Kenmore Oven Error Code F31

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

⚠ Medium Severity 🔧 Easy DIY

Oven temperature sensor shorted (Frigidaire-platform models)

The most common cause of the F31 error on a Kenmore oven is shorted oven temperature probe (~60% of cases); start with: test the probe.

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

Kenmore Oven error code F31 on the display panel — How the F31 code appears on a Kenmore oven display

What Does Error Code F31 Mean on a Kenmore Oven?

Oven temperature sensor shorted (Frigidaire-platform models).

F31 fires when the control board reads the oven temperature probe circuit as shorted — resistance falling well below the normal ~1080–1100 ohms it expects at room temperature, often approaching zero. The RTD-style probe, its harness, or the board's sensing input can all cause this. The control halts heating until the circuit returns a plausible value. It differs from open-circuit or out-of-range faults: F31 specifically flags a short, while related legacy codes like F4 covered broader probe-circuit problems.

Models affected: Frigidaire-platform Kenmore 790 Series ranges and ovens; more broadly, newer electronic-control Kenmore ranges built on the Frigidaire chassis

What owners report: Owners commonly report F31 appearing at power-up or partway through a bake cycle, sometimes with the oven refusing to heat. A pinched or heat-damaged harness lead near the cavity can mimic a bad probe, so many find that inspecting the wiring before buying parts saves a step; the two-screw probe swap is often the quick win.

What Causes Error Code F31?

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

1

Shorted oven temperature probe 60% of cases
2

Damaged harness between probe and control 30% of cases
3

Control board input fault 10% of cases

How to Fix Kenmore Oven Error Code F31

🔧 Easy DIY Est. time: 10–20 min

⚡ Safety first: Unplug the appliance before opening any panels or touching internal components.

1

Test the probe

Breaker off; unplug the probe connector and measure — ~1080–1100 ohms at room temp is healthy, near zero is shorted.

⚠️ Disconnect power before pulling the rear panel.
2

Inspect the harness

Check for melted insulation where the lead passes near the cavity.
3

Replace the probe

Simple two-screw replacement inside the oven cavity.

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

How to Reset Error Code F31

Restore the breaker after replacement; F31 clears when the circuit reads normal resistance.

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 →

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When to Call a Professional

If the probe and harness test fine, the control board needs professional replacement.

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

Related Error Codes

Oven temperature sensor open circuit

⚠ Medium Severity

Oven temperature sensor shorted

⚠ Medium Severity

Same Code on Other Brands

Error code F31 appears on these other brands too. See every brand that shows F31 →

Whirlpool Dryer F31

Exhaust thermistor failure

Frigidaire Oven F31

Oven temperature probe short circuit

Maytag Dryer F31

L2 line voltage / heating circuit fault

Miele Washing Machine F31

NTC temperature sensor fault

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

F1 Electronic oven control (EOC) fault — runaway or internal failure F2 Oven over-temperature detected F10 Runaway temperature detected

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep using my Kenmore Oven when error F31 appears? +

You often can for a cycle or two, but the temperature-sensor issue behind F31 will keep interrupting normal operation until it is fixed. Plan the repair rather than ignoring the code.

What most commonly causes F31 on a Kenmore Oven? +

Across reported Kenmore oven repairs, the most frequent is shorted oven temperature probe (60% of cases), damaged harness between probe and control (30%), then control board input fault (10%). Check them in that order before replacing any parts.

F31 keeps coming back after a reset — what should I check next? +

A reset only clears the stored F31 fault; if it returns, the temperature-sensor problem is still present. Move on to the physical checks — test the probe, then inspect the harness — 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 F31? +

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 F31? +

F31 is documented on Frigidaire-platform Kenmore 790 Series ranges and ovens; more broadly, newer electronic-control Kenmore ranges built on the Frigidaire chassis. 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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