Er31 error on a GE induction cooktop: What it means and how to fix it

When error Er31 appears on your GE induction cooktop’s display, it usually indicates an issue with the filter boards. Whether you’re an experienced DIY enthusiast or a novice in appliance repairs, we can help you fix your cooktop without an expensive service call.

If you find out that you need any replacement parts for your GE cooktop 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 error code 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 Er31 error mean?

The Er31 error often occurs when one filter board isn’t correctly configured to work with the other filter board. This misconfiguration can disrupt the cooktop’s ability to filter and regulate electrical signals. Configuration settings within the cooktop may have been inadvertently altered or not set correctly. These configuration errors can lead to conflicts between the filter boards, resulting in the Er31 error.

Disrupted or compromised communication between the filter boards can happen due to loose connections, damaged wiring, or other electrical issues.

Pro tip: You can recall stored error codes on your GE induction cooktop by pressing the Timer on/off and Control Lock buttons at the same time for 10 seconds. Error codes will appear in the display window for the element that has a problem. 

Read more: Removing Scratches From Stainless Steel Appliances

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.

Read more: How to Protect Your Appliances in a Power Outage

How to troubleshoot the Er31 fault code

Follow these steps to resolve the Er31 code on your GE induction cooktop.

1. Make sure the range is plugged in.
2. Press and hold the “Timer Up” key.
3. While holding the “Timer Up” key, press and release the “RF On/Off” key.
4. While holding the “Timer Up” key, press and release the “LF On/Off” key.
5. Release the “Timer Up” key.
6. Allow the display to scroll horizontal bars and produce a beeping sound.

See if the Er31 error has been resolved. If the error persists, then you’ll need to replace the filter board.

How to replace the filter board (if needed)

1. Make sure the cooktop is disconnected from the power source.
2. Use a screwdriver to carefully remove the external screws from all four sides of the burner box.
3. Lay a towel down or prepare a padded surface for the glass surface to be set on.
4. Gently lift the glass surface off the burner box. Be very cautious during this step to avoid damage to the glass. Place the glass on a towel or padded surface to prevent scratches.
5. Access the terminated element wires that are connected to the generator board. Use your screwdriver to loosen the screws holding these wires in place.
6. Carefully lift the element connectors from the generator board.
7. Remove the heating elements from their locating pegs.
8. Remove the screws holding the shield to the generator modules and slowly lift the shield partway. If there are any ground wire connections, detach them carefully. Then, lift the shield off the cooktop.
9. Find the filter board and take a photo of the wiring color and positions on the board.
10. Remove the wire connectors to the filter board corresponding to the left or right side that the error code appears on.
11. Release the two locking tabs on the side of the filter board assembly.
12. Carefully remove the filter board and replace it with a new one.
13. Place the shield back onto the cooktop and align it with the screw holes on the generator modules. Reattach any ground wire connections.
14. Insert and tighten the screws to secure the shield in place. Make sure it’s firmly attached to the generator modules.
15. Position the heating elements onto their respective locating pegs on the generator board. Make sure they’re properly aligned and seated.
16. Connect the element connectors to the generator board and make sure they’re securely attached. Be careful not to damage the wires during this process.
17. Use your screwdriver to tighten the screws that hold the element wires in place on the generator board.
18. Carefully position the glass surface over the burner box and align it with the screw holes.
19. Lower the glass surface onto the burner box so it’s properly seated and aligned.
20. Retrieve the external screws that were previously removed and use the screwdriver to insert them back into the screw holes on all four sides of the burner box. Tighten the screws securely.
21. Plug the cooktop back in and test it to make sure it works correctly.

Read more: 5 Common Mistakes That Shorten The Lifespan Of Appliances

More for you

Thank you for reading! We hope this guide helped you get your GE cooktop 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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