Multicooker displays E2 and refuses to start or aborts cooking shortly after heating begins.

Safety first: Disconnect the multicooker from mains and let it cool completely before inspection.

Steps to address E2:

• 1. Visual inspection under inner pot: Remove the inner pot and inspect the central sensor area. Look for signs of liquid spills that may have seeped into the sensor well or around the heating plate.
• 2. Dry the sensor area: If there has been a spill, gently dry the sensor and surrounding area with a lint-free cloth. Allow the cooker to air dry for several hours before retesting. Do not use a hair dryer on high heat inside the cooker.
• 3. Open the base to inspect wiring: Place the unit upside down on a soft surface. Remove the base screws and lift the cover. Trace the NTC sensor wires from the heating plate to the main PCB. Check for crushed, cut, or melted insulation that could cause a short.
• 4. Measure NTC resistance: Unplug the NTC connector from the PCB. Using a multimeter, measure resistance across the NTC leads at room temperature. If the reading is very low (e.g., <1 kΩ) or near 0 Ω, the sensor is shorted and must be replaced.
• 5. Correct pinched wiring: If the harness is pinched by the base cover or a bracket, reroute it along the original path and secure it with cable ties, ensuring it does not touch sharp metal edges or hot surfaces.
• 6. Replace faulty sensor: If the NTC is shorted or water-damaged, install a new bottom NTC temperature sensor assembly compatible with your Steba model. Reattach it to the heating plate and reconnect to the PCB.
• 7. Reassemble and test: Refit the base, tighten screws, reinstall the inner pot, and test with a small amount of water on a low-temperature program.

Note: Persistent E2 after sensor replacement may indicate a fault in the main control board's sensor input circuit, which should be diagnosed by a professional.