Shorted oven sensor

A shorted sensor makes the board read extreme low temperature, causing it to apply maximum heat. Disconnect power before diagnosis to prevent overheating.
Disconnect power at the breaker and access the sensor wiring at the rear of the cavity
Measure sensor resistance — a short reads near 0 ohms instead of the healthy ~1080 ohms
Inspect the sensor wire where it passes through the oven cavity wall for insulation melted against the metal
Check the sensor connector for moisture and corrosion forming a bridge that shorts the two pins
Unplug the sensor and measure it alone — if the probe reads ~1080 ohms by itself, the short is in the harness, not the sensor
Pro Diagnostic Tip
E4 is the shorted-sensor mirror image of E3 (open sensor): a reading of 0-50 ohms is a short (E4), while infinite is an open (E3). The danger of a short is that the board reads it as freezing-cold and slams on full heat, so this is the more urgent of the pair. Critically, if the probe tests correctly at ~1080 ohms once disconnected, the short lives in the wiring harness rubbing through inside the hot cavity, not in the sensor — replace the harness, not the probe.
Repair Difficulty
Moderate — Some Experience NeededEstimated Repair Cost
$100–$250
Parts + labor. Free diagnosis with repair.
Parts That May Need Replacement
Combustion analyzer ($300), igniter tester ($120), temperature calibrator ($150), and gas pressure manometer. Our technician arrives with $3,000+ in professional tools — your diagnostic is free.
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Gas ovens involve live gas lines — a loose connection creates explosion and carbon monoxide risk. Electric ovens run on 240V circuits. Our techs are licensed and insured — let them handle the risk.
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Error code E4 is a high-severity issue that can cause further damage to your oven / range if left unresolved. A licensed technician can diagnose and fix it the same day.
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Bosch error code E4 indicates: Shorted oven sensor. This is a high-severity issue affecting your oven / range.
Disconnect power at the breaker and access the sensor wiring at the rear of the cavity Then, Measure sensor resistance — a short reads near 0 ohms instead of the healthy ~1080 ohms Then, Inspect the sensor wire where it passes through the oven cavity wall for insulation melted against the metal There are 2 more steps — see the full troubleshooting guide above. This repair typically requires professional tools and expertise.
Besides the error code on the display, common signs include: Oven overheats rapidly past the setpoint; Display shows a very high temperature at startup; Oven will not calibrate or hold temperature. If you notice any of these symptoms, check your oven / range's display panel for error code E4.
Repair costs for Bosch E4 typically range from $100 to $250 depending on the specific cause and parts needed. EasyBear offers free diagnosis when you proceed with the repair. Call (415) 795-7300 for a same-day appointment.