Kenmore Oven Error Code F3

Reviewed by the ApplianceErrors Editorial Team · Verified against manufacturer service documentation · Last verified: June 11, 2026

⚠ Medium Severity 🔧 Easy DIY

Oven temperature sensor open circuit

The most common cause of the F3 error on a Kenmore oven is failed oven temperature sensor (open) (~60% of cases); start with: test the sensor.

💰 DIY cost: $20–$50 👨‍🔧 Pro cost: $150–$280 Save $130+ by doing it yourself

Kenmore Oven error code F3 on the display panel — How the F3 code appears on a Kenmore oven display

What Does Error Code F3 Mean on a Kenmore Oven?

Oven temperature sensor open circuit.

F3 fires when the control board reads the oven temperature sensor (RTD) circuit as open — resistance well above the expected ~1080–1100 ohms at room temperature. Without a valid reading the board can't regulate the cavity, so bake and broil are locked out. This distinguishes F3 from F4, which flags a shorted sensor, and from calibration or heating faults. The probe at the upper rear of the cavity, or its scorched harness plug, is the usual open point.

Models affected: Kenmore electric and gas ranges on Frigidaire and Whirlpool platforms, including the 790 Series

What owners report: Owners commonly report F3 appearing at startup or mid-preheat, sometimes after a self-clean cycle that stresses the rear connector. A frequent quick win is finding a loose or heat-browned plug behind the back panel rather than a dead sensor, though replacing the inexpensive probe often clears it 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

Failed oven temperature sensor (open) 60% of cases
2

Loose/burned connector behind the rear panel 30% of cases
3

Control board input failure 10% of cases

How to Fix Kenmore 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

Test the sensor

Breaker off; unplug the sensor and measure — about 1080–1100 ohms at room temperature, open means failed.

⚠️ Disconnect power before pulling the rear panel.
2

Inspect the connector

Heat-damaged plugs behind the oven are common — repair or replace the harness plug if scorched.

🔩 High-temp sensor harness plug ($10–$20)
3

Replace the sensor

Two screws inside the cavity, one plug behind — an easy swap.

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

How to Reset Error Code F3

Restore power after the swap; F3 clears when the sensor reads in range.

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

Symptom guide: Oven not heating →

Did this guide fix your appliance?

When to Call a Professional

If a new sensor still shows F3, the control board input circuit has failed.

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

Related Error Codes

Oven temperature sensor shorted

⚠ Medium Severity

F10

Runaway temperature detected

🛑 Critical — Stop Using

Electronic oven control (EOC) fault — runaway or internal failure

⚠ High Severity

Same Code on Other Brands

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

Samsung Microwave F-3

Touchpad/membrane failure

LG Oven F3

Oven temperature sensor short circuit

LG Microwave F-3

Temperature sensor error — over-temperature detected

Whirlpool Oven F3

Open oven temperature sensor — sensor circuit open

Find Replacement Parts

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

🔩

Search PartSelect

Kenmore Oven repair parts

🔧

Search RepairClinic

Step-by-step video guides

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

More Kenmore Oven Error Codes

F2 Oven over-temperature detected F31 Oven temperature sensor shorted (Frigidaire-platform models)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep using my Kenmore Oven when error F3 appears? +

You often can for a cycle or two, but the temperature-sensor issue behind F3 will keep interrupting normal operation until it is fixed. Plan the repair rather than ignoring the code.

What most commonly causes F3 on a Kenmore Oven? +

Across reported Kenmore oven repairs, the most frequent is failed oven temperature sensor (open) (60% of cases), loose/burned connector behind the rear panel (30%), then control board input failure (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 temperature-sensor problem is still present. Move on to the physical checks — test the sensor, then inspect the 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 Kenmore Oven error F3? +

A DIY repair typically runs $20–$50 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 Kenmore Oven models show error F3? +

F3 is documented on Kenmore electric and gas ranges on Frigidaire and Whirlpool platforms, including the 790 Series. Other units sharing the same control platform can display it too, so the fixes here generally transfer across the series.

Sources & References

• Kenmore Customer Care — official manufacturer documentation
• Our editorial & verification policy

Content verified against manufacturer service documentation. Last verified: June 11, 2026.

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