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Kenmore Oven Error Code F2

Reviewed by the ApplianceErrors Editorial Team · Verified against manufacturer service documentation · Last verified: June 11, 2026
High Severity 🔧🔧 Moderate DIY

Oven over-temperature detected

The most common cause of the F2 error on a Kenmore oven is drifted/failed oven temperature sensor (~50% of cases); start with: cut power if actively overheating.

💰 DIY cost: $20–$280 👨‍🔧 Pro cost: $200–$420 Save $180+ by doing it yourself
Kenmore Oven error code F2 on the display panel
How the F2 code appears on a Kenmore oven display

What Does Error Code F2 Mean on a Kenmore Oven?

Oven over-temperature detected.

F2 fires when the electronic control reads the oven cavity temperature above a safe threshold, whether during bake, broil, or while idle. The control compares the RTD sensor's resistance against expected values; a drifted or failed sensor reporting false-high readings is the usual trigger. More seriously, a welded-closed heating relay keeps mains power on the element even when the display is off, causing real overheating. This distinguishes F2 from F3/F1 sensor open-circuit or generic control faults — F2 specifically flags an over-limit temperature condition.

Models affected: Kenmore 790 Series electric and gas ranges with electronic oven controls; the F2 over-temperature code also appears across many other Kenmore range models sharing this control platform.
What owners report: Owners commonly report F2 appearing mid-bake or during self-clean, and in many cases a drifted sensor is the culprit rather than a runaway relay. If the oven keeps heating with the controls off, that points to a stuck relay and owners generally shut the breaker off right away. Verifying sensor resistance often confirms the fix before spending on a control board.

What Causes Error Code F2?

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

  1. 1
    Drifted/failed oven temperature sensor 50% of cases
  2. 2
    Stuck heating element relay on the control 30% of cases
  3. 3
    Failed electronic oven control 20% of cases

How to Fix Kenmore Oven Error Code F2

🔧🔧 Moderate DIY Est. time: 30–60 min
Safety first: Unplug the appliance before opening any panels or touching internal components.
  1. 1

    Cut power if actively overheating

    If the oven heats with the controls off, switch off the breaker immediately.

    ⚠️ A welded relay keeps mains power on the element — breaker off first.
  2. 2

    Test the temperature sensor

    Measure resistance (~1080–1100 ohms at room temp); replace if out of spec.

    🔩 Kenmore oven temperature sensor ($20–$50)
  3. 3

    Replace the control board

    If the sensor is good, the relay/control has failed.

    🔩 Kenmore electronic oven control ($120–$280)
    ⚠️ Breaker off and verify dead before working at the board.

How to Reset Error Code F2

Breaker off for 5 minutes after the repair; verify temperatures with an oven thermometer.

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

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When to Call a Professional

Any oven that heats on its own is a fire hazard — keep the breaker off and call a technician.

Average professional repair cost for this issue: $200–$420

Related Error Codes

Same Code on Other Brands

Error code F2 appears on these other brands too. See every brand that shows F2 →

Find Replacement Parts

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

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

More Kenmore Oven Error Codes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep using my Kenmore Oven when error F2 appears? +
It is not advisable. The oven may still power on, but running it while F2 is active can worsen the temperature fault or damage related parts. Treat it as a soon-as-possible repair.
What most commonly causes F2 on a Kenmore Oven? +
Across reported Kenmore oven repairs, the most frequent is drifted/failed oven temperature sensor (50% of cases), stuck heating element relay on the control (30%), then failed electronic oven control (20%). Check them in that order before replacing any parts.
F2 keeps coming back after a reset — what should I check next? +
A reset only clears the stored F2 fault; if it returns, the temperature problem is still present. Move on to the physical checks — cut power if actively overheating, then test the temperature sensor — since the code will reappear until the root cause is resolved. This is a moderate job — a multimeter and some disassembly are usually involved.
How much does it cost to fix Kenmore Oven error F2? +
A DIY repair typically runs $20–$280 in parts, versus $200–$420 for a professional service call, so handling it yourself saves around $180. Expect the work to take roughly 30–60 minutes.
Which Kenmore Oven models show error F2? +
F2 is documented on Kenmore 790 Series electric and gas ranges with electronic oven controls; the F2 over-temperature code also appears across many other Kenmore range models sharing this control 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 11, 2026.