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Error code reference

Bosch Refrigerator Error Code Er Et

Horizontal switch on ice maker does not close during the ice making cycle; ice making is interrupted.

Bosch codesBosch refrigerator codes

Horizontal switch on ice maker does not close during the ice making cycle; ice making is interrupted.

First step from the service manual

Check horizontal switch on the ice maker.

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

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  • Wiring diagram references and connector pinouts from the OEM service manual
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What Er Et means on a Bosch refrigerator

The Er Et error code on a Bosch refrigerator indicates that the horizontal switch within the ice maker assembly is failing to close during the ice making cycle. This switch is a mechanical position sensor that signals the control board when the ice maker's harvest arm or actuator reaches the correct horizontal position. When the switch does not close as expected, the control board interprets this as a fault and interrupts the ice making process to prevent the machine from running through incomplete cycles indefinitely.

The horizontal switch functions as a critical checkpoint in the ice maker's harvest cycle. As the ice maker motor drives the ejector blades or harvest arm through its rotation, the switch is designed to close at a specific point in the cycle, confirming that the mechanism has reached the correct position. If the switch remains open when it should close, the cycle cannot complete. This can result from a mechanically stuck or frozen switch, a broken or disconnected wiring harness leading to the switch, or internal switch contact failure due to wear or corrosion.

Diagnostic work should begin directly at the horizontal switch on the ice maker module. Technicians should inspect the switch for any visible ice buildup blocking its actuation, verify continuity across the switch contacts when manually depressed, and check the wiring harness connections for damage or looseness. If the switch shows no continuity when actuated or the wiring is compromised, replacement of the switch or the ice maker module assembly is typically required to resolve the fault.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of Er Et

  1. 01

    Ice or frost blocking the horizontal switch

    Wiring / connection

    Ice buildup around the switch mechanism can physically prevent it from closing during the cycle. Inspect the switch area for frost accumulation and attempt a manual defrost of the ice maker compartment to rule this out first.

  2. 02

    Failed or worn horizontal switch contacts

    Part replacement

    The internal contacts of the horizontal switch can wear out or corrode over time, causing the switch to lose continuity even when mechanically actuated. Test continuity across the switch terminals when the actuator is fully depressed to confirm this failure.

  3. 03

    Damaged or disconnected wiring harness

    Part replacement

    The wiring connecting the horizontal switch to the ice maker control can become loose, pinched, or broken, interrupting the signal to the control board. Inspect the harness connectors and wiring along the ice maker assembly for visible damage or loose connections.

  4. 04

    Stuck or seized ice maker harvest mechanism

    Wiring / connection

    If the ejector arm or actuator that triggers the horizontal switch is jammed or seized, the switch will never be actuated during the cycle. Check that the ice maker's moving parts rotate freely and are not obstructed by ice or a foreign object.

  5. 05

    Defective ice maker module assembly

    Part replacement

    If the switch and wiring both test correctly but the error persists, the ice maker module itself may have an internal fault. In this case, replacing the full ice maker assembly is typically the most reliable repair path.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about Er Et

What does Er Et mean on a Bosch refrigerator?
Er Et means the horizontal switch on the ice maker is not closing during the ice making cycle. This switch acts as a position sensor, and when it fails to close, the refrigerator interrupts ice production to avoid an incomplete or stuck cycle. The error points specifically to a fault in the ice maker's switching mechanism, wiring, or related components.
Can I fix the Er Et error myself?
Some causes of Er Et are DIY-accessible, such as clearing ice or frost buildup around the horizontal switch or reseating a loose wiring harness connector. However, testing switch continuity and replacing components requires basic electrical knowledge and a multimeter. If you are not comfortable working with appliance wiring or internal ice maker components, a qualified technician should perform the repair.
Is it safe to keep using my refrigerator when Er Et is displayed?
The refrigerator's cooling and food preservation functions are generally not affected by the Er Et error, as the fault is isolated to the ice maker system. Ice production will be stopped, but your food should remain safe. You can continue using the refrigerator for cooling while you arrange for diagnosis and repair of the ice maker.
Will resetting the refrigerator clear the Er Et error code?
A power reset may temporarily clear the error display, but if the underlying cause is a faulty switch, damaged wiring, or a seized mechanism, the code will return once the ice maker attempts another cycle. A reset is useful for confirming whether the fault is intermittent, but it does not substitute for diagnosing and repairing the horizontal switch and related components.
How much does it cost to repair the Er Et error on a Bosch refrigerator?
Repair costs depend on the specific cause of the fault. If the issue is a minor obstruction or a loose connector, costs may be limited to a service call fee, typically ranging from $75 to $150. If the horizontal switch or the entire ice maker module needs replacement, parts and labor combined can range from $150 to $400 or more depending on your location and the specific model.

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