F3 Code On Kenmore Self Cleaning Gas Stove

F3 Code on Kenmore Self Cleaning Gas stove

C.D. Anderson -- Monday, 16 September 2002, at 3:52 p.m.

I recently had an electrical storm at my house and during the storm, there was a loud "pop" from the kitchen. Upon investigating, the clock display, oven controls etc, were all black. I have installed a new clock, oven controls, etc and all is well except that when I try to use the oven, I get an F3 code and a loud beeping. I have tried unplugging the stove for 5 minutes, etc, to no avail. What is the meaning of the F3 code and is it something I can fix or will I need to call a repairman? The burners all work just fine. Thanks for your help!

Re: F3 Code on Kenmore Self Cleaning Gas stove *LINK* *PIC*

Dan O. -- Monday, 16 September 2002, at 8:42 p.m.

: What is the meaning of the F3 code?

Hi,

You never posted the appliance's model so I can't even find out whom manufactured your particular for Sears (they don't make anything them self) but an F-3 error message usually indicates a problem in the oven temperature sensor or its wiring circuit.

Hear are some examples from the various manufacturers:

F3 - Open sensor circuit

F3 - Open sensor, sensor resistance exceeds 2900 ohms during bake, broil or clean

F3 - Oven Sensor Open

F3-E0 - Oven sensor open
F3-E1 - Sensor shorted
F3-E2 - Oven too hot, replace sensor
F3-E3 - Clean temp. too hot, replace sensor
F3-E4 - Open or shorted sensor

E0-F3 - Oven sensor open
E1-F3 - Sensor shorted
E2-F3 - Oven too hot, replace sensor
E3-F3 - Clean temp. too hot, replace sensor
E4-F3 - Open or shorted sensor

: is it something I can fix or will I need to call a repairman?

I don't know how handy you are but oven sensors are not usually that difficult to replace. I would think most reasonably handy homeowners could usually complete such a job them self.

You can see a popular oven sensor at the page linked below.

Dan O.

Common 'long' Oven Sensor w/Harness Adapters

Re: F3 Code on Kenmore Self Cleaning Gas stove

c.d. anderson -- Monday, 16 September 2002, at 10:44 p.m.

: an F-3 error message usually indicates a problem in
: the oven temperature sensor or its wiring circuit.

Does this mean the sensor is bad? I had someone advise me that it might mean the oven ignitor was bad. This gets pretty confusing. I am not much of an electrician, but can replace parts. Just want to narrow it down to what needs fixed :) Thanks for any help.

Re: F3 Code on Kenmore Self Cleaning Gas stove *LINK*

Dan O. -- Monday, 16 September 2002, at 10:51 p.m.

: Does this mean the sensor is bad?

That is most often the case although sometimes the wiring leading to it from the electronic control or connectors in that circuit can melt or get burned, etc.

The most common oven sensors used in ranges today should be about 1100 ohms when at room temperature. If it wass not, it would likely be defective and need to be replaced. If it tested Ok, the wire harness leading to it might need to be check for continuity.

If both tested good, the sensor may just fail when user load (ie. in hot temperatures) in which case finding absolutely that it is the cause may not be possible. Most technicians would just replace the sensor assuming it was the cause. In most cases it would solve the problem.

: I had someone advise me that it might mean the
: oven ignitor was bad.

A bad oven ignitor can cause delayed oven ignition (see the link below) or the oven to not heat at all but I've never heard a defective one causing any king of error/fault code to be display on the control panel.

JFYI

Dan O.
Appliance411
The Appliance Information Site
=D~~~~~~

Understanding Gas Oven Ignition Systems