Ge Oven F3 Error Code: Causes and Fixes

The F3 error on your Ge Oven means the oven temperature sensor (RTD probe) circuit is open or shorted, so the control board can’t get an accurate reading of the oven cavity temperature. This usually points to a faulty sensor or a wiring problem, and it’s fixable in most cases without calling a technician.

What the F3 error means

Your GE oven uses a temperature sensor (also called an RTD probe) mounted at the back of the oven cavity to constantly monitor internal temperature. This sensor sends a resistance signal to the control board, which adjusts the heating elements accordingly. When the board detects that the signal is out of range — either too high (open circuit) or too low (short circuit) — it flags an F3 error and often stops the bake cycle to prevent overheating or uneven cooking.

Common causes

• Faulty or worn out oven temperature sensor
• Loose or corroded wiring connection between the sensor and control board
• Sensor probe touching the oven wall or a rack, causing a false reading
• Damaged wire harness from heat exposure over time
• Control board malfunction reading the sensor signal incorrectly
• Sensor probe physically damaged or cracked

How to fix the F3 error

1. Power cycle the oven: Turn off the oven at the breaker for 5 minutes, then restore power. This clears temporary faults and lets the control board reset.
2. Check the sensor position: Open the oven and make sure the sensor probe isn’t touching the oven wall, rack, or any metal surface, as this can cause inaccurate readings.
3. Inspect the wiring: Unplug the oven, remove the back panel if accessible, and check the sensor’s wire connections for looseness, corrosion, or heat damage.
4. Test the sensor with a multimeter: Unplug the oven and disconnect the sensor. At room temperature, resistance should read around 1,080 ohms (check your model’s spec sheet for exact values). A reading far outside this range means the sensor needs replacing.
5. Replace the sensor if faulty: If the multimeter test fails, order a replacement sensor for your exact GE model and swap it out — this usually takes under 20 minutes with a screwdriver.
6. Call a technician if the error persists: If the sensor tests fine and the error still shows, the control board itself may be at fault and should be checked by a professional.

FAQ

Can I still use my oven with an F3 error showing?
It’s not recommended. The oven may not maintain accurate temperature, leading to undercooked or overcooked food, and some models will disable baking entirely until the fault clears.

Is the oven temperature sensor expensive to replace?
No, replacement sensors are generally inexpensive and the job is straightforward enough for most homeowners to do themselves with basic tools.

Will resetting the breaker permanently fix the F3 error?
Sometimes it clears a one-off glitch, but if the error returns after cooking a few times, the sensor or wiring likely needs attention rather than just a reset.