Legacy Thermador Cooktop c2 / c3 on CIT365DS and CIT304E Induction Units: Element Overheated, Deactivated

What c2 / c3 means

Both c2 and c3 appear on older CIT365DS and CIT304E induction cooktops when an element has overheated and been deactivated automatically to protect the cooktop. The two numbers share one explanation in the manual. You will see the display change and the element go cold. Wait a few minutes for it to cool, then switch it back on.

Usual causes of c2 / c3

Element overheated during heavy use
Empty or dry cookware on the element
Poor cookware contact with the glass
Overheat protection triggering too easily

✓ A safe check worth trying

1. Turn the element off and take the pan away. 2. Wait a few minutes for the cooktop to cool. 3. Switch it back on and use a lower setting. 4. If c2 or c3 returns quickly, leave it off and call for service.

! Why you should stop here

Repeat overheating suggests a sensor or board problem that needs testing.
Working inside an induction cooktop exposes high-voltage electronics.
Written price first; older parts are confirmed by model number.

Taking off a panel yourself does not by default void a manufacturer warranty, yet it can lead to accidental damage, and some manufacturers attach their own service terms. Read your warranty paperwork, or ask us, before you decide.

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More Cooktop codes

U400Thermador Cooktop U400 Voltage Error Code E7015Thermador Cooktop E7015 on Current Masterpiece and Freedom Induction Models: Electronics Overheated E8207Thermador Cooktop E8207, Current Masterpiece and Freedom Induction: Zone Shut Off, Electronics Hot E8208Thermador Cooktop E8208 on Current Induction Models (Masterpiece/Freedom): Overheated Electronics F0Legacy Thermador Cooktop F0 on Older CIT365GB-Series Induction Units: Cooking Sensor Defective (Older Meaning) F2Older Thermador Cooktop F2 on CIT365GB-Series Induction Units: Element Too Hot (Not the Current Meaning) F3Thermador Cooktop F3 on Older CIT365GB-Series Induction Units: Cooking Sensor Too Hot (Legacy Meaning) F4Older Thermador Cooktop F4, CIT365GB-Series Induction: Pan Too Close to Control Panel (Legacy)

c2 / c3c2 / c3 questions

Are c2 and c3 different?

The manual groups them with one meaning: the element overheated and was automatically deactivated. A technician can tell which one points to which zone, so note which appears.

How long should I wait?

The manual says to wait a few minutes for it to cool, then switch it back on. If the code returns right away, the cooktop is not shedding heat properly.

Does this relate to current Thermador codes?

Not directly. Current induction cooktops use different tables, such as overheated electronics under F2 and F4. This page covers the older CIT365DS and CIT304E display only.