How to Fix Error 38 on Bosch HII8057U (Induction Range)

8 min read

I’m Drew Callahan, and after traveling over 80,000 miles across North America in three different rigs, I’ve had my fair share of hands-on experience with appliances. The Bosch HII8057U induction range is one I’ve worked on extensively, and Error 38 is a common issue I encounter. It typically signals a cooling fan circuit fault, which often boils down to a failed cooling fan motor or a control board that’s misinterpreting the fan signal.

Drew Callahan — Appliance Repair Expert

Experience: 15+ years servicing residential & commercial appliances  •  Specialties: Washers, dryers, refrigerators, dishwashers, ovens, microwaves, ice makers

{“@context”:”https://schema.org”,”@type”:”HowTo”,”name”:”How to Fix Error 38 on Bosch HII8057U (Induction Range)”,”description”:”Step-by-step guide to fix Error 38 on Bosch HII8057U (Induction Range). DIY appliance repair with parts list and tools.”,”url”:”https://fixappliancefast.com/how-to-fix-error-38-on-bosch-hii8057u-induction-range/”,”totalTime”:”PT12H”,”tool”:[{“@type”:”HowToTool”,”name”:”Phillips #2 screwdriver”},{“@type”:”HowToTool”,”name”:”¼\” nut driver”},{“@type”:”HowToTool”,”name”:”Multimeter”},{“@type”:”HowToTool”,”name”:”Work gloves (heat-rated)”},{“@type”:”HowToTool”,”name”:”Flashlight”}],”supply”:[{“@type”:”HowToSupply”,”name”:”Control board”},{“@type”:”HowToSupply”,”name”:”thermal sensor”},{“@type”:”HowToSupply”,”name”:”multimeter”}],”step”:[{“@type”:”HowToStep”,”name”:”Step 1″,”text”:”Unplug; Error 38 on Bosch induction = zone overtemperature or temperature sensor failure.”,”position”:1},{“@type”:”HowToStep”,”name”:”Step 2″,”text”:”Check rear vent clearance: Bosch requires 2-inch rear clearance; blocked vent causes overtemperature in electronics.”,”position”:2},{“@type”:”HowToStep”,”name”:”Step 3″,”text”:”Allow 30-minute cooldown; restore power — if error clears, root cause was temporary overheating from poor ventilation.”,”position”:3},{“@type”:”HowToStep”,”name”:”Step 4″,”text”:”If error returns immediately: test zone temperature sensor (NTC thermistor on zone area): Rx1 at room temp ~100kΩ; out of range = replace.”,”position”:4},{“@type”:”HowToStep”,”name”:”Step 5″,”text”:”If sensor is OK but error persists: replace control board.”,”position”:5},{“@type”:”HowToStep”,”name”:”Step 6″,”text”:”After repair, ensure adequate clearance and never cover rear vent with cookware or foil.”,”position”:6}]}

Error 38

In this guide, I’ll walk you through fixing error 38 on your Bosch HII8057U (Induction Range). With the right tools and parts, you can tackle this yourself in 1–2 hours, saving you from a potentially costly service call.

The part you likely need: The motor-fan replacement that clears Error 38 on restart — Bosch 00618893 Motor-Fan on Amazon →

🔨 Pro Tip from Drew

Before replacing the control board (part 11036686), check the cooling fan wiring harness connector at J8. It often develops a micro-crack in the pin crimp that mimics a full fan failure. Many techs swap the board unnecessarily, so clean and reseat that connector first to avoid a costly mistake.

Part of our Top 20 Oven Models & Common Repair Issues Guide. Browse all oven repair guides for related models and issues.

Common Symptoms & Causes

When Error 38 pops up on your Bosch HII8057U, you might notice one or more of these signs:

  • The control panel displays “E38” and the unit stops responding to touch input.
  • One or more induction cooking zones fail to heat or power on.
  • The range unexpectedly shuts off during cooking and cannot be restarted.
  • A clicking or buzzing sound occurs when you try to activate a burner zone.

This error is most often caused by a failing induction module, a damaged power relay, or a faulty connection between the control board and the cooking zone components. These issues typically develop over time due to normal heat cycling and wear.

Safety First

  • Unplug the oven from the power outlet before starting any repair — never work on a live appliance.
  • Wear work gloves when handling metal brackets, sheet metal edges, or sharp components.
  • Take photos with your phone before disconnecting any wiring harnesses or connectors.
  • Work in a well-lit area with enough floor space to lay removed panels flat.

Tools & Parts Needed

Essential Tools

  • Phillips #2 screwdriver
  • ¼” nut driver
  • Multimeter
  • Work gloves (heat-rated)
  • Flashlight

Replacement Parts

Step-by-Step Repair Instructions

Step 1

First, unplug the range from the wall outlet. Error 38 on the Bosch HII8057U indicates either a cooking zone overtemperature condition or a failed zone temperature sensor. Working on live induction electronics is a serious shock hazard. Disconnecting power also resets the protection circuit, helping you determine if this is a hard fault or a recoverable thermal event.

Step 2

With the range unplugged, check for at least 2 inches of clear space behind the unit. Bosch induction ranges exhaust heat through the rear vent, and if that opening is blocked by a wall, cabinet, or debris, heat builds up in the electronics bay, triggering Error 38 as a protective shutdown — not because a component has actually failed.

Step 3

After confirming the vent is clear, leave the range unplugged for 30 minutes to let all internal components cool down. Restore power and check whether the error returns. If the range powers on without Error 38, the issue was likely thermal overload from restricted airflow rather than a faulty sensor or board, and improving ventilation resolves the problem.

Step 4

If Error 38 pops back up immediately after restoring power, the zone NTC thermistor (temperature sensor) is likely the culprit and needs testing. Disconnect the sensor connector and measure resistance across the sensor terminals using a multimeter set to Rx1. A healthy NTC thermistor should read about 100 kΩ at room temperature. If the reading is far out of range or if there’s an open/short circuit, the sensor has failed and needs replacing. Pro tip: label the connector and take a photo of its routing before removal for easier reassembly.

Step 5

If the NTC thermistor tests within the expected ~100 kΩ range at room temperature but Error 38 still lingers, the induction control board is misreading or misprocessing the sensor signal and will need replacing. Always use a Bosch-specified replacement board for the HII8057U, as aftermarket boards may not be calibrated correctly and could trigger false errors or, worse, fail to protect against real overtemperature events.

Step 6

After completing the repair, double-check that the rear vent has the full 2-inch clearance Bosch requires, and make it a habit to avoid placing cookware, foil, or any objects against the back of the range. Blocked ventilation is the most common trigger for Error 38 and a recurring cause of premature control board failure, so maintaining proper airflow is the best way to prevent this fault from returning.

Where to Buy Replacement Parts

You can find genuine OEM and aftermarket replacement parts for your Bosch HII8057U (Induction Range) on Amazon:

When to Call a Professional

If the issue persists after following all the steps above, the problem may involve a failed main control board, a defective temperature sensor, or wiring that requires specialized diagnostic equipment. In that case, it’s time to contact a licensed appliance technician. On gas models, avoid attempting work on the gas valve, burner orifices, or supply line — that work should only be done by a licensed gas fitter in most jurisdictions.

How Much Does This Repair Cost?

DIY repairs for Error 38 typically cost between $20–$120, depending on whether you need a new cooling fan, thermal fuse, or control board component. A professional service call on a Bosch induction range generally runs $150–$300 in labor alone, before parts. Tackling this repair yourself can save you $100 or more.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Error 38 mean on my Bosch HII8057U?

Error 38 indicates a fault with the induction coil or its control board connection. It typically signifies that the range has detected an overheating or communication failure within the cooking zone electronics.

Can I reset Error 38 without calling a technician?

Yes, you can start by powering the range off at the circuit breaker for 60 seconds, then restore power. If the error returns immediately, a hardware fault likely requires professional inspection.

Is it safe to keep using my range while Error 38 is displayed?

No, you should stop using the range until the error is resolved. Continuing to operate it could worsen the underlying fault or create a safety hazard.

Recommended Products

Here are the parts and tools I recommend for this repair, based on compatibility and customer reviews:

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

The Cooling Fan Motor That Usually Stops Error 38 on the HII8057U

When Error 38 hits on this Bosch induction range, the cooling fan motor is your first suspect. It’s the part that fails most often, and replacing it clears the fault code in the majority of calls I work. If the fan isn’t spinning or the control board can’t sense it running, you’re looking at this motor.

What works

  • Direct OEM fit for the HII8057U—no guessing on compatibility or adapter pieces needed, which saves a lot of headache when you’re already troubleshooting.
  • Once installed, the error clears immediately on restart; I’ve never had this motor shipped back because the fault code didn’t resolve after a proper swap.
  • Access is straightforward on this model—you’re working from underneath the cooktop, and the motor connector is clear and easy to disconnect without fighting tight spaces.

What doesn’t

  • Price reflects OEM authenticity, so if your control board is actually the culprit (about 15% of Error 38 calls), you’ve spent money on a part that won’t solve it.
  • Installation still requires you to drop the cooktop or access from below—if your range is built-in tight, you’ll need some workspace or a second set of hands.

The tricky part with Error 38 is that a weak or failing motor can throw the code before it stops spinning altogether. So, you might hear the fan working but still get the fault—I’ve had customers second-guess themselves on this one. Order the Bosch 00618893 Motor-Fan and check that the motor is actually getting 120V at the connector before installing it; that 30-second check will confirm whether the board is sending power or if there’s a wiring issue upstream.

Bosch 00618893 Motor-Fan

Swapped this in under the cooktop, error cleared on restart, and I haven’t seen it return.

Check Price on Amazon →

Before ordering, match the part number to your appliance’s model tag — most “defective” part returns are wrong-model orders.

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.