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.
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
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 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
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.