F6 error on a gas GE range: A troubleshooting guide

GE gas ranges use an electronic range control (ERC) to monitor oven functions and provide diagnostic information. When an issue is detected, the ERC will usually display an error code to alert the user to a problem. One error code that you might see is the F6, which usually points to a failure within the gas valve lockout system.

Let’s walk through the steps to troubleshoot and resolve an F6 error on your GE gas range.

If you find out that you need any replacement parts for your GE range 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.

Disclaimer: 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 F6 error code mean?

The F6 error code usually stands for “Failed Gas Valve Lockout” on GE range models. The gas valve lockout is an electronically controlled safety valve that, when activated, stops gas flow to the cooktop burners.

The F6 error is specifically tied to an issue with the gas lockout motor or associated wiring harness. This could be due to:

• A faulty lockout motor
• Damaged motor wiring
• Bad lockout switches
• Loose connections

Without a properly working lockout valve, gas will continue flowing to the cooktop even if there’s a failure in the burner switches. In the meantime, the F6 error prevents the oven from operating and alerts the owner to the issue.

Read more: Gas Range Won’t Start: Top 5 Reasons and Fixes

Safety tips

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 preventing any risk of electric shock. 
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down before working on it. 
• Shut off the gas supply to prevent any gas leaks while you work. 
• 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.
• 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.

How to troubleshoot the F6 error

Follow these steps to troubleshoot & resolve the F6 error displaying on your gas GE range.

Step 1: Retrieve the F6 error code

The first step is to make sure the F6 error is present on the range’s display. GE ovens won’t immediately show error codes when they’re triggered. The codes are usually stored in memory until the same fault happens twice in a row.

To view any saved error codes, press the following buttons at the same time:

• Press the “KITCHEN TIMER ON/OFF” button.
• Press the “CLOCK” button.
• Press the number “9” button.

This will put the control into diagnostics mode. If any error codes are stored, they should now be displayed on the control panel where the clock is normally shown.

The code “F6” should appear at this point to confirm an issue with the failed gas valve lockout. The display will automatically exit diagnostic mode after a few seconds.

Step 2: Check the gas valve lockout motor

The gas lockout motor opens and closes the gas valve when it’s activated.

1. Turn off the power to the range and unplug it.
2. Shut off the gas supply to the range.
3. Remove the left side panel to access the lockout motor. You’ll need to remove the rear cover then remove any screws or brackets holding the side panel before pulling it off.
4. Find the gas lockout motor mounted to the frame. It will have a wire harness connected to a port on the motor body. Check that the motor is correctly and securely installed in the proper orientation. Look for any loose mounting screws.
5. Disconnect the harness from the motor.
6. Grab a multimeter and set it to measure resistance in Ohms (Ω).
7. Use the multimeter probes to check the resistance between the harness connector pins.
8. Check the meter reading. A normal reading is around 2-3k Ohms. Significantly higher resistance means the motor is faulty and needs to be replaced.
9. Reconnect the harness and inspect it for damage. Make sure the connector is fully seated. Check that the wiring is intact and not pinched or damaged. If any issues are found with the harness, replace it.

If the tests produced good results and you didn’t see any damage, move on to the next step to test the lockout switches.

Read more: 6 tips to safely cook with a gas range

Step 3: Test the lockout switches

The gas lockout motor also operates a pair of switches that indicate the valve position to the ERC control board. Here’s how to test them:

1. Leave the harness connected to the lockout motor. Manually rotate the motor shaft to actuate the valve to both the open and closed positions.
2. Set your multimeter to continuity, which looks like a sideways WiFi symbol.
3. At each position, use the multimeter probes to check the continuity between the switch terminals. One switch should show continuity (closed circuit) and the meter might make a beeping sound when it’s open, and the other switch should be closed in the locked position.

If the switches aren’t changing their state between each valve position, then the switch is likely faulty.

Step 4: Check control board connections

Another part of the gas lockout system is the electronic range control itself. While issues with the ERC are less common, improperly connected wiring can produce an F6 error.

1. Make sure the range is turned off and unplugged.
2. Find the harness for the lockout motor, which connects to the control board at connector CN6. Remove the top console and inspect this connection. If you’re unsure which connection point this is, consult the wiring diagram for your range model.
3. Reseat the harness connector if it’s loose. Make sure the locking tab clicks into place.
4. Set your multimeter to continuity.
5. Use the multimeter probes to check for continuity on each wire between the ERC and lockout motor harness connector. Any open circuits (no continuity) indicate a bad wire or connection.
6. Carefully inspect the entire wire harness for damage, bent pins, or corroded terminals. If there are any harness issues, you’ll need to replace the lockout motor wire assembly.

Read more: How to replace GE range control board WB27K10355

More information

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