If you spend a lot of time in the kitchen and have a wide variety of kitchen appliances, chances are you’ve seen error codes before. They’re programmed into the appliances and will be displayed to show the user what’s stopping the appliance from running as intended.
You’re here because your oven display says F3 and we’re going to take a look at what the code means and what you can do to counteract it. The meaning of the code can vary slightly depending on the brand. In addition to this, the code’s meaning isn’t always the same for gas and electric ranges.
So, what does it mean?
Most ovens show the F3 error code when there’s something wrong with the temperature sensor, which can be caused by a bad connection between the temperature sensor and the electric oven control or the wire/sensor harness. You can check for bad connections, wire damage, or inaccurate ohm readings – but your best bet is to replace the sensor.
Sometimes, power cycling the oven can cause the error code to go away if it’s caused by a minor bug rather than actual hardware problems. Power cycling is done by unplugging the power cord from the outlet for a couple of minutes and then reinserting it.
But to ensure that the above is true for your oven, we’ve compiled a list of the different brands down below. Before you start reading, I think it’s important to note that we still recommend that you get in contact with the manufacturer’s customer support if you’re having problems with your oven.
GE Oven Displaying F3 Error Code
When an oven from GE displays the F3 code, it usually means there’s something wrong with the oven sensor and it needs to be replaced. The problem can be caused by the wire harness, the control board, or the temperature sensor.
Your GE oven may also flash the F2 error code simultaneously, this also indicates that the oven sensor needs to be replaced. You can find spare sensors online or in local stores, depending on where you live. Websites like Part Wizard tend to keep the spare parts you need.
Make sure you reference the user manual to find out where the sensor is located on your model and make sure the oven is unplugged before you begin the installation. If necessary, contact a professional to do the installation for you.
If the warranty is still active, contact customer support to see how you can use the warranty while doing the repairs.
LG Oven Displaying F3 Error Code
When an LG oven displays the F3 error code it indicates that the keypad control is shorting out. This is usually caused somewhere along the wire harness leading up to the buttons, but it can also be caused by the keypad control itself.
The issue can be reset by restarting the oven but once the problem has started appearing it might do so more frequently. If the error isn’t reset by restarting the oven or if it reappears soon thereafter, you’ll need to replace the keypad assembly.
The keypad assembly can be purchased for $50-100, depending on the model. (This might vary depending on where you are)
Kenmore Oven Displaying F3 Error Code
Most Kenmore ovens display the F3 error code when there’s something wrong with the temperature sensor. The temperature sensor relays the current temperature to the electronic oven control, which then regulates the temperature to match the set temperature.
The problem could be caused by an open connection between the temperature sensor and the electronic oven control.
If you feel comfortable doing minor repairs or troubleshoots, follow the wiring to see if you can find signs of obvious wiring damage or open connections. If the wiring seems to be placed as intended with no signs of damage, the temperature sensor is most likely at fault and needs to be replaced.
You can also contact a repair service to have them check the wiring and do ohm readings on the temperature sensor to see if it’s out of order. Most temperature sensors should have an ohm of 1100 at room temperature.
Thermador Oven Displaying F3 Error Code
Thermador ovens display the F3 error code to indicate that there’s something wrong with the oven’s temperature sensor or the wiring connecting the temperature sensor to the oven control and the sensor harness.
Your best bet is to replace the temperature sensor – but you can do some troubleshooting on your own or contact a certified technician who can help you.
If possible, do ohm readings on the temperature sensor (which you can find behind the oven’s rear wall) to see if it’s working. The readings should give you a value of about 1100 ohms at room temperature. Check the wiring as well to see if there are any bad connections or signs of damage.
Whirlpool Oven Displaying F3 Error Code
The reason why your Whirlpool oven is displaying the F3 error code is that the oven’s open temperature sensor is malfunctioning, which could be caused by the wiring connecting the sensor to the electronic oven control, the control, or the sensor itself.
The wiring to the clock can also cause the F3 E2 error code to appear if it’s damaged or burnt. According to Whirlpool, the temperature sensor should be replaced if the oven display shows the F3 error code. Contact customer support to learn more about the process of replacing the temperature sensor.
Maytag Oven Displaying F3 Error Code
Maytag ovens indicate that the temperature sensor has run into problems and will stop if the display shows the F3 error code. Power cycle the oven to make sure the code isn’t being displayed by a minor bug, this can be done by unplugging the power cord from the outlet for a couple of minutes.
Then, if the problem persists, check the sensor to make sure it’s closed and that the wiring from the sensor to the electric oven control is connected properly.
If the sensor seems to be damaged or burnt, replace the sensor to get your oven up and running again. You should also get in contact with customer support to have them guide you through the process of replacing the temperature sensor and to make sure you get the correct part.
If your oven is displaying the F4 code, that’s caused by a similar issue.
Hotpoint Oven Displaying F3 Error Code
This is an indication that your oven has an open or shorted temperature sensor. This could be caused by loose or damaged wiring between the temperature sensor and the electronic oven control.
Check the wiring to see if any wires are loosely fitted or damaged, and if it turns out that they’re connected properly and in good condition then it’s most likely the sensor malfunctioning. In that case, the sensor might need to be replaced.
But first, try power cycling the oven by pressing and holding the ON/OFF button for 10 seconds. This will reset the control board, which could reset the code. If the code reappears, replace the sensor.
Get in contact with customer support to find out more about the parts you need, the process of replacing them, and to check if your product is under warranty.
Frigidaire Oven Displaying F3 Error Code
Your Frigidaire oven display will say F3 when the temperature sensor is failing or defective. The reason for this can be found by checking for loose wire connections between the temperature sensor and the oven control. While doing so, check for damaged wires too, as they could be the cause of the problem.
If everything seems to be fine but the code still appears, replace the temperature sensor.