circuit breaker.
2. Inspect Wire Harness: Look for frayed, loose, or damaged wires leading to the upper oven temperature sensor. Repair or replace as needed.
3. Test Temperature Sensor: Use a multimeter to measure resistance at 70°F. Replace the sensor if readings are outside the expected range.
4. Replace Control Board if Necessary: If sensor and wiring are functional but E115 persists, replace the electronic oven control board according to manufacturer instructions.
5. Test Oven Function: Restore power and run the oven through a short cycle to confirm the error has cleared.

Real-Life Scenarios

Many Thermador owners encounter E115 under practical conditions:

• After Frequent Baking: Continuous baking can sometimes cause sensors to temporarily misread temperature, triggering E115.
• Faulty Wiring Discovered During Maintenance: Loose wires behind the oven control panel can intermittently trigger the error.
• Sensor Malfunction in Older Models: Over time, temperature sensors can wear out, especially if the oven is heavily used.

These examples demonstrate that timely inspection and minor repairs can prevent major oven failures.

Preventive Maintenance Tips

To reduce the risk of E115 errors, adopt these preventive practices:

• Regularly Inspect Wire Connections: Ensure wiring to sensors is secure and undamaged.
• Avoid Overloading the Oven: Heavy or frequent baking cycles may increase stress on sensors.
• Monitor Cooking Temperatures: Avoid repeatedly exceeding recommended temperature ranges.
• Schedule Professional Service for Older Ovens: Periodic checks of sensors and control boards can catch early signs of wear before an error occurs.

Routine preventive care keeps your Thermador oven functioning safely and efficiently.

Why Prompt Action Matters

Ignoring E115 errors can have consequences beyond inconvenience. Excessive oven temperatures can damage heating elements, sensors, or even cookware. Addressing the issue promptly ensures safe operation, protects internal components, and prevents costly repairs.

Conclusion

The Thermador oven E115 error indicates that the upper oven temperature is too high, often due to a faulty sensor, damaged wiring, or a defective control board. By performing careful inspections, testing the temperature sensor, and addressing wiring issues, many homeowners can resolve the problem themselves.

For persistent or unclear issues, professional repair is recommended to ensure the oven operates safely. Preventive maintenance, including checking connections, monitoring temperatures, and scheduling routine service, helps prevent future E115 errors. Understanding the causes, solutions, and preventive measures keeps your Thermador oven reliable and efficient, ensuring optimal cooking performance for years to come.