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GE Appliances Oven Error Code F3

Reviewed by the ApplianceErrors Editorial Team · Verified against manufacturer service documentation · Last verified: June 10, 2026
High Severity 🔧 Easy DIY

Oven temperature sensor open circuit

The most common cause of the F3 error on a GE Appliances oven is sensor failure (open circuit) (~65% of cases); start with: test the sensor.

💰 DIY cost: $20–$55 👨‍🔧 Pro cost: $150–$280 Save $130+ by doing it yourself
GE Appliances Oven error code F3 on the display panel
How the F3 code appears on a GE Appliances oven display

What Does Error Code F3 Mean on a GE Appliances Oven?

Oven temperature sensor open circuit.

F3 fires when the control board (ERC) reads infinite resistance on the RTD oven temperature sensor circuit, indicating an open condition rather than a value outside range. A healthy GE sensor measures roughly 1,080 ohms at room temperature; an open reading (OL/∞) means the board receives no usable feedback and disables heating for safety. This distinguishes it from F4, which typically flags a shorted or out-of-range sensor, and from F2, an over-temperature condition where the sensor is still reporting.

Models affected: GE, GE Profile, Hotpoint, and RCA electric ranges sharing the GE platform
What owners report: Owners commonly report F3 appearing at power-up or partway into a bake or preheat, often with the oven refusing to heat. A loose or corroded sensor connector can mimic a failed sensor, so reseating it is worth trying first; many find that swapping the inexpensive sensor clears the code for good.

What Causes Error Code F3?

Here are the most common causes in order of frequency. Start with the most likely cause before moving to the next:

  1. 1
    Sensor failure (open circuit) 65% of cases
  2. 2
    Sensor connector loose or corroded 25% of cases
  3. 3
    Wiring harness damaged 10% of cases

How to Fix GE Appliances Oven Error Code F3

🔧 Easy DIY Est. time: 10–20 min
Safety first: Unplug the appliance before opening any panels or touching internal components.
  1. 1

    Test the sensor

    At room temp, GE oven sensor should read ~1,080 ohms. Open circuit (OL/∞) = sensor failed.

    🔩 Multimeter
  2. 2

    Reseat connector

    Check and firmly reseat the sensor connector at the sensor and at the control board.

  3. 3

    Replace the sensor

    Located in the upper-back of the oven cavity.

    🔩 GE oven temperature sensor ($20–$55)
    ⚠️ Allow oven to cool completely before reaching inside.

How to Reset Error Code F3

After replacing sensor, restore power and test with a 350°F bake cycle.

Note: If the error returns after resetting, the underlying issue has not been resolved. Work through the fix steps above.

Did this guide fix your appliance?

When to Call a Professional

If new sensor and F3 persists, the ERC board sensor input has failed.

Average professional repair cost for this issue: $150–$280

Related Error Codes

Same Code on Other Brands

Error code F3 appears on these other brands too. See every brand that shows F3 →

Find Replacement Parts

Use these links to find the exact replacement parts for your GE Appliances Oven:

External links — ApplianceErrors.com is not affiliated with these retailers.

More GE Appliances Oven Error Codes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep using my GE Appliances Oven when error F3 appears? +
It is not advisable. The oven may still power on, but running it while F3 is active can worsen the sensor fault or damage related parts. Treat it as a soon-as-possible repair.
What most commonly causes F3 on a GE Appliances Oven? +
Across reported GE Appliances oven repairs, the most frequent is sensor failure (open circuit) (65% of cases), sensor connector loose or corroded (25%), then wiring harness damaged (10%). Check them in that order before replacing any parts.
F3 keeps coming back after a reset — what should I check next? +
A reset only clears the stored F3 fault; if it returns, the sensor problem is still present. Move on to the physical checks — test the sensor, then reseat connector — since the code will reappear until the root cause is resolved. This is a beginner-friendly job needing only basic hand tools.
How much does it cost to fix GE Appliances Oven error F3? +
A DIY repair typically runs $20–$55 in parts, versus $150–$280 for a professional service call, so handling it yourself saves around $130. Expect the work to take about 10–20 minutes.
Which GE Appliances Oven models show error F3? +
F3 is documented on GE, GE Profile, Hotpoint, and RCA electric ranges sharing the GE platform. Other units sharing the same control platform can display it too, so the fixes here generally transfer across the series.

Sources & References

Content verified against manufacturer service documentation. Last verified: June 10, 2026.