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Error code reference

Bosch Refrigerator Error Code dR

Refrigerator door switch defective

Bosch codesBosch refrigerator codes

Refrigerator door switch defective — senses door open for more than 1 hour.

First step from the service manual

Check if F/R door is actually opened or not.

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
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What dR means on a Bosch refrigerator

The dR error code on a Bosch refrigerator indicates that the door switch has detected the refrigerator or freezer door as open continuously for more than one hour. The door switch is a small electrical component, typically a plunger-style or magnetic reed switch, mounted in the door frame or cabinet opening. Its primary function is to signal the control board when the door is open or closed, triggering the interior light and allowing the board to monitor door-open duration. When the control board logs more than 60 consecutive minutes of an open-door signal, it triggers the dR alert to warn the user of a potential temperature and food safety issue.

The first step in diagnosing this code is physically confirming whether the refrigerator or freezer door is actually standing open. If the door is fully closed and the code is still active, the issue lies within the switch circuit itself. The door switch can fail mechanically, where the plunger or actuator no longer depresses properly when the door closes, or electrically, where internal contacts corrode or break and the switch sends a constant open-door signal to the control board regardless of door position.

Wiring between the door switch and the control board should also be inspected for damage, pinching, or loose connector terminals, as an open circuit in this wiring harness mimics a failed switch. In some cases, a warped or misaligned door prevents the switch from being actuated fully at closure. Diagnosing the switch directly involves checking for continuity change across its terminals when the actuator is manually depressed.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of dR

  1. 01

    Door left physically open or ajar

    Wiring / connection

    The most straightforward cause is that the refrigerator or freezer door was not fully closed for more than one hour. Check that nothing inside the compartment is blocking the door from sealing completely.

  2. 02

    Faulty door switch

    Part replacement

    The door switch itself may have failed internally, causing it to continuously report an open-door state even when the door is closed. Testing continuity across the switch terminals while manually pressing the actuator will confirm if the switch has lost function.

  3. 03

    Stuck or damaged switch plunger

    Part replacement

    The mechanical plunger or actuator on the door switch can become stuck in the open position due to debris, wear, or physical damage, preventing it from registering door closure. Inspect the switch actuator for visible damage or obstruction.

  4. 04

    Wiring harness damage or loose connector

    Wiring / connection

    Damaged, pinched, or disconnected wiring between the door switch and the main control board can create an open circuit that the board interprets as a continuously open door. Inspect the wiring and connector terminals at both the switch and the board.

  5. 05

    Misaligned or warped door

    Wiring / connection

    If the refrigerator door is warped or the hinges have shifted, the door may not press the switch actuator with enough force to register as closed. Check door alignment and hinge condition to rule this out before replacing the switch.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about dR

What does dR mean on a Bosch refrigerator?
The dR code on a Bosch refrigerator means the door switch has detected the refrigerator door as open for more than one hour. The control board monitors the door switch signal continuously, and when it registers an open-door state for 60 or more minutes, it displays this alert. The cause can be a door that is actually left open, a defective door switch, or a wiring issue in the switch circuit.
How do I fix the dR error code on my Bosch refrigerator?
Start by confirming the door is fully closed and nothing inside is blocking it from sealing. If the door is closed and the code persists, inspect the door switch for mechanical damage, a stuck plunger, or failed internal contacts by checking for a continuity change when the actuator is pressed. Also check the wiring harness running from the switch to the control board for damage or loose terminals. If the switch does not respond correctly, it will need to be replaced.
Will resetting my Bosch refrigerator clear the dR code?
A reset may temporarily clear the dR display, but the code will return if the underlying problem is not resolved. If the door switch is defective or the wiring is damaged, the control board will continue to receive an open-door signal and reactivate the alert. Resetting is only useful after the actual fault, whether an open door or a faulty switch, has been corrected.
Is the dR error code on a Bosch refrigerator a safety concern?
Yes, the dR code can indicate a real food safety issue if the door has genuinely been open for over an hour, as refrigerator temperatures may have risen into an unsafe range during that time. If the door was actually open, check the internal temperature and evaluate any perishable foods before consuming them. If the door was closed the entire time and the code is due to a faulty switch, the compartment temperatures are likely unaffected, but the code should still be resolved to restore normal monitoring.
How much does it cost to repair a dR error on a Bosch refrigerator?
If only the door switch needs replacement, parts typically range from $15 to $60 depending on the specific model, and a technician visit to diagnose and replace the switch can add $100 to $250 in labor costs. If the issue is a loose wiring connector, the repair may cost little to nothing beyond the service call. More complex repairs involving the control board or door alignment would increase the overall cost.

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