Bertazzoni Wine Refrigeration / Wine Cellars E2 Error: Upper probe short circuit
What Does E2 Mean? The E2 fault code appears on Bertazzoni wine columns — specifically the REF24WCBPNV and REF18WCBPRV Professional Series models — when the control board detects a short-circuit condition on the upper zone NTC temperature probe. A shorted probe presents near-zero resistance to the board, which interprets this as an extremely high temperature […]
Quick Assessment
Answer to continue safely
Is it safe to keep using?
No. Remove wine from the upper zone immediately. A continuously over-cooled zone risks sparkling wine quality and can damage delicate corks. The lower zone may be used if its probe and temperature display are operating normally.
Can I reset the code?
No. E2 is a hard electrical fault that requires probe or harness replacement by a service technician. Power-cycling will not clear the fault.
When to stop immediately?
Stop if you notice: Frost is visible on upper-zone bottles or on the interior upper-zone walls, Cork tops on upper-zone bottles show frost or ice intrusion.
Symptoms You May Notice
Upper zone bottles and shelving are noticeably colder than the set point — possible frost on bottles
A shorted probe reports a falsely high temperature to the control board, which responds by commanding continuous cooling. Bottles in the upper zone may feel significantly colder than the programmed set point, and in severe cases frost may form on the exterior glass of the uppermost bottles.
Upper zone temperature display reads unusually low or implausibly cold
The control panel may show an upper zone temperature that is well below the set point minimum (e.g., 35–38 °F when the set point is 55 °F), reflecting the falsely high reading the shorted probe is sending to the control board.
E2 flashes on the display every 10 seconds with buzzer alarm
The control board outputs the E2 code in a repeating flash pattern alongside the buzzer alarm, alerting you to the probe short-circuit fault. The alarm pattern differs from temperature alarms — it repeats at a fixed 10-second interval.
Possible Causes
Upper zone NTC thermistor shorted internally or harness pinched against cabinet metal
A shorted thermistor element presents near-zero resistance to the control board, which the board interprets as an extremely high temperature and responds by commanding maximum cooling. A wiring harness pinched between the cabinet chassis and inner liner creates the same short-circuit effect.
Requires ProfessionalWater or condensation intrusion into the probe housing
Moisture entering the probe housing — from a condensation event or a spill near the probe location — can bridge the probe leads electrically and create a short-circuit condition that may clear and return intermittently as the moisture dries and re-accumulates.
Requires ProfessionalSafe Checks You Can Do
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1
Move sparkling wines and delicate whites from the upper zone immediately
An over-cooled upper zone can chill sparkling wines below their carbonation-safe temperature and cause tartrate precipitation in whites. Transfer all vulnerable bottles from the upper zone to a secondary location at the correct temperature until the fault is repaired.
Red wines in the upper zone are somewhat less sensitive to brief over-chilling than sparkling wines, but should also be moved if the zone is clearly running very cold.
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2
Note the E2 fault and check for moisture near the probe area
Record the E2 code and note whether the upper zone is unusually cold. If you can see condensation or moisture residue near the rear upper zone wall where the probe is typically located, relay this observation to the technician — it suggests moisture intrusion rather than a simple wire fault.
Do not attempt to dry or clean the probe area yourself — the probe wiring is connected to the control board and must only be handled by a qualified technician.
When to Call a Professional
Contact a qualified technician if:
- E2 requires multimeter resistance testing of the upper zone probe and harness — this is not an owner-accessible repair on REF24WCBPNV and REF18WCBPRV columns
- Moisture-related shorts may require inspection of the probe housing seal and potentially drying or replacement of the probe assembly
Need Professional Help?
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