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Error code reference

Bosch Refrigerator Error Code 3-3-5

Ice maker

Bosch codesBosch refrigerator codes

Ice maker: Internal ice maker fault.

First step from the service manual

Switch appliance off and on; if fault persists, replace ice maker.

The complete diagnostic procedure includes additional test steps, resistance specifications, wiring diagram references, and component test points.

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  • Step-by-step tests with expected resistance, voltage, and continuity values
  • Wiring diagram references and connector pinouts from the OEM service manual
  • Verified part numbers when replacement is required
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What 3-3-5 means on a Bosch refrigerator

Error code 3-3-5 on a Bosch refrigerator indicates an internal ice maker fault. This code points to a failure within the ice maker assembly itself rather than an external wiring issue or a problem with the water supply line. The ice maker is a self-contained unit that includes a thermistor, a heating element for harvest cycles, a motor to rotate the ejector blades, and a control module. When the refrigerator's main board detects that the ice maker's internal logic or one of these integrated components is not responding or operating within expected parameters, it triggers the 3-3-5 fault.

Because the fault is classified as internal to the ice maker, the diagnostic approach is straightforward: power cycling the appliance first rules out a temporary control board communication error or a software glitch. If the fault clears after switching the refrigerator off and back on, the ice maker may have experienced a momentary sensor misread or a brief motor stall during a harvest cycle. However, if the fault code returns after the power cycle, the internal ice maker assembly has a component that has failed and is not recoverable through a reset. In that scenario, the entire ice maker module requires replacement, as the internal components are not serviceable individually on most Bosch units.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of 3-3-5

  1. 01

    Failed ice maker control module

    Part replacement

    The internal circuit board within the ice maker assembly can fail due to age, moisture exposure, or power fluctuations. This prevents the ice maker from completing its cycle and triggers the 3-3-5 code.

  2. 02

    Defective ice maker motor

    Part replacement

    The motor that drives the ejector blades can seize or burn out, causing the harvest cycle to stall. The main board registers this as an internal fault when the motor does not complete its rotation within the expected time frame.

  3. 03

    Ice maker thermistor failure

    Part replacement

    The thermistor inside the ice maker monitors temperature to trigger harvest cycles. If it fails or reads out of range, the ice maker cannot determine when ice is ready, resulting in an internal fault signal.

  4. 04

    Temporary control board communication glitch

    Wiring / connection

    Occasionally, a brief power fluctuation or software error causes a false internal fault reading. Powering the refrigerator off and back on will clear this if no physical component has failed.

  5. 05

    Ice maker heating element fault

    Part replacement

    The heating element used during the harvest cycle to release ice from the mold can fail open or short. This disrupts the harvest process and is detected as an internal ice maker fault.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about 3-3-5

What does 3-3-5 mean on a Bosch refrigerator?
Error code 3-3-5 on a Bosch refrigerator indicates an internal ice maker fault. The refrigerator's main control board has detected a failure originating within the ice maker assembly itself. This could involve the ice maker's motor, thermistor, heating element, or internal control module. The code directs you to power cycle the appliance first, and replace the ice maker if the fault persists.
Will resetting my Bosch refrigerator clear the 3-3-5 error code?
A power cycle, switching the appliance off and back on, is the recommended first step and may clear the code if the fault was caused by a temporary communication glitch or software error. However, if the 3-3-5 code returns after the reset, a physical component inside the ice maker has failed. In that case, resetting will not resolve the issue and the ice maker will need to be replaced.
How do I fix the 3-3-5 error on my Bosch refrigerator?
Start by switching the refrigerator off at the power source, waiting a few minutes, and turning it back on. If the 3-3-5 error does not return, the issue was a temporary fault and no further action is needed. If the code comes back, the ice maker assembly needs to be replaced. The internal components of the ice maker are not individually serviceable in most cases, so the full unit is the standard replacement.
Is it safe to use my Bosch refrigerator with a 3-3-5 error code?
A 3-3-5 fault is specific to the ice maker and does not affect the refrigerator's main cooling or freezing functions. Your food will remain safely refrigerated and frozen while this code is active. You can continue using the refrigerator normally, but the ice maker will not produce ice until the fault is resolved.
How much does it cost to fix a Bosch refrigerator 3-3-5 error code?
If a power cycle clears the code, there is no repair cost involved. If the ice maker assembly needs to be replaced, part costs typically range from $80 to $250 depending on the specific Bosch model, with professional labor adding $100 to $200 on top of that. Diagnosing and replacing the ice maker is a manageable task for experienced DIYers, which can reduce the overall cost significantly.

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