How to Troubleshoot Error Code F12 on a KitchenAid Cooktop

Your KitchenAid cooktop is flashing the F12 error code? Don’t worry, it’s not the end of your stovetop. We’ll walk you through what causes the F12 error and how to troubleshoot and fix it yourself, no need to call in a technician.

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

The information in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. We recommend consulting your manufacturer’s documentation or contact us with any questions.

What causes the error code?

The F12 error code indicates a communication error between the touch control module and the main power control board in a KitchenAid induction cooktop.

These two power control boards must connect properly and pass signals back and forth for the cooktop to operate correctly:

• The touch control module contains the circuitry and sensors behind the glass touch keys. It sends input signals when a user presses a touchpad on the user interface.
• The electronic control board receives these input signals and controls element operation. It sends output signals back to the touch module to activate display LEDs.

An F12 fault occurs when the signals between these two components are disrupted. Possible causes include:

• Damaged or unplugged ribbon cable between the modules
• Loose wiring connections at terminals
• Defective touch control or electronic control circuitry

Left unresolved, the F12 code will lead to partial or complete failure of cooktop operation. The heating elements will not activate and the touch keys may be unresponsive.

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 attempting any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of injury from electric shock.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts, pinching hazards and debris.
• Take your time and don’t rush while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access the interior parts.
• Clear your workspace of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with bare wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check your user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions for your part or appliance. 
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause injury.
• Wear safety glasses when working with chemicals, dust or cleaning large debris to prevent injury. 
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time for any heating parts to cool down before working on it. 
• Take pictures or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting to prevent any problems with reassembly.
• 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.

Troubleshooting steps 

Step 1: Reset the appliance

Before diving into troubleshooting, try performing a basic reset of the cooktop’s electronics as the first step.

1. Let the cooktop sit fully disconnected from power for 1 full minute. This allows circuits time to discharge completely.
2. After 1 minute, reconnect the power cord or flip the circuit breaker back on.
3. Check if the F12 fault code still appears on the LEDs when operating the cooktop. Sometimes a basic power reset clears up intermittent faults.

If the F12 persists, continue with further troubleshooting. But first try this simple reset to potentially resolve the fault quickly.

Step 2: Accessing the control 

Before troubleshooting the F12 Error, you first need to access the touch control module and electronic control board. Always make sure to disconnect cooktop power before disassembly.

Follow these general steps:

1. Unplug the cooktop or disconnect power to the circuit breaker to it.
2. Remove the screws from the glass cooktop surface and lift off the glass.
3. Release any mounting hardware and removable connectors for the touch module.
4. Disconnect all ribbon cables or wiring harnesses leading from the touch module.
5. Remove any mounting screws securing the electronic control board and disconnect all wiring connectors.
6. Carefully extract both control components for inspection and troubleshooting.

With the modules removed, you can begin diagnosing the F12 issue.

Step 3: Inspect the wiring

Since the F12 indicates a communication issue, closely examine the physical connection between the two components.

1. Visually inspect the entire length of the ribbon cable or wiring harness running between the modules.
2. Look for any signs of damage including torn wires, cracked insulation, crimps or dents, burn marks, or corrosion.
3. Check that the connectors at both ends are firmly inserted into their receptacles on each module. Look for any bent pins or dislodged connections.
4. Carefully run your finger along the cable to feel for any damaged or abraded sections. The wiring sheath should be smooth and intact.
5. Flex the cable gently while inspecting to reveal any internal wire breaks that may contact intermittently.

Even minor ribbon cable damage can interfere with communication and cause the F12 fault. A defective cable must be replaced.

Step 4: Replace the electronic control board

If the F12 fault persists after installing a new communications ribbon cable, the electronic control board likely needs to be replaced as the next troubleshooting step.

1. Order and obtain a new electronic control board that exactly matches the existing board. Confirm it is compatible with the cooktop model.
2. Carefully disconnect all wiring connectors from the original faulty control board. Remove any mounting hardware.
3. Install the replacement board in the same location as the original. Fasten it securely using original or supplied hardware.
4. Reconnect all wiring connectors to the proper receptacles on the new control board. Double check all connections.
5. Reinstall the touch control module and reconnect the communication ribbon cable or wiring between the modules.
6. Restore cooktop power and test for proper heating operation. The F12 should not reappear with the new control board installed.

Additional information

Thank you for reading! We hope you found this information useful to get your cooktop working again.

If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, don’t hesitate to explore our thousands of free videos and troubleshooting guides available. If you need replacement parts or some extra help, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com, where you can chat with a pro, order parts, read our DIY blog, and more.

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