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Whirlpool Oven Error Code F3

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

Open oven temperature sensor — sensor circuit open

💰 DIY cost: $20–$50 👨‍🔧 Pro cost: $150–$320 Save $130+ by doing it yourself
Whirlpool Oven error code F3 on the display panel
How the F3 code appears on a Whirlpool oven display

What Does Error Code F3 Mean on a Whirlpool Oven?

Open oven temperature sensor — sensor circuit open.

A two-digit F3 indicates the Electronic Range Control sees an open circuit in the oven temperature sensor (RTD). With no valid temperature reading the oven cannot control heat and will not operate normally. A failed sensor or a broken connection in its harness is the usual cause.

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
    Oven temperature sensor (RTD) failed open 60% of cases
  2. 2
    Sensor harness/connector broken or disconnected 30% of cases
  3. 3
    Control board sensor input fault 10% of cases

How to Fix Whirlpool Oven Error Code F3

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

    Power cycle

    Turn off the circuit breaker for 5 minutes, then restore power.

  2. 2

    Test the oven temperature sensor

    Check the RTD resistance — about 1080–1100 ohms at room temperature; an open/infinite reading confirms a failed sensor.

    🔩 Multimeter 🔩 Whirlpool oven temperature sensor ($20–$50)
    ⚠️ Unplug oven before servicing.
  3. 3

    Inspect the sensor harness

    Reconnect or repair a broken sensor connector at the back of the oven cavity.

    ⚠️ Unplug oven before servicing.

How to Reset Error Code F3

Power cycle 5 minutes. If F3 persists, test and replace the oven temperature sensor.

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

If the sensor reads correctly and the harness is sound but F3 persists, the control board sensor input has failed.

Average professional repair cost for this issue: $150–$320

Related Error Codes

F4
Shorted oven temperature sensor — sensor reading short
⚠ Medium Severity
F2
Oven temperature too high — over-temperature fault
⚠ High Severity

Same Code on Other Brands

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

Samsung logo
Samsung Microwave F-3
Touchpad/membrane failure
LG logo
LG Oven F3
Oven temperature sensor short circuit
LG logo
LG Microwave F-3
Temperature sensor error — over-temperature detected
GE Appliances logo
GE Appliances Oven F3
Oven temperature sensor open circuit

Find Replacement Parts

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

🔩
Search PartSelect
Whirlpool Oven repair parts
🔧
Search RepairClinic
Step-by-step video guides

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

More Whirlpool Oven Error Codes

F2-E0 Shorted keypad — stuck key on control panel F2-E1 Keypad/touchpad disconnected from control board F3-E0 Oven temperature sensor open circuit F3-E1 Oven temperature sensor short circuit F3-E2 Oven over-temperature — temp exceeded safe limit F5-E0 Door switch failure — latch not sensing door position

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep using my Whirlpool Oven when error F3 appears? +
You often can for a cycle or two, but the 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 Whirlpool Oven? +
Across reported Whirlpool oven repairs, the most frequent is oven temperature sensor (RTD) failed open (60% of cases), sensor harness/connector broken or disconnected (30%), then control board sensor input fault (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 — power cycle, then test the oven 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 Whirlpool Oven error F3? +
A DIY repair typically runs $20–$50 in parts, versus $150–$320 for a professional service call, so handling it yourself saves around $130. Expect the work to take roughly 30–60 minutes.

Sources & References

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

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