Clear an F3 error code on a Frigidaire oven with this troubleshooting guide

If you’re facing an F3 error code on your oven display, don’t stress! This code typically means there’s an issue with the oven temperature sensor that can often be resolved with some DIY troubleshooting.

Let’s unpack the F3 fault code so you can get your oven back up and running.

If you find out that you need any replacement parts for your Frigidaire oven while you’re troubleshooting, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.

Important: The troubleshooting information in this article is based on general service manuals and may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.

What does the F3 fault code mean?

On oven models with electronic controls, an F3 fault code often appears when there’s a problem with the oven temperature sensor, which can prevent accurate temperature measurement.

The oven control board relies on constant temperature data from the sensor to regulate the heating element and maintain proper oven cavity temperature. When you see the F3 fault code, it usually means the oven temperature feedback loop between the sensor and oven control board is broken.

Some of the most common symptoms you’ll notice along with an F3 fault code include:

• The oven doesn’t reach the set temperature or takes much longer than normal to preheat
• Heating elements overheat or underheat the oven
• Frequent temperature fluctuations
• Burned or undercooked food

Read more: How to Clean an Oven

Safety precautions

When working on any appliance, remember to keep safety first. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before you attempt any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by eliminating any risk of electric shock.
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down before working on it.
• Take your time while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries. Rushing is the enemy of precision.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can see and access appliance parts.
• Keep your workspace free of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check the user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions related to your appliance or replacement part.
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause personal injury.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts and debris.
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.
• Always take photos or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting them to make reassembly easier.
• Don’t test live voltage with a multimeter if you’re unfamiliar with how to prevent short-circuiting.
• Consider wearing safety glasses and/or a dust mask when working with chemicals, dust or a large amount of debris to prevent irritation or injury.

How to troubleshoot an F3 error code

Follow these steps to clear the F3 error from your Frigidaire oven.

Step 1: Inspect the oven temperature sensor wiring

Most of the time, an F3 fault code is caused by an issue with the wiring that connects the oven temperature sensor to the main control board.

1. Unplug the oven from the power outlet.
2. Remove the rear panel from the back of the oven to access the wiring.
3. Visually inspect the wires for any damage, pinches, burn spots, frays or damaged insulation.
4. Make sure the wiring is securely fastened to the sensor and oven control board terminals. Gently wiggle the connections to check for looseness.
5. Set a multimeter to continuity mode and use the probes to test for continuity from end-to-end in the sensor wiring. The meter should make a beeping sound if there’s continuity.
6. Detach and reseat all the sensor wiring. This can resolve any loose contacts that may be creating resistance in the circuit.
7. Make sure the appropriate gauge wire is used in the sensor circuit.
8. Check that there’s sufficient clearance from hot oven parts and no evidence of wire abrasion.
9. Double-check the routing of the sensor wiring to make sure there’s not any excessive bending or strain.

If the wiring is good, move on to the next step.

Step 2: Test the oven temperature sensor

1. Make sure the oven is disconnected from the power source.
2. Find the temperature sensor that’s mounted inside the oven cavity. It’s typically on the oven’s rear wall.
3. Disconnect the sensor wiring terminals from the oven control board.
4. Set a multimeter to resistance mode (Ω).
5. Touch the meter’s probes to the oven sensor wires.
6. Check the meter reading and compare it to the temperature/resistance chart in your oven’s service manual. It will specify the correct sensor resistance range at room temperature. For example, the sensor’s resistance might need to be 1,100 Ohms +/- 5% at room temperature.

If the reading is outside the acceptable range, then the temperature sensor is defective and should be replaced.

Step 3: Inspect the oven safety thermostat

You can also check to see whether the safety thermostat has tripped and cut power to the oven.

The safety thermostat shuts off the power if the oven overheats past safe temperatures. This usually happens if the oven hits 700-800°F.

1. Allow the oven to cool if it was recently in a high-temperature condition.
2. Reset the oven control.
3. Place an independent oven thermometer inside the oven cavity to monitor the temperature.
4. Start preheating the oven.

If the oven preheats past the set temperature, shut it off immediately and replace the safety thermostat.

If everything passes testing and you’re still dealing with an F3 error on the oven, replace the control board as a last resort.

Read more: A Simple Guide to Oven Hot Spots

More for you

Thank you for reading! We hope this guide helped you get your Frigidaire oven working again.

If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, don’t hesitate to explore our other troubleshooting guides and videos.

If you need replacement parts or some extra help with ordering them, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com, where you can chat with a pro, read our DIY blog and more.

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