The F23 error on your Frigidaire means the oven control has detected a problem with the oven temperature sensor (RTD) circuit, usually a short. Turn off the oven at the breaker for a minute, then check the sensor and its wiring before calling for service.
| Error code | F23 |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Oven temperature sensor (RTD) circuit shorted or reading out of range |
| Severity | Medium — the oven may not heat correctly or may lock out until fixed |
| Time to fix | 15–40 minutes |
| Tools needed | Multimeter, screwdriver |
What the F23 error means
Frigidaire ovens use a resistance temperature detector (RTD) mounted at the back of the oven cavity to monitor internal temperature. The F23 code appears when the control board detects a resistance reading from this sensor that falls outside the expected range, usually because of a short in the sensor itself or its wiring harness. When this happens, the oven control cannot trust the temperature reading, so it stops the heating cycle to prevent overheating.
This is similar in concept to how sensor-related fault codes work on other appliances, such as the issues covered in the Frigidaire EF Error Code: Causes and Fixes guide, where a faulty sensor circuit triggers a lockout for safety.
Common causes
- Oven temperature sensor (RTD) has failed internally and is shorted
- Damaged, pinched, or melted wiring between the sensor and the control board
- Loose or corroded wire connector at the back of the oven cavity
- Sensor probe touching the oven wall or a rack, causing an inaccurate reading
- Moisture or grease buildup on the sensor connector causing a short
- Faulty main control board (less common, but possible)
How to fix the F23 error
- Power cycle the oven: Turn off power at the circuit breaker for 60 seconds, then restore it. This clears temporary faults and lets the control board re-read the sensor.
- Check sensor placement: Open the oven and confirm the sensor probe at the back wall is not touching the oven’s metal surface or a rack, as contact can cause a false short reading.
- Inspect the wiring: With power disconnected, pull the oven from the wall or open the back access panel and check the sensor’s wiring for pinches, burns, or loose connections at the plug.
- Test the sensor with a multimeter: Unplug the oven, disconnect the sensor, and measure resistance across its terminals. A properly working RTD reads around 1,080 ohms at room temperature (roughly 70°F/21°C). A reading of zero, infinite, or wildly off suggests a shorted or open sensor that needs replacing.
- Replace the sensor if faulty: If the resistance test fails, order a Frigidaire-compatible oven temperature sensor, remove the two mounting screws, unplug the old one, and install the replacement.
- Call a technician if the error persists: If the sensor and wiring test fine but F23 keeps appearing, the main control board may be misreading the signal and should be inspected by an appliance repair professional.
FAQ
Can I still use my oven if it shows F23?
No. The oven will likely stop heating or refuse to start a bake cycle until the sensor fault is cleared, since the control needs accurate temperature data to operate safely.
Is the oven temperature sensor expensive to replace?
The part itself is generally inexpensive, and replacement is a straightforward DIY job for most homeowners with basic tools, typically taking under 30 minutes.
Will resetting the breaker permanently fix F23?
A power cycle can clear the code temporarily, but if the sensor or wiring is genuinely faulty, the F23 error will return once the oven heats up again.