Dryer shows E12 and may stop with poor drying performance; often related to sensor drying programs.

Safety first: Disconnect power before cleaning or accessing internal parts.

• Clean moisture sensor bars: Inside the drum, thoroughly clean the metal sensor strips with a non-abrasive pad and a bit of vinegar to remove residues.
• Check drum grounding: Ensure the drum grounding strap or brush (if used) is intact and making good contact between the drum and chassis. Replace if worn or broken.
• Inspect sensor wiring: Access the back of the sensor bars from behind the front panel and verify the harness is secure and undamaged.
• Run a timed cycle test: If timed cycles work normally but sensor cycles fail with E12, the issue is likely in the moisture sensing circuit or control board.
• Control board diagnosis: If cleaning and wiring checks do not resolve E12, the main control may require replacement. This is best confirmed by a professional using Gaggenau diagnostic tools.