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Error code reference

Bosch Refrigerator Error Code F13

Evaporator sensor in the freezer compartment is interrupted (open circuit).

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Evaporator sensor in the freezer compartment is interrupted (open circuit).

First step from the service manual

Check the sensor and the supply cable to the electronics module.

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

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What F13 means on a Bosch refrigerator

The F13 error code on a Bosch refrigerator indicates an open circuit condition in the evaporator temperature sensor located in the freezer compartment. This sensor is a thermistor, a resistive component whose resistance value changes predictably with temperature. When the control electronics module sends a signal through the sensor circuit and receives no return signal (or a reading that falls outside the expected resistance range), it interprets the circuit as broken or open and triggers the F13 fault.

The evaporator sensor plays a critical role in refrigeration cycle management. It reports the temperature of the evaporator coil to the control board, which uses that data to regulate compressor run times and defrost cycles. If the sensor is disconnected, broken, or if the wiring harness between the sensor and the electronics module has failed, the board loses this feedback and cannot safely manage freezer temperatures. This is why the first diagnostic step is to inspect both the sensor itself and the supply cable running to the electronics module.

Common failure points include a sensor that has physically broken due to frost buildup or mechanical stress, a connector that has corroded or pulled loose at either end of the wiring harness, or a wire that has been pinched or damaged over time. Cold and repeated freeze-thaw cycles in the freezer environment can accelerate connector corrosion and wire insulation brittleness, making wiring failures a frequent contributor to this fault code.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of F13

  1. 01

    Disconnected or loose sensor connector

    Wiring / connection

    The wiring connector at the evaporator sensor or at the electronics module may have worked loose over time. Inspect both ends of the harness for connectors that are partially unplugged or that show signs of corrosion.

  2. 02

    Failed evaporator temperature sensor

    Part replacement

    The thermistor inside the freezer compartment may have developed an internal open circuit, meaning it no longer conducts. A multimeter check across the sensor terminals will show infinite or no resistance if the sensor has failed.

  3. 03

    Damaged or broken wiring harness

    Part replacement

    The cable running from the evaporator sensor to the electronics module may have a broken wire due to pinching, brittleness from cold exposure, or physical damage. Flex the harness along its length while monitoring continuity to locate intermittent breaks.

  4. 04

    Corroded wiring connectors

    Wiring / connection

    Moisture inside the freezer can cause corrosion at connector terminals, increasing resistance to the point where the circuit reads as open. Look for green or white oxidation buildup on the metal pins of any connector in the sensor circuit.

  5. 05

    Faulty electronics module

    Part replacement

    If the sensor and all wiring check out correctly, the electronics module itself may have a failed input circuit for the evaporator sensor. This is the least common cause and should only be suspected after the sensor and harness have been confirmed good.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about F13

What does F13 mean on a Bosch refrigerator?
F13 on a Bosch refrigerator means the evaporator sensor in the freezer compartment has an open circuit, meaning the control board is receiving no signal from that sensor. The sensor is a thermistor that monitors evaporator coil temperature and feeds that data back to the electronics module. The fault indicates either the sensor itself has failed or there is a break or disconnection somewhere in the wiring between the sensor and the control board.
Can I fix the F13 error on my Bosch refrigerator myself?
A knowledgeable DIYer can attempt to diagnose F13 by inspecting the sensor connector and wiring harness for obvious damage or loose connections, which requires no special tools. Testing the sensor with a multimeter to check for continuity is also within reach for someone comfortable with basic electrical checks. Replacing the evaporator sensor is a straightforward part swap if the component is confirmed faulty, though accessing the sensor in the freezer compartment may require removing shelving or panel covers.
Is my food safe when the F13 error is displayed?
When F13 is active, the refrigerator has lost its ability to accurately monitor freezer evaporator temperature, which can affect how reliably the cooling cycle runs. If the freezer is still maintaining cold temperatures, food may be safe in the short term, but the situation should be addressed promptly. Check freezer temperature with a standalone thermometer and move perishables to another freezer if the unit is not maintaining safe temperatures below 0 degrees Fahrenheit.
Will resetting my Bosch refrigerator clear the F13 error?
A reset may temporarily clear the F13 code from the display, but the error will return if the underlying fault in the evaporator sensor circuit has not been repaired. Resetting by unplugging the unit for a few minutes can be useful to confirm whether the fault is intermittent, but it is not a fix. Persistent return of F13 after a reset confirms there is a genuine open circuit in the sensor or its wiring.
How much does it cost to repair an F13 error on a Bosch refrigerator?
If the repair only requires reseating a loose connector, the cost can be minimal, essentially just your time or a basic service call fee ranging from roughly $75 to $150. Replacing the evaporator sensor itself is generally an affordable part, with sensor components typically ranging from $20 to $80 depending on the specific model. If the wiring harness needs replacement or the electronics module is at fault, total repair costs including parts and labor can range from $150 to $400 or more.

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