E120 — Sensor Short Circuit
Bosch's official US oven/microwave error-code page documents only E11 (touch keys/condensation) plus generic 'E and a number' catch-alls that instruct disconnecting power and calling Bosch support. A specific 'E120' is not separately documented. The 'sensor short circuit' explanation below is not confirmed on Bosch's US consumer page — verify against your model's manual.
- Keep using it?
- Yes, with caution
- DIY difficulty
- Moderate
- Verified against
- bosch-home.com ↗
How to fix it
- Power off at the breaker.
- Disconnect the sensor at the control board and measure resistance across the probe — should be ~500 Ω cold, NOT near 0 Ω.
- Inspect the sensor lead its entire length for chafe to chassis.
- Clean and inspect the connector at the board.
- Replace the sensor; reroute the lead away from broil element area.
Why it happens
Typical signs: Oven shows extremely high temp reading · Heat disabled at startup · E120 immediately after power-on · Display otherwise functional
- Pinched sensor wire shorting to chassis Lead caught when the oven was last serviced or installed.
- Sensor element shorted internally Failure mode of a PT500 RTD.
- Melted insulation from a hot broil element Lead routed too close to broil.
- Connector shorted by debris Metal swarf or food bridge in the plug.
Parts you may need
If diagnosis points to a failed part, these are the common replacements. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
- Bosch oven temperature sensor (PT500) Common replacementAmazon →
More Bosch oven codes
Always unplug an appliance before servicing it. This guide is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for a qualified technician. Verified against manufacturer documentation: bosch-home.com.