GE Oven F3 Code: Meaning & Fixes
- Meaning
- Open oven sensor: the control is not getting a reading from the oven temperature sensor.
- Can I fix it?
- Sometimes, may need a pro
- Seen on
- Many GE, GE Profile and Hotpoint ranges and wall ovens with electronic controls.
GE says F3 usually means the oven sensor needs to be replaced, and recommends keeping the range off at the breaker until it’s repaired. The sensor is one of the easier oven parts to change. On most models it sits on the back wall of the oven, and you can test it with a multimeter before you order a new one.
Try this first
- Turn the oven off at the breaker for one minute, then back on.
- Let the oven cool, then check that the sensor on the back wall isn't bent or damaged.
- If F3 comes back, the sensor or its plug needs checking.
What causes F3
| Cause | What you notice | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Failed oven temperature sensor | F3 every time you turn the oven on | Test the sensor with a multimeter |
| Loose sensor plug | F3 comes and goes | The plug behind the sensor |
| Damaged wiring behind the oven | Sensor tests fine but F3 stays | Needs a technician |
| Control board fault | Sensor and wiring both test fine | Needs a technician |
Fix it step by step
Tap a step number to tick it off as you go. Ticks stay on this device.
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Cut the power and let it cool
Switch the oven off at the circuit breaker and wait until the oven is cold.
Safety: Work only with the breaker off. The back of the oven carries mains voltage. On a gas range, if you smell gas, don't touch any switches. Leave the house and call your gas utility from outside.
-
Pull the sensor forward
On most models the sensor is a thin rod on the upper back wall, held by two screws. Remove the screws and pull it gently forward a few inches until you see the plug.
Safety: Don't pull hard. On some models the plug sits behind the oven and can't be reached from inside; if so, stop and call a technician.
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Test the sensor
Unplug it and measure resistance across the two pins with a multimeter. A working sensor reads about 1,100 ohms at room temperature. No reading means the sensor is open and needs replacing.
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Replace or reseat
If the sensor tests fine, push the plug firmly together and refit it. If it doesn't, fit a new sensor that matches your model number, plug it in and screw it back.
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Test the oven
Restore power, set the oven to 350°F and check that it heats without F3.
When to call a technician
If a new or tested sensor doesn't clear F3, the fault is in the wiring behind the oven or in the control board. A technician should test those, because it means pulling the range out and working near mains wiring.
Questions people ask
What's the difference between F2 and F3 on a GE oven?
F2 means the oven got too hot, or the sensor says it did. F3 means the control gets no reading from the sensor at all.
Can I use the oven with an F3 code?
No. Without a sensor reading the oven won't heat properly. GE recommends leaving the range off at the breaker until it's repaired.
Where do I find my GE oven model number?
Look on the label around the oven door frame, on the side of the storage drawer opening or under the cooktop. You need it to order the right sensor.