E12 displayed, ice maker stops during defrost, heavy frost on evaporator
Safety Warning
This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.
If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.
Possible Causes
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety: Disconnect power before accessing the evaporator and heater.
Steps:
- Manual defrost: Empty the ice compartment and allow the unit to defrost fully (doors open, towels in place) for several hours. Do not chip ice with sharp tools.
- Inspect components: After defrosting, access the evaporator area. Locate the defrost sensor (NTC) and thermostat clipped to the tubing.
- Test continuity: Check the defrost thermostat for continuity when cold. Test the heater and sensor resistance against Neff specifications.
- Check wiring: Inspect connectors and harness for damage or corrosion.
Resolution: Replace any failed defrost components (sensor, thermostat, heater). If all test good, the control board defrost circuit may be faulty and require replacement.
Repair Difficulty
Required Part
We may earn a commission from links on this page.