Samsung Microwave Error Code F-3

Reviewed by the ApplianceErrors Editorial Team · Verified against manufacturer service documentation · Last verified: June 10, 2026

⚠ Medium Severity 🔧🔧 Moderate DIY

Touchpad/membrane failure

The most common cause of the F-3 error on a Samsung microwave is membrane keypad failed internally (~70% of cases); start with: power cycle the microwave.

💰 DIY cost: $40–$90 👨‍🔧 Pro cost: $150–$280 Save $110+ by doing it yourself

Samsung Microwave error code F-3 on the display panel — How the F-3 code appears on a Samsung microwave display

What Does Error Code F-3 Mean on a Samsung Microwave?

Touchpad/membrane failure.

The control board scans the touchpad membrane as a grid of row-and-column contacts. F-3 fires when one key's contacts read as continuously closed, so the board interprets it as a stuck or shorted button and locks out the keypad to prevent unintended operation. It differs from a general SE/5E panel fault in that F-3 points to a single failed key trace, most often from a cracked membrane or absorbed cooking moisture rather than the board's logic itself.

Models affected: Samsung countertop and over-the-range microwaves with membrane touchpads, including the ME19R7041FS over-the-range series

What owners report: Owners commonly report F-3 appearing after steamy cooking or on units mounted over a range, where grease and moisture reach the panel. Many find a quick unplug-and-wipe clears it temporarily, but a code that keeps returning usually means the membrane itself has failed and needs replacing.

What Causes Error Code F-3?

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

1

Membrane keypad failed internally 70% of cases
2

Moisture behind keypad 20% of cases
3

Control board key input shorted 10% of cases

How to Fix Samsung Microwave Error Code F-3

🔧🔧 Moderate DIY Est. time: 30–60 min

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

1

Power cycle the microwave

Unplug for 2 minutes so the control resets, then plug back in and test each key for response.
2

Wipe the touchpad

Clean around every key with a barely-damp cloth and dry fully — surface moisture can mimic a shorted key.
3

Replace the touchpad/membrane

If F-3 returns after a power cycle, the membrane has failed and the touchpad panel must be replaced.

🔩 Samsung microwave touchpad ($40–$90)

How to Reset Error Code F-3

Unplug the microwave for 2 minutes to clear the control's memory, then restore power and test each button; if F-3 reappears, the membrane has failed and the touchpad needs replacing rather than another reset.

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

Call a technician if a new touchpad doesn't clear F-3, since the fault then lies in the control board's key-input circuit — and any work behind the case exposes high-voltage capacitors that hold a lethal charge.

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

Related Error Codes

Touchpad keypad error — button stuck or panel failure

⚠ Medium Severity

Same Code on Other Brands

Error code F-3 appears on these other brands too. See every brand that shows F-3 →

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

GE Appliances Oven F3

Oven temperature sensor open circuit

Find Replacement Parts

Use these links to find the exact replacement parts for your Samsung Microwave:

🔩

Search PartSelect

Samsung Microwave repair parts

🔧

Search RepairClinic

Step-by-step video guides

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

More Samsung Microwave Error Codes

F-10 Thermistor shorted — over-temperature protection F-1 Keypad membrane failure — dead or stuck key

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep using my Samsung Microwave when error F-3 appears? +

You often can for a cycle or two, but the control-panel issue behind F-3 will keep interrupting normal operation until it is fixed. Plan the repair rather than ignoring the code.

What most commonly causes F-3 on a Samsung Microwave? +

Across reported Samsung microwave repairs, the most frequent is membrane keypad failed internally (70% of cases), moisture behind keypad (20%), then control board key input shorted (10%). Check them in that order before replacing any parts.

F-3 keeps coming back after a reset — what should I check next? +

A reset only clears the stored F-3 fault; if it returns, the control-panel problem is still present. Move on to the physical checks — power cycle the microwave, then wipe the touchpad — 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 Samsung Microwave error F-3? +

A DIY repair typically runs $40–$90 in parts, versus $150–$280 for a professional service call, so handling it yourself saves around $110. Expect the work to take roughly 30–60 minutes.

Which Samsung Microwave models show error F-3? +

F-3 is documented on Samsung countertop and over-the-range microwaves with membrane touchpads, including the ME19R7041FS over-the-range series. Other units sharing the same control platform can display it too, so the fixes here generally transfer across the series.

Sources & References

• Samsung Support — Error Codes — official manufacturer documentation
• Our editorial & verification policy

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

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