mypros+
Error code reference

Dacor Range Oven Cooktop Error Code C33

Heritage: Relay board ambient over temperature

Heritage: Relay board ambient over temperature - relay board ambient temperature is above 165°F; oven shuts down with cooling fans ON until ambient falls to 122°F.

MyPros+ Max

Get the full diagnostic procedure for C33.

  • 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
Get the full procedure

$29/month · Cancel anytime · Or $9.95 3-day pass

What C33 means on a Dacor range oven cooktop

The C33 error code on Dacor Heritage series ranges and ovens indicates that the relay board has detected an ambient temperature above 165°F (73.9°C) at the board's location. The relay board is a critical control component that manages power distribution to heating elements, and it includes its own thermal monitoring to prevent heat damage to its circuitry. When the ambient temperature surrounding the relay board exceeds the 165°F threshold, the oven shuts down automatically as a protective measure. The cooling fans remain running during this shutdown phase to actively reduce the temperature, and normal operation does not resume until the ambient temperature around the relay board drops back to 122°F (50°C) or below.

This error is specifically a thermal overprotection event, not necessarily a component failure. The relay board is typically located in the control cavity behind or beneath the oven's main control panel, an area that relies on adequate airflow to stay within safe operating temperature ranges. If airflow is restricted, if the cooling fans are underperforming, or if the oven has been in continuous operation for an extended period, heat can build up in this cavity and trigger C33.

Common contributing factors include blocked ventilation openings around the appliance, a failed or weakened cooling fan, improper installation clearances, or an unusually hot kitchen environment combined with prolonged oven use. In some cases, the relay board's own onboard thermal sensor can malfunction and report false high temperatures, triggering shutdown even when actual temperatures are within acceptable limits. Proper diagnosis requires distinguishing between a genuine overheating condition and a faulty temperature sensing circuit on the relay board itself.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of C33

  1. 01

    Blocked or restricted ventilation

    Wiring / connection

    Cabinets, walls, or objects placed too close to the appliance can restrict airflow around the control cavity. Check that installation clearances match Dacor's specifications for the Heritage series.

  2. 02

    Failed or weak cooling fan

    Part replacement

    If one of the cooling fans has failed or is spinning below its rated speed, heat builds up in the relay board cavity and triggers C33. Listen for the fan during and after operation, and check for physical obstructions or motor failure.

  3. 03

    Extended high-temperature oven use

    Wiring / connection

    Running the oven at maximum temperatures for prolonged periods, such as during self-clean cycles, can push relay board ambient temperatures toward the threshold. This is not a defect but a normal protective response in high-load situations.

  4. 04

    Faulty relay board thermal sensor

    Part replacement

    The temperature sensor on the relay board itself can drift or fail, reporting temperatures above 165°F even when the actual ambient temperature is within normal range. This typically causes repeated or seemingly random C33 faults.

  5. 05

    Relay board failure

    Part replacement

    In some cases the relay board itself has sustained heat damage or has a defective onboard component that causes it to misread or malfunction thermally. If other causes are ruled out, the relay board may need replacement.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about C33

What does C33 mean on a Dacor range, oven, cooktop?
C33 on a Dacor Heritage series appliance means the relay board has detected an ambient temperature above 165°F at its location and has triggered an automatic shutdown to protect the electronics. The cooling fans remain on to bring the temperature down. The oven will not restart until the relay board ambient temperature drops to 122°F or below. This is a thermal protection feature, not always an indication of a failed component.
Can I reset the C33 error code and continue using the oven?
The oven will resume operation automatically once the relay board ambient temperature falls back to 122°F, so a manual reset is not always required. However, if C33 returns repeatedly, simply waiting for it to clear does not address the underlying cause. Repeated faults indicate a problem with airflow, the cooling fan, or the relay board's thermal sensor that needs to be diagnosed and corrected.
Is it safe to use my Dacor oven while the C33 code is displayed?
No. When C33 is active, the oven has already shut down as a protective measure and will not heat until temperatures return to safe levels. Do not attempt to force operation while the error is present. If the error clears and then returns during normal use, stop using the oven and have it inspected before continuing, as repeated overheating can damage control components.
What does it cost to repair a C33 error on a Dacor oven?
Repair costs vary depending on the root cause. If the fix is simply adjusting installation clearances or clearing a blocked vent, costs may be limited to a service call fee, typically in the range of $75 to $150. Replacing a cooling fan generally runs $100 to $250 including parts and labor. A full relay board replacement is more expensive, often ranging from $200 to $500 or more depending on parts availability and labor rates in your area.
How do I prevent the C33 error from happening again on my Dacor range?
First, verify that the appliance has adequate clearance around all ventilation openings per the installation requirements for your specific Heritage model. Check that the cooling fans are operating and moving air freely. Avoid back-to-back high-temperature cooking cycles without allowing cooldown time in between. If the error recurs despite proper clearances and functioning fans, have the relay board and its thermal sensing circuit inspected by a qualified technician.

78,000+ service manuals · 160,000+ error codes · 55+ brands

Get Started

$29/month · Cancel anytime · Or $9.95 3-day pass