Oven
F44
The F44 error code on an AEG oven indicates a fault with the oven’s core temperature sensor (NTC sensor), meaning the appliance cannot accurately monitor or regulate heat. It’s a moderately serious fault — the oven will typically lock itself out to prevent overheating or undercooked food.
What does this error mean?
F44 signals that the oven’s main NTC (negative temperature coefficient) temperature probe has sent a reading outside the expected range — either too high, too low, or no signal at all. The control board interprets this as a sensor failure and shuts down normal operation as a safety measure. This is distinct from an overheating fault; the problem lies with the sensor or its wiring, not necessarily the heating elements themselves.
Est. repair cost
£15–£35 DIY sensor replacement; £80–£150 professional sensor repair; £150–£250 if PCB replacement is needed
🔍 Likely causes
🛠️ Step-by-step fix
Step 1 – Hard reset: Switch the oven off at the wall socket or trip its fuse in the consumer unit. Leave it fully unpowered for 5–10 minutes, then restore power and test. A transient glitch after a power surge can trigger F44 and a reset clears it.
Step 2 – Check for visible grease on the sensor probe: The NTC sensor is typically a small metal pin protruding from the back wall of the oven cavity. If heavily coated in grease or baked-on residue, carefully clean it with a damp cloth once the oven is cool and fully unpowered. Retest before going further.
Step 3 – Inspect the sensor probe for physical damage: With the oven cold and unplugged, visually check the probe and its cable for any signs of burning, melting, or fraying. If damaged, the sensor needs replacing — do not operate the oven.
Step 4 – Replace the NTC temperature sensor: AEG NTC sensors for common oven models cost £15–£35 and are available from AEG spares retailers (e.g. 4ourhouse, BuySpares). Use your full model number (found on the door frame sticker) to get the correct part. The sensor unscrews from the oven cavity wall and the connector pulls off — no specialist tools required. Always unplug the oven first.
Step 5 – Check the wiring harness connector: If a new sensor doesn’t resolve F44, gently reseat the wiring connector that runs from the sensor to the back of the control board. A loose pin is a common culprit. If pins appear burnt or corroded, stop and call an engineer — do not attempt to repair wiring inside the main body of the appliance.
Step 6 – If F44 persists after sensor replacement: The fault has moved to the control board (PCB). PCB replacement or repair requires a professional — do not attempt this yourself.
📞 When to call a professional
Call an appliance engineer if the F44 code returns after a confirmed sensor replacement, as this points to a PCB fault that requires diagnostic tools and component-level repair. Also call immediately if you notice any burning smell, scorched wiring, or the oven trips your consumer unit. When booking, tell the engineer: ‘AEG oven showing F44 — NTC sensor fault, sensor already replaced, possible PCB issue.’
⚖️ Repair or replace?
A professional repair for F44 typically costs £80–£150 for a sensor replacement, or £150–£250 if the PCB is at fault — including call-out. If your AEG oven is under 7 years old and the repair is under £150, repair is almost always the better value. If the oven is over 10 years old and facing a PCB replacement, a new mid-range AEG or equivalent oven (£400–£700) is the more economical long-term choice.