Thermador Refrigerator E06 Error: Refrigerator Evap Sensor Fault
thermador refrigerator e06 error indicates refrigerator evap sensor fault. Review the diagnostic steps below before calling a technician for help. What Does Thermador Refrigerator Error Code E06 Mean? The E06 error code on a Thermador Freedom Collection or T-series built-in refrigerator indicates the refrigerator evaporator temperature sensor is reporting a fault. On some Thermador model […]
Quick Assessment
Answer to continue safely
Is it safe to keep using?
Maybe. The refrigerator will continue cooling for a time but defrost cycles will not run correctly, causing gradual frost buildup and temperature rise. Move highly perishable items to a backup unit and schedule service within a few days.
Can I reset the code?
Yes. A manual defrost (8 hours breaker-off) combined with a breaker reset can clear E06 if the sensor was ice-jammed. If the sensor has electrically failed, E06 returns within hours of normal operation.
When to stop immediately?
Stop if you notice: Refrigerator temperature climbs above 45°F, Ice sheet covers the entire rear panel after a recent manual defrost.
Symptoms You May Notice
Frost visible on the interior back wall of the refrigerator
A sheet of frost or ice is forming on the inside rear panel where the evaporator coil is located, a sign the defrost cycle is not running correctly due to the missing sensor reading.
Refrigerator cools adequately at first but gradually warms over 12-24 hours
The refrigerator maintains temperature initially but slowly warms over time as frost builds up on the evaporator coil and blocks airflow into the food compartment.
E06 appears after the unit has been running for several hours
The fault code does not appear at startup but triggers after extended operation, suggesting the sensor is intermittent rather than completely failed.
Possible Causes
Failed refrigerator evaporator sensor
The NTC sensor on the refrigerator evaporator coil has failed or drifted out of range, preventing the control from tracking defrost progress.
Requires ProfessionalIce-damaged sensor harness behind the rear panel
Frost accumulation behind the interior rear panel has encased the sensor harness and physically pulled wires away from the sensor body or board connector.
Requires ProfessionalModel-series control board requiring E06 for the secondary evaporator circuit
Some Thermador T-series refrigerator models use E05 for the primary evaporator sensor and E06 for a secondary evaporator circuit sensor, both requiring the same service approach.
Requires ProfessionalSafe Checks You Can Do
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1
Perform a manual defrost cycle
Switch the breaker off for 8 hours with both refrigerator doors propped slightly open and a towel on the floor to catch melt water. This manually defrosts the evaporator coil and may clear E06 if ice was physically jamming the sensor.
Some E06 faults are caused by ice physically encasing the sensor against the evaporator fins. A complete manual defrost — 8 full hours — is required to fully thaw the evaporator. Partial thaw attempts lasting only 1-2 hours often do not clear ice deep within the coil.
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2
Inspect the refrigerator rear panel for frost buildup
Open the refrigerator and look at the inside back wall. A solid sheet of ice on the rear panel confirms defrost failure related to the evaporator sensor fault. Note the pattern and thickness and report this to the technician.
A thin uniform frost layer is normal after heavy door-opening use. A thick irregular sheet of ice covering the entire back panel indicates the defrost system has not run in many cycles.
When to Call a Professional
Contact a qualified technician if:
- Sensor resistance is outside expected NTC range after complete thaw confirming electrical failure
- Frost pattern shows uneven defrost indicating one portion of the evaporator is not being heated
- E06 appears alongside E05 suggesting multiple evaporator sensor failures on the same board
Need Professional Help?
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