mypros+
Error code reference

Thermador Oven Error Code PAU

Microwave or CookSmart program is paused or interrupted and door is unlocked.

Thermador codesThermador oven codes

Microwave or CookSmart program is paused or interrupted and door is unlocked.

MyPros+ Max

Get the full diagnostic procedure for PAU.

  • 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 PAU means on a Thermador oven

The PAU code on a Thermador oven indicates that a Microwave or CookSmart program has been paused or interrupted while the door remains in an unlocked state. This is a status notification rather than a fault condition in the traditional sense. The oven's control system monitors both the active cooking program state and the door latch mechanism simultaneously, and when it detects that a programmed cycle has stopped mid-execution with the door not secured, it displays PAU to alert the user.

The CookSmart and Microwave program functions on Thermador ovens rely on a sequence of timed stages that the control board manages automatically. If any interruption breaks this sequence, whether from a user pressing a cancel or pause button, a brief power fluctuation, or a door sensor signal change, the control board halts the cycle and holds the current state. The PAU display reflects that the program is suspended and waiting for user input to either resume or cancel the operation.

Because the door is reported as unlocked during the PAU state, the oven will not automatically resume high-heat or microwave-involved cooking stages as a safety precaution. The control board requires confirmation that the door is properly closed before it can continue any programmed sequence. In most cases, this is a normal operational pause and does not indicate a hardware failure, though repeated occurrences without user-initiated pausing may point to an intermittent door latch sensor or a control board issue worth investigating.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of PAU

  1. 01

    User-initiated pause

    Wiring / connection

    The most common reason for PAU is that the user pressed the pause or stop button during a Microwave or CookSmart cycle. Resuming or canceling the program will clear the display.

  2. 02

    Door opened mid-cycle

    Wiring / connection

    Opening the oven door during an active programmed cycle will interrupt the sequence and trigger the PAU status. Closing the door fully and resuming the program should restore normal operation.

  3. 03

    Brief power interruption

    Wiring / connection

    A momentary power fluctuation or interruption can cause the control board to lose its place in a programmed cycle and display PAU upon power restoration. Canceling and restarting the program typically resolves this.

  4. 04

    Faulty door latch sensor

    Part replacement

    If the door latch sensor is intermittently sending an unlocked signal to the control board even when the door is physically closed, the oven may pause unexpectedly and show PAU. This would require testing and possibly replacing the door latch assembly.

  5. 05

    Control board malfunction

    Part replacement

    In rare cases, an aging or failing control board may incorrectly interrupt a running program and display PAU without any user action or door event. If the issue occurs repeatedly without a clear cause, the control board may need evaluation.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about PAU

What does PAU mean on a Thermador oven?
PAU on a Thermador oven means that a Microwave or CookSmart cooking program has been paused or interrupted and the oven door is currently unlocked. It is a status indicator, not a fault code. The oven is waiting for the user to resume or cancel the active program before it will continue cooking.
How do I fix the PAU code on my Thermador oven?
In most cases, you can clear the PAU code by pressing the resume button to continue the paused program or by pressing cancel to end the cycle entirely. Make sure the oven door is fully closed before attempting to resume. If the code keeps appearing without you pausing the program, check the door latch for proper operation.
Is it safe to use my Thermador oven when it shows PAU?
The PAU code itself does not indicate a dangerous condition. It means the oven has safely paused a cooking cycle and is holding in a low-activity state with the door unlocked. You can safely open the door, check your food, and then decide whether to resume or cancel the program.
Will resetting my Thermador oven clear the PAU code?
Pressing the cancel button on the control panel will end the paused program and clear the PAU display in most situations. If a full reset is needed, you can cut power to the oven at the circuit breaker for about 30 seconds and restore it. Keep in mind that resetting will cancel any programmed cooking sequence that was in progress.
How much does it cost to repair a Thermador oven that keeps showing PAU?
If the PAU code is caused by user actions or minor door issues, there may be no repair cost at all. If a faulty door latch sensor is the cause, parts and labor typically range from $75 to $200 depending on your location and service provider. A control board replacement, if needed, generally ranges from $200 to $500 or more, including parts and labor.

Related Thermador oven codes

All Thermador oven codes
View all 103 Thermador oven codes

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

Get Started

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