Resolve an F1 error on a gas GE range with this troubleshooting guide

One code that may pop up on gas GE ranges is the F1 control failure code. In this guide, we’ll walk through how to troubleshoot and resolve this error so you can get your range back up and running.

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.

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 F1 error code mean?

On GE ranges with an electronic control (ERC), the F1 code indicates a loss of the backup protection for element relay drivers.

The ERC is the brain of the range, as it controls all the relays that operate parts like the bake and broil elements, convection fan, and oven light. The relays are essentially switches that are opened and closed by the ERC to turn these parts on and off.

If the ERC detects a problem with the relay control circuitry, it will display an F1 fault code and prevent the range from working. It’s a safety code that prevents a runaway oven temperature due to a part continuing to stay on.

Read more: Gas Range Smells Like Gas: Top 5 Reasons and Fixes

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.
• 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.
• 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: Gas Range Won’t Start: Top 5 Reasons and Fixes

How to troubleshoot the F1 error code

Resolve an F1 error code on your gas GE range by following these steps.

Check the wiring and connections

1. Unplug the range from the power outlet and shut off the gas supply.
2. Put the touchpad control panel into the service position as described in the owner’s manual so you can access the wiring terminals on the back of the ERC.
3. Carefully inspect all wire harnesses and terminals on the ERC for any damage, such as cut, frayed or pinched wires. Make sure the connectors are fully inserted into the correct terminals. If you find any damage, replace the wiring immediately. Reseat any loose wires.
4. Look for burns or bare spots in the insulation. Replace the insulation if needed.
5. Make sure the terminals on the ERC are straight, undamaged and making good contact with the wires and other parts.
6. Refer to the unit’s wiring diagram to make sure all the wires are connected correctly.

If the wiring looks good, you can replace the ERC as a last resort.

How to replace the control board (if needed on Profile and GE models)

1. Make sure the range is unplugged from the power outlet and that the gas supply is off.
2. Remove the two T-15 Torx screws from the bottom of the control panel.
3. Loosen the two 1/4-inch hex-head screws on each corner at the top of the control
4. panel.
5. Place a towel or soft covering over the surface of the cooktop.
6. Pull out the bottom of the control panel. Lift the panel off the range.
7. Place the control panel face down on the cooktop.
8. Disconnect the wire connections from the control board.
9. Remove the four Phillips-head screws that attach the control board to the control panel.
10. Disconnect the ribbon cable wire harness.
11. Connect the ribbon cable wire harness to the new control board.
12. Attach the control board to the control panel by using the four Phillips-head screws.
13. Reconnect the wire connections to the control board.
14. Lift the control panel and align it with the range. Push the bottom of the panel in until it clicks into place.
15. Tighten the two 1/4-inch hex-head screws on each corner at the top of the control panel.
16. Reattach the two T-15 Torx screws to the bottom of the control panel.
17. Plug the range back in and turn on the gas supply.
18. Run several cooking tests to make sure all parts work properly. Check the bake and broil elements, convection fan, oven light, and touch panel.

How to replace the control board (if needed on Café models)

1. Make sure the range is unplugged from the power outlet and that the gas supply is off.
2. Remove the grates, burner caps, and heads.
3. Remove the surface burner igniters by inserting a small flathead screwdriver between the edge of the igniter and the cooktop. Gently pry the igniters up.
4. Unplug the wiring from the igniters. Be careful not to damage the heat shrink insulation on the wire when removing it.
5. Remove the T-15 Torx screws from the burners.
6. Remove the four T-15 Torx screws that hold the front of the cooktop to the control panel.
7. Remove the three 1/4-inch hex-head screws and the vent trim.
8. Remove the two 1/4-inch hex-head screws from the back of the cooktop and remove the cooktop from the range.
9. Remove the 6 Phillips-head screws from the bottom of the control panel (3 on each side).
10. Pull the knobs off the control panel.
11. Remove the 7 Phillips-head screws and two T-15 Torx screws holding the control panel to the burner valves.
12. Remove the two 1/4-inch hex-head screws and the heat shield.
13. Pull the insulation barrier out of the control panel.
14. Slide the wire clips off the top of the control panel.
15. Disconnect the 2 wire harnesses.
16. Remove the 2 Phillips-head screws from the top of the control panel.
17. Remove the 2 Phillips-head screws and the 2 control panel brackets.
18. Turn the control panel over to expose the control board bracket.
19. Release the control board tabs from the control panel and remove the control panel assembly from the range.
20. Disconnect the wire connections from the control board.
21. Remove the 4 Phillips-head screws from the control board bracket.
22. Disconnect the ribbon cable wire harness.
23. Reconnect the ribbon cable wire harness to the new control board.
24. Secure the new control board to the control board bracket with the 4 Phillips-head screws.
25. Reconnect the wire connections to the new control board.
26. Insert the control panel assembly back into the range and secure the control board tabs.
27. Attach the 2 control panel brackets with the 2 Phillips-head screws.
28. Reattach the 2 Phillips-head screws to the top of the control panel.
29. Slide the wire clips back onto the top of the control panel.
30. Reinstall the insulation barrier into the control panel.
31. Secure the heat shield using the two 1/4-inch hex-head screws.
32. Reattach the control panel to the burner valves with the 7 Phillips-head screws and two T-15 Torx screws.
33. Reinstall the knobs onto the control panel.
34. Secure the control panel to the bottom of the range with the 6 Phillips-head screws (3 on each side).
35. Reinstall the cooktop onto the range with the two 1/4-inch hex-head screws.
36. Secure the vent trim using the three 1/4-inch hex-head screws.
37. Reattach the four T-15 Torx screws that hold the front of the cooktop to the control panel.
38. Reinstall the T-15 Torx screws into the burners.
39. Gently press the surface burner igniters back into place. Make sure the wiring is pressed as far as possible into the igniter base.
40. Reinstall the burner caps, heads, and grates.
41. Plug the range back in and turn on the gas supply.
42. Run several cooking tests to make sure all parts work properly. Check the bake and broil elements, convection fan, oven light, and touch panel.

Read more: Gas Range Not Heating Evenly: Top 4 Reasons and Fixes

More information

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