Error Code: E20 Difficulty: Hard
Problem: Communication error between the main control board and the display control module.
How to Fix E20 Error (Step-by-Step)
- Reset the refrigerator’s electronics by unplugging it from the power outlet or by turning off the corresponding circuit breaker.
- Wait for a full 10 minutes to allow the internal capacitors in the control boards to completely discharge and reset.
- Plug the refrigerator back in or switch the circuit breaker back on to restore power.
- If the E20 code reappears, it signifies a persistent communication failure between the main control board and the display.
- This typically indicates a loose wire, a damaged wiring harness, or a fault within one of the control boards themselves.
- Due to the complexity and risk of electrical shock involved in accessing these internal components, it is strongly advised to have a certified Bosch service diagnose and resolve the issue.
- Turn the appliance off, wait about 2 minutes, then turn it back on.
What to Check Next on This Bosch Refrigerator
Bosch Refrigerator Error E20: Use the code, light, or symbol as the starting clue, then confirm what the refrigerator actually does before ordering parts.
- 1. Unplug the refrigerator before removing covers, touching wiring, checking fans, sensors, valves, or control boards.
- 2. Confirm whether the display is a normal mode/status symbol or a recurring fault that affects cooling, alarms, lights, water, or controls.
- 3. Start with the temperature path: door seal, airflow, food blocking vents, sensor placement, loose sensor wiring, and control response.
- 4. Check door gaskets, blocked vents, condenser dust, frost buildup, fan noise, temperature settings, and recent door-open events before replacing parts.
- 5. Let temperatures stabilize after corrections, then confirm whether the same code, alarm, or symptom returns under normal use.
- 6. Replace a part only after the same symptom repeats and the model-specific checks point to that part category. Match any replacement to the complete Bosch model number on the appliance tag.
If the issue returns after these checks, match replacement parts to the complete Bosch refrigerator model number from the appliance tag. The same display clue can point to different components depending on the exact model and when the failure appears.
Recommended Parts to Check
No exact official OEM part number is listed here because the correct Bosch refrigerator part can vary by complete model number. These are targeted part-category searches, not universal fit claims.
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Bosch refrigerator temperature sensorCommon replacement category: Temperature sensor / thermistorFit note: Exact OEM part number varies by full Bosch refrigerator model number. Confirm compatibility before buying.Confidence: Medium
This category can be relevant for temperature, alarm, and cooling-sensor faults after the door seal, vents, and settings are checked. -
Bosch refrigerator evaporator fan motorCommon replacement category: Evaporator fan motorFit note: Exact OEM part number varies by full Bosch refrigerator model number. Confirm compatibility before buying.Confidence: Medium
This category can be relevant for airflow, fan, and uneven-cooling symptoms after ice buildup and obstructions are ruled out. -
Bosch refrigerator electronic control boardCommon replacement category: Main electronic control boardFit note: Exact OEM part number varies by full Bosch refrigerator model number. Confirm compatibility before buying.Confidence: Medium
This category can be relevant for repeated electronic, display, or cooling-control faults after connectors and power are checked.Search Amazon for Bosch refrigerator electronic control board
Before ordering: match the part to the complete Bosch refrigerator model number on the appliance tag.
When It’s Better to Replace Than Repair
Refrigerator repairs can become costly when sealed-system, control, defrost, fan, or ice-maker issues repeat.
Confirm width, height, depth, door swing, counter-depth needs, water line, and delivery path before ordering.
For repair parts, verify exact fit with the full refrigerator model number before buying; these links are general replacement-appliance shopping options.
- [OK]Water inlet valve, ice maker, or fan failures keep returning
- [OK]Defrost heater, thermostat, or sensor faults stack up
- [OK]Compressor or sealed-system repair is not economical
- [OK]Food-loss risk is becoming a pattern
Recommended Refrigerator Replacement Options
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Still Not Working?
If the replacement part didn’t fix the issue, you may have a wiring problem or main board failure.
More options (for a better recommendation)
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Expert: Mike Sullivan
EPA Section 608 Certified Technician with 18+ years experience.
Read Editorial Standards →Browse all Bosch error codes: Bosch Error Codes
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