Bosch · Oven Moderate

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

How to fix it

  1. Power off at the breaker.
  2. Disconnect the sensor at the control board and measure resistance across the probe — should be ~500 Ω cold, NOT near 0 Ω.
  3. Inspect the sensor lead its entire length for chafe to chassis.
  4. Clean and inspect the connector at the board.
  5. 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 replacement
    Amazon →

More Bosch oven codes

E005 E005 — Power Supply / Line Voltage Fault E011 E011 — Continuous Key Press Detected E0111 E0111 — Stuck Control Button E0511 E0511 — Cooling Fan Fault E0527 E0527 — Door Switch Fault E0531 E0531 — Convection Fan Fault

All Bosch codes → All oven codes →

Frequently asked questions

What does the E120 code mean on a Bosch oven?

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.

What causes the E120 code on a Bosch oven?

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.

Is it safe to keep using a Bosch oven with a E120 error?

Yes, with caution. This is rated a moderate-severity fault.

How do I fix E120 on a Bosch oven?

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.

Always unplug an appliance before servicing it. This guide is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for a qualified technician.