Most kitchen appliances come with error codes, these codes are triggered by different things and can, therefore, be used to troubleshoot the device. While the meaning of the code can differ slightly from one model to the next, they’re often used to describe similar things. Ovens, regardless of whether they’re gas or electric, also come with error codes. I’m guessing you’ve run into one. Let’s get it sorted out.
Most ovens display the F2 error code when the oven’s inner temperature has exceeded the set threshold. This can be caused by damaged elements that remain on for too long, faulty sensors that register the wrong temperature, damaged wires, or a malfunctioning control board. Your best bet is to replace the oven’s control board (relay board) or sensors. Contact a specialist if you don’t have the experience.
You can oftentimes find replacement parts by searching for the part online or contacting customer support.
We’ve compiled a list that showcases the meaning of the error code on some of the most popular brands and models, because the meaning of the code may vary depending on the model and brand. Scroll down to find your brand in the list below.
Warning: Remember to disconnect your oven from the wall socket before you troubleshoot the oven. Always contact customer support before you make any adjustments to your appliance. If the appliance is under warranty, you may void the warranty by removing parts.
We’ll be talking a lot about sensors, control boards, heating elements, and wires. Where these are located can also differ depending on the oven. However, to give you an idea of where you start looking, I’ve included a short list below that tells you where these parts usually are placed.
- Sensors: The temperature sensors are oftentimes placed in the back of the oven cavity. Look for thin metal cylinders in the upper left and right corner. They’re usually mounted to the back of the oven cavity with screws.
- Heating elements: The heating elements are found within the oven’s cavity. It’s the curled metal-rod that’s found at the top of the oven.
- Control board: The control board can be found by removing the panels in the back of the oven. An oven will usually have 1-2 panels, a small one at the top and a large one beneath it. Remove both and you should find your control board. It’s the board where all wires are connected. If you decide to remove it – take a photo to remember where all wires go, as it will be quite difficult to assemble it accordingly without assistance.
- Wires: These are found within the oven. In order to see the wires and where they connect, one must remove the panel (or panels) in the back of the oven.
Whirlpool Oven F2 Error Code
Whirlpool Ovens show the F2 error code if the measured temperature within the oven is too high. This doesn’t necessarily mean that the actual temperature inside the oven is too high, but it could. The reason for that is that the temperature is measured by the control board and the sensors.
If any of these are faulty, the readings they display will also be faulty. It could also be caused by loose wires or a malfunction in the door lock mechanism that self-cleaning ovens have.
Malfunctioning control boards or sensors do a bad job regulating temperature and should, therefore, not be trusted.
What To Do When Your Whirlpool Oven Says F2
While most of the repairs are best left to experienced professionals, there are some things you can do by yourself. Troubleshooting is a good start. Without experience, I would leave the following to someone with more knowledge in the field – but here’s what you can do.
- For self-cleaning models: Inspect the door lock-mechanism to see if you can identify any physical damage to it. See if something prevents it from locking.
- Inspect the bake and broil relays to make sure all wires are connected properly. If any damage is evident, you may have to replace the control board. Handle the control board with care and make sure you know what you’re doing if you decide to re-connect loose wires by yourself.
- Check the wires to ensure there’s no signs of physical damage to them.
- Check the sensors, the sensor harness and connection to make sure they’re working as intended and connected to the control board properly. Also, measure the resistance in the sensor circuit to make sure it’s within working range.
GE Oven F2 Error Code
If a GE oven displays the F2 error code, then it’s because the temperature has surpassed the preset threshold for the appliance. Most ovens are programmed to shut down when certain they reach certain temperatures outside of what’s considered “safe”. If the oven measures such temperatures, it could be caused by malfunctioning sensors or a damaged control board.
What To Do When Your GE Oven Says F2
We must troubleshoot the oven’s temperature sensors. The sensors are metal rods exposed to resistance, and the amount varies depending on the temperature. The more resistance, the higher the temperature registered by the control board.
- Start by disconnecting the oven range and reconnecting it again after 5 minutes. If you can continue using the oven long-term after simply reseting it without ever getting the same error code, then you’re good to go. However, to reset an oven is most likely just a temporary fix, and I recommend troubleshooting further.
- Test the sensors with an ohmmeter to see if the resistance measured is within the expected range (1080-1090 ohms). To do this you must find the sensors and unplug them from the oven. Insert the ohm meter into the sensors plug receptables and check the reading. If the reading shows a number larger than 1080-1090 ohms, you’ve got bad sensors and need to replace them.
- Check the wires to ensure there’s no signs of physical damage to them.
- If the sensors seem to be working fine, then it’s most likely the control board that’s going haywire. The control board may have been damaged by either high temperature or a short circuit. Repairing a control board is no easy task, therefore, we recommend ordering a replacement control board if yours is damaged.
Kenmore Oven F2 Error Code
A Kenmore Oven will display the F2 error code when the temperature measured by the oven’s sensors is too high. This could mean that the oven is having problems regulating temperature, oftentimes because the control board or sensors are faulty.
However, a damaged heating element can also be what’s causing your oven to overheat. A burnt element can remain on even when the oven is at the desired temperature.
What To Do When Your Kenmore Oven Says F2
- Remove the sensor probe from within the oven to test it using an ohmmeter to see if it’s resistance is within the proper range. The sensor can be considered fine if it measures circa 1100 ohm. So, if that’s the case, continue troubleshooting. Otherwise, replace the sensor probe.
- Check the heating element for physical signs of damage. Disconnect the heating elements and test them using an ohm meter to see if they’re shorted to the ground.
- Check the control board to see if any connections are loose or if any wires are damaged.
JennAir Oven F2 Error Code
A Jenn Air Oven will display the F2 error code if the temperature measured within the oven exceeds the safety limit. This could be caused by faulty sensors, damaged wires, a malfunctioning heating element, or a faulty relay board.
What To Do When Your Jenn Air Oven Says F2
- Locate the sensors in the oven and follow the wires connecting the sensors to the control board and measure the resistance using an ohm meter. It should register about 1050-1100 ohms. If the sensors don’t seem to be working as intended, have them replaced. Your best bet is to either replace the sensors or the control board.
- Check both the broiler and the bake elements to make sure they’re in good condition. A damaged or malfunctioning heating element could distribute more heat than needed and remain on even when it should be toggled off.
- Inspect the relay board to see if there are any signs of physical damage to the board or the wires connecting to the board. Remember, even if the control board doesn’t have signs of physical damage, the board can still be faulty. If nothing else seems to be malfunctioning, your best bet is to replace the control board.
HotPoint Oven F2 Error Code
A HotPoint Oven will show the F2 error code if the temperature inside the oven exceeds 590 degrees Fahrenheit with the door unlocked. The HotPoint oven can display this error code when the sensors are malfunctioning, the wires or heating elements are damaged, or if the control board is faulty.
What To Do When Your HotPoint Oven Says F2
- Locate the sensors in the oven and follow the wires connecting the sensors to the control board and measure the resistance using an ohm meter. It should register about 1050-1100 ohms.
- Check both the broiler and the bake elements to make sure they’re in good condition. A damaged or malfunctioning heating element could distribute more heat than needed and remain on even when it should be toggled off.
- Inspect the relay board to see if there are any signs of physical damage to the board or the wires connecting to the board. Remember, even if the control board doesn’t have signs of physical damage, the board can still be faulty. If nothing else seems to be malfunctioning, your best bet is to replace the control board.
LG Oven F2 Error Code
An LG oven will display the F2 error code when the oven’s temperature sensor is faulty. This can be the result of a short-circuit or damaged wires. Replacing the sensors is typically the solution to the problem. The error could also indicate a problem with the door locking mechanism, depending on which model you’ve got.
What To Do When Your LG Oven Says F2
- Locate the sensors inside the oven’s cavity. The sensors are metal rods found in the back of the oven’s cavity. It’s a thin 2-3 inch metal cylinder. You should be able to unscrew the metal rods and remove them. You can order new parts online or contact customer support for more information about replacement parts. I recommend consulting a technician of sorts for the repair if you don’t have faith in your own expertise.