Freezer compartment not reaching set temperature, ice cream soft, temperature alarm and E02 displayed.

Safety warning: Always disconnect mains power before working inside the appliance. Freezer components can have sharp edges and very cold surfaces.

Steps to troubleshoot:

• 1. Basic reset: Unplug the refrigerator or switch off the breaker for 5–10 minutes, then restore power. If E02 reappears, proceed.
• 2. Check for obvious airflow issues: Ensure freezer vents and the rear panel are not blocked by packages. While this can cause poor cooling, the E02 code specifically points to a sensor issue.
• 3. Locate the freezer NTC sensor: On many Gaggenau models, the freezer sensor is behind the rear interior panel or in the air return duct. Remove drawers and baskets, then remove the screws holding the rear panel (if accessible) to expose the evaporator area and sensor.
• 4. Inspect wiring: Look for ice buildup around the sensor and harness. Ice can sometimes pull or break wires. Check for cracked insulation, pulled connectors, or corrosion. Carefully defrost any heavy ice with a hair dryer on low, keeping it away from plastic parts and wiring.
• 5. Test the sensor: With power off, disconnect the sensor from its plug and measure resistance with a multimeter. Compare to the expected NTC value for your model (commonly several kΩ at room temperature). An open or shorted reading indicates a bad sensor.
• 6. Replace the sensor: If faulty, install a new Gaggenau-compatible freezer NTC sensor. Secure it in the original clip or bracket so it senses air temperature correctly and does not contact the evaporator directly unless designed to.
• 7. Evaluate the control board: If the sensor and wiring test good but E02 persists, the main control module may be defective. This requires board-level diagnosis and is best handled by an authorized technician.

Note: After replacing the sensor, allow several hours of operation for temperatures to stabilize and for the control to clear the error.