Alto-Shaam CT Express Combi Error Code E102: Ventless Hood Filters
E102 Ventless Hood Fault -- Filters Not Present means the ventless hood filter safety switches are not properly activated. Check that the grease and charcoal filters are installed, and call for service if it stays.
Medium: the hood cannot confirm its filters and the oven may not vent.
- Code
- E102
- Maker
- Alto-Shaam
- Equipment
- Combi ovens
- Applies to
- CT Express 4-10ESi, 4-10ESiVH, 4-10CCi, CTX4-10E, CTX4-10EC, CTX4-10EVH
What does Alto-Shaam error code E102 mean?
A ventless hood cleans the oven's exhaust with grease and charcoal filters. Safety switches confirm the filters are in place before the oven vents. If those switches are not properly activated, the control posts E102 Ventless Hood Fault -- Filters Not Present. The CT Express manual lists three causes: a grease or charcoal filter that is not installed, a filter switch that has failed, and a poor connection at the safety switch or relay board. The manual's actions are to check that the grease and charcoal filters are installed and to check the filter switch and its connection. The first check is one an operator can do. If both filters are in and seated, the switch or its connection is the next suspect. This number is specific to the CT Express controller. The CT PROformance and CT Classic ovens use E102 for a similar ventless hood message but with a different checklist.
Affected models and control systems
CT Express combis with a ventless hood: 4-10ESi, 4-10ESiVH, 4-10CCi, CTX4-10E, CTX4-10EC and CTX4-10EVH.
Code numbers and their meaning can change between control generations. We match the full model and control before acting on a code.
What you may notice
- E102 Ventless Hood message on the display
- Hood not running or the oven not venting
- A filter sitting loose in its holder
Possible causes
Listed in Alto-Shaam's documentation
- Grease or charcoal filter not installed
- Filter switch failure
- Poor connection at the safety switch or relay board
Other likely causes — what usually sits behind error code E102 on this control. A technician confirms which one it is before any part is replaced.
- A filter that is installed but sitting slightly crooked so its switch does not press
- Charcoal filter swapped for the wrong type that does not reach the switch
Safe checks before calling for service
- Check that both the grease and charcoal filters are in the hood.
- Seat each filter fully in its holder.
- Turn the oven off and on once.
- If E102 returns, tell the technician which filters you have and when you last changed them.
How a technician diagnoses error code E102
- Read the code and confirm the hood option.
- Check both filters are fitted and seated.
- Check the filter switch operation with a meter.
- Inspect the connection at the safety switch and relay board.
- Replace the switch or repair the connection that fails.
- The safety switch wiring leads to the relay board with live voltage.
- Switch tests need a meter.
- Grease buildup in a hood is a fire risk.
How error code E102 differs from similar codes
E103 on the CT Express reports a hood pressure failure; E102 reports the filter switches.
Technical reference
- Document
- Combitherm CT Express Technical Manual (4-10ESi, 4-10ESiVH, 4-10CCi, CTX4-10E, CTX4-10EC, CTX4-10EVH)
- Maker documentation
- Alto-Shaam owner support
- Edition
- MN-36008 (Rev. 9) 03/16
- Models / control
- CT Express 4-10ESi, 4-10ESiVH, 4-10CCi, CTX4-10E, CTX4-10EC, CTX4-10EVH
- Section
- Section C, Error Codes, pp. C-3 to C-8
- Checked
- October 2026
We use the maker's document to read the code and do not reproduce it. Always confirm the complete model and control before applying these steps.
Related Alto-Shaam combi oven error codes
Which filters does it check?
Grease and charcoal filters.
Is it the same as E102 on a CT Classic?
The ventless hood idea is similar, but the checklist differs.
Will new filters fix it?
If the filter was missing or unseated, yes.
Need help with Alto-Shaam error code E102?
A technician confirms the cause on site and gives you the price in writing before any work starts.