GE Microwave F3 Code: Meaning & Fixes
- Meaning
- Shorted touch pad: the microwave control reads a touch pad key as shorted or held down. On GE microwave drawers, F3 means a key has been activated for more than 60 seconds.
- Can I fix it?
- Sometimes, may need a pro
- Seen on
- GE countertop, over-the-range and built-in microwaves, Advantium 240 V ovens and GE microwave drawers. This is not the GE range and wall oven F3, which points to the oven sensor.
F3 on a GE microwave is a touch pad fault: GE lists it as a shorted touch pad panel. On GE microwave drawers, F3 means a key has been activated for more than 60 seconds. Dry the control panel, then turn off the breaker for 30 seconds. If F3 keeps coming back, the microwave needs service.
Try this first
- Press Clear/Off (Cancel/Off on microwave drawers) to clear the display.
- Wipe and dry the control panel thoroughly. Liquid on the panel can make a key read as pressed.
- Turn off the circuit breaker or fuse for the microwave for 30 seconds, or unplug it, then restore power.
- If F3 comes back, schedule service.
What causes F3
| Cause | What you notice | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Liquid on the control panel | F3 after cleaning the panel or a spill | Dry the panel thoroughly |
| Key pressed or stuck for too long | F3 on a microwave drawer after a key was held | Press Cancel/Off and check that no key is stuck |
| Shorted touch pad panel | F3 returns after a reset with a dry panel | Needs a technician |
| Control fault | F3 persists with a new touch pad | Needs a technician |
Fix it step by step
Tap a step number to tick it off as you go. Ticks stay on this device.
-
Clear the code
Press Clear/Off, or Cancel/Off on a microwave drawer. On an Advantium, clear the code and reprogram the cooking function.
-
Dry the panel
Wipe the control panel with a soft cloth and dry it fully. Don't spray cleaner directly onto the panel.
-
Reset the power
Turn off the circuit breaker or fuse that supplies the microwave for 30 seconds, or unplug a countertop model, then restore power.
Safety: Never remove the outer cabinet or the control panel. A microwave holds a high-voltage capacitor that can stay charged after it is unplugged and can deliver a lethal shock.
-
Test
Run a short heating cycle. If F3 returns, stop using the microwave and schedule service.
When to call a technician
If F3 returns after the panel is dry and the power has been reset, the touch pad or control needs a trained service technician. Don't open the microwave to check the keypad yourself.
Questions people ask
Is the GE microwave F3 the same as the GE oven F3?
No. On a GE microwave, F3 is a shorted touch pad. On a GE range or wall oven, F3 usually means the oven sensor needs replacing.
Can I replace the touch pad myself?
Not safely. The touch pad connects inside the cabinet, near a high-voltage capacitor that can hold a lethal charge. Have a technician do it.
Why does my GE microwave drawer show F3?
GE says F3 on a microwave drawer means a key has been activated for more than 60 seconds, often because of liquid on the control panel. Press Cancel/Off and dry the panel.