GE Oven F2 Error
What it means
The F2 code (shown as F20 on some models) signals an over-temperature or runaway-heat condition. In a normal cook mode the control trips F2 when it senses the oven has exceeded about 650°F (343°C); in self-clean mode the threshold is about 915°F (491°C). It usually means the oven temperature sensor is reading wrong, the wiring between the sensor and the control board is faulty, or the control board itself has failed.
The bottom line on the F2 error
F2 is an over-temperature warning: the control tripped on runaway heat past about 650°F, usually from a temperature sensor reading wrong rather than a real fire. Because it signals an actual overheat on a 240V appliance, treat it as a safety issue and shut the oven off at the breaker until the cause is found.
A power reset clears a one-time glitch. If it returns, the temperature sensor is a common fix around $20 to $40, but 240V wiring and control-board work belong to a qualified technician. On a range past 8 to 10 years, weigh a $200 to $400 board repair against a new unit.
F2 snapshot
This is an over-temperature (runaway-heat) fault on a 240V appliance — stop using the oven and shut it off at the breaker until the cause is found, and leave 240V wiring and control-board work to a qualified technician.
Our own at-a-glance triage of the F2 error, from the verified data on this page. See error-code rankings → · How we score →
Common causes of the F2 error
- Faulty oven temperature sensor giving inaccurate (overheat) readings
- Damaged or loose wiring harness between the sensor and the control board
- Failed electronic control board (ERC), e.g. a relay stuck 'on'
- Heat damage that fused solder connections on the control board
- A failed cooling fan letting the control board overheat and misread (less common)
Which GE ovens get the F2 error
F2 / F20 appears across GE, GE Profile, and Cafe electric ranges and wall ovens with an electronic control (ERC), including JB, JGB, JS, JT, PT, and CT series units. Older ranges are especially prone as the oven temperature sensor drifts out of spec and harness connections corrode with repeated heat cycling.
How to fix the GE Oven F2 error
- 1Cut the power and resetTurn off the oven at the breaker for several minutes, then restore power. A reset clears F2 if it was a one-time glitch. If it returns, continue diagnosing.
- 2Keep power off before any inspectionAn oven is 240V and can stay hot for a long time. Always shut off the breaker and let the unit cool fully before opening the back panel or touching wiring.
- 3Check the temperature sensor with a multimeterWith power off, locate the sensor probe inside the oven and measure its resistance at room temperature. It should read about 1100 ohms. Replace the sensor if it reads above ~1150 ohms or below ~1050 ohms.
- 4Inspect the sensor wiringFollow the harness from the sensor to the control board and look for burnt, loose, or pinched connections. Reseat or repair as needed.
- 5Replace the control board if the sensor is goodIf the sensor tests within spec and the wiring is sound but F2 persists, the electronic control board has likely failed (often from heat-fused solder joints) and needs to be replaced as a unit.
🧰 When to call a professional
F2 involves an actual overheat condition and high-voltage components, so treat it as a safety issue. If a power reset doesn't clear it, or if you're not comfortable testing the sensor with a multimeter and working with 240V wiring and control boards, stop and call a qualified appliance technician — do not keep running the oven while it's throwing F2.
GE F2 vs Whirlpool F2 vs LG F9: how they compare
How this code stacks up against related error codes for difficulty, urgency, and cost.
| GE F2 | Whirlpool F2 | LG F9 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIY difficulty (1–5) | 4 | 5 | 5 |
| Urgency (1–5) | 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Typical cost | $$ | $$ | $$ |
How much does it cost to fix the F2 error?
| DIY parts / self-fix | $0 (reset) to ~$40 (temperature sensor) |
| Professional repair / service | $150–$400 (control board work costs more) |
| Replacement (new range or wall oven) | $600–$2,000+ |
Repair or replace?
The temperature sensor is a cheap, common fix (about $20–$40 for the part) and is often all F2 needs, so it is well worth repairing. If the sensor and wiring test good and the electronic control board (ERC) is the culprit, the board can run $200–$400+ installed — on an older range that is past roughly 8–10 years, weigh that against a new unit under the 50% rule. Prices vary by model and region, so treat these as ballpark figures.
Common replacement parts for the F2 error
| Oven temperature sensor (RTD probe) | $20–$45 | Should read about 1100 ohms at room temperature; the most common fix | |
| Electronic control board (ERC) | $150–$400 | Only if the sensor and wiring test good but F2 persists | |
| Sensor wiring harness | $20–$60 | If the harness between sensor and board is burnt, loose, or corroded |
Prices are typical retail ranges and vary by model and supplier — always confirm the exact part number for your appliance before buying. We are not linking parts for this code on purpose: it is a job for a qualified technician, and the right fix here starts with a diagnosis, not a purchase.
GE F2 error — FAQ
＋ − What does the F2 code mean on a GE oven?
F2 (or F20) means the control detected an over-temperature condition — roughly above 650°F in cook mode or 915°F in self-clean. It points to a bad temperature sensor, faulty wiring, or a failed control board.
＋ − Is it safe to keep using the oven with an F2 error?
No. F2 indicates a runaway-heat condition, so stop using the oven and turn it off at the breaker until the cause is found and fixed.
＋ − Can I fix the GE F2 error myself?
You can try a power reset and, if comfortable, test the temperature sensor with a multimeter and replace it. But because it involves an overheat condition and 240V parts, control-board work is best left to a technician.
Sources & manufacturer references
This guide is independently written and not affiliated with GE. Always unplug appliances before servicing and follow your model's manual. Error codes and steps can vary by model — when in doubt, consult a qualified technician.