Thermador Oven Error Code E118
Upper/single cavity (Cvt 1) cooling fan supervision error
Upper/single cavity (Cvt 1) cooling fan supervision error — cooling fan speed is too low or too high.
First step from the service manual
Refer to Diagram 2/4. Ensure wire harness not touching motor or pinched. Confirm plenum not touching fan end cap. Check Hall Effect Sensor connection.
The complete diagnostic procedure includes additional test steps, resistance specifications, wiring diagram references, and component test points.
Get the full diagnostic procedure for E118.
- 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 E118 means on a Thermador oven
The E118 error code on a Thermador oven indicates a cooling fan supervision fault in the upper or single cavity (Converter 1). The control board continuously monitors the speed of the cooling fan using a Hall Effect Sensor, which generates pulses as the fan motor spins. When the detected fan speed falls outside the acceptable range, either too low or too high relative to the commanded speed, the board registers this fault and displays E118. The cooling fan is a critical component that protects the oven's electronic controls and cavity from thermal damage during and after cooking cycles.
The primary diagnostic starting point is to inspect the wiring harness associated with the cooling fan circuit, as referenced in Diagram 2/4. A harness that is pinched, routed too close to the motor body, or making contact with the fan end cap can cause intermittent or incorrect signals to reach the control board. Similarly, if the plenum housing is physically contacting the fan end cap, it can restrict blade rotation and artificially reduce the fan speed reading. These mechanical interference issues are among the most common root causes of this code.
The Hall Effect Sensor is the specific feedback device that communicates fan speed to the control board. A loose, corroded, or damaged connector at the sensor will disrupt the pulse signal, causing the board to interpret the fan as running at an incorrect speed. If the wiring and mechanical clearances check out, the sensor itself or the fan motor may be faulty. A failed motor that draws excessive current or spins erratically can produce speed readings outside the acceptable threshold, triggering E118.
Source: manufacturer service documentation.
Common causes of E118
- 01
Pinched or misrouted wire harness
Wiring / connectionIf the wire harness is touching the fan motor body or is pinched at any point, signal interference or a short can produce incorrect speed readings at the control board. Inspect the full harness run per Diagram 2/4 for any contact points or damage.
- 02
Plenum contact with fan end cap
Wiring / connectionPhysical contact between the plenum housing and the fan end cap restricts blade rotation, reducing fan speed below the acceptable threshold. Check for proper clearance and reposition or reseat the plenum if contact is found.
- 03
Hall Effect Sensor connection fault
Wiring / connectionA loose, dirty, or corroded connector at the Hall Effect Sensor will interrupt the speed feedback signal sent to the control board. Disconnect, inspect, and reseat the sensor connector, looking for bent pins or corrosion.
- 04
Failed Hall Effect Sensor
Part replacementIf the sensor connector is secure but the signal remains out of range, the Hall Effect Sensor itself may have failed internally. Replacing the sensor is required to restore accurate fan speed monitoring.
- 05
Defective cooling fan motor
Part replacementA worn or failing fan motor may spin erratically, too slowly, or not at all, producing a speed reading that falls outside the control board's acceptable parameters. If all wiring and sensor checks pass, the motor should be tested and replaced if faulty.
Frequently asked questions about E118
What does E118 mean on a Thermador oven?
Can I fix E118 on my Thermador oven myself?
Is it safe to use my Thermador oven when E118 is displayed?
Will resetting the oven clear the E118 error code?
How much does it cost to repair a Thermador oven showing E118?
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