Fridge
E7
The E7 error code on an AEG fridge indicates a fault with the internal temperature sensor (NTC sensor), meaning the appliance cannot accurately read its own temperature. It’s a moderately serious fault — your fridge may stop cooling correctly, putting food at risk.
What does this error mean?
E7 signals that the fridge compartment’s NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) thermistor has either failed, gone out of range, or lost its connection to the control board. The fridge relies on this sensor to regulate the compressor and maintain the correct temperature between 1°C and 5°C. When the sensor reading is absent or implausible, the appliance throws E7 and may default to running constantly or not at all.
Est. repair cost
£10–£25 DIY sensor replacement; £80–£130 professional sensor repair; £150–£300 for a PCB replacement
🔍 Likely causes
🛠️ Step-by-step fix
Reset the fridge: Unplug it from the mains for 5 minutes, then plug back in. If E7 clears and does not return within 24 hours, a temporary glitch was the likely cause.
Check for ice build-up: Open the fridge and inspect the rear wall. If you see heavy frost or ice, the sensor may be frozen over. Defrost the fridge manually — remove all food, unplug, leave the door open for 2–4 hours, then dry the interior thoroughly before restarting.
Locate the NTC sensor: It is typically a small probe clipped to the rear wall or evaporator cover inside the fridge compartment. Check that its wiring connector is firmly seated and shows no visible corrosion or damage. Gently reseat the connector if it looks loose.
Test or replace the NTC sensor: NTC sensors for AEG fridges are widely available online for £10–£25 (search your model number, found on the label inside the door). If you have a multimeter, test resistance across the sensor — at room temperature (~20°C) it should read approximately 5,000–10,000 ohms. A reading of zero or infinite resistance confirms a failed sensor. Replacement is straightforward: unclip the old sensor, plug in the new one, no tools required.
If the sensor tests fine and E7 persists, the fault is likely the main control board — stop here and call a professional, as PCB replacement requires handling mains-connected components.
📞 When to call a professional
Call an appliance engineer if replacing the NTC sensor does not clear the E7 code, as the next likely cause is a faulty PCB — this involves working near mains voltage and should not be a DIY job. Tell the engineer you have an E7 fault code, that you have already replaced or tested the NTC sensor, and provide your full model number (inside the door frame). Use a Which? Trusted Trader or Checkatrade-listed engineer for a reliable callout.
⚖️ Repair or replace?
An NTC sensor replacement typically costs £80–£130 including a professional callout, or as little as £10–£25 if you fit the part yourself. A PCB replacement will cost £150–£300 with labour. If your AEG fridge is over eight years old and facing a PCB fault, replacement is likely the better value — new integrated or freestanding AEG fridges start at around £400–£600 in the UK.