The F20 error on your Frigidaire means the oven’s temperature sensor (RTD) circuit has failed, usually because the sensor probe has shorted or gone open. Most homeowners can fix this by replacing the sensor themselves, though a call to a technician is fine if you’re not comfortable working near the oven’s wiring.

Error code F20
Meaning Oven temperature sensor (RTD) circuit failure — the control board is reading a shorted or open sensor signal
Severity Medium — the oven will not heat properly or may lock out until fixed
Time to fix 20–40 minutes
Tools needed Multimeter, screwdriver (Phillips or flat-head depending on model)

What the F20 error means

The F20 code appears when the electronic oven control (EOC) detects a signal from the temperature sensor that falls outside the normal resistance range. This sensor, sometimes called an RTD probe, sits inside the back wall of the oven cavity and continuously reports the internal temperature to the control board so it can cycle the heating elements correctly.

When the sensor circuit shorts out or breaks, the control board can’t get a reliable reading, so it throws the F20 fault and often shuts down the heating elements as a safety measure. This is similar in nature to how other Frigidaire appliances flag sensor faults — for example, refrigerator owners dealing with the Frigidaire EF Error Code are seeing a comparable sensor communication issue, just on a different part of the appliance.

Common causes

  • A failed or degraded temperature sensor (RTD probe) inside the oven cavity
  • Loose, corroded, or damaged wiring connector between the sensor and the control board
  • Sensor probe touching the oven wall or a rack, causing a false reading
  • Moisture or grease buildup on the sensor connector causing a short
  • A faulty electronic oven control board misreading a good sensor signal
  • Damage to the sensor wire from high heat over years of use

How to fix the F20 error

  1. Power down the oven: Turn off power at the breaker for at least one minute, then restore power to see if the code clears on its own.
  2. Check the sensor position: Open the oven and make sure the temperature sensor probe isn’t touching the cavity wall or an oven rack, as contact can cause a false reading.
  3. Inspect the wiring: Pull the oven away from the wall (with power off) and check the sensor’s wire harness for burns, corrosion, or a loose connection at the back of the unit.
  4. Test the sensor resistance: Unplug the sensor and use a multimeter to check its resistance, generally around 1,080 ohms at room temperature (check your model’s spec). A reading of zero or infinite ohms confirms a failed sensor.
  5. Replace the sensor if needed: If the reading is out of range, order the correct replacement part for your model and swap it in — this usually takes a few screws and a connector.
  6. Call a technician if the code persists: If a new sensor doesn’t clear F20, the control board itself may need replacing, which is best left to a professional.

FAQ

Can I keep using the oven with an F20 error showing?
No. The control board usually disables the heating elements when this fault appears, so the oven won’t heat safely until the sensor issue is resolved.

How much does a replacement temperature sensor cost?
The part itself typically costs between $20 and $60, and self-installation takes under an hour with basic tools. A technician visit will add labor costs on top of that.

Will unplugging the oven reset the F20 code?
Sometimes. A power cycle can clear a one-off glitch, but if the sensor or wiring is genuinely faulty, the code will return once the oven heats up again.