Have been working all day on your ideal dinner plan? Now, you are about to slide in your favorite pie to bake in the oven, but your trusty baking ally refuses to cooperate and shows the F2 error.
Keep reading this blog post to decipher this code and get your oven back to its baking glory in no time.
Before working on your GE oven’s problem, you should identify the affected models by this f2 error. Here are some of them:
GE electric ovens:
- GE Profile PBS27DRBB
- GE Profile PBS227DRBB
- GE Profile PB960SRSS
- GE Café CGBT05SHSS
- GE Café CTX0800SFSS
- GE Advantium JVM1750SF00S
- GE Advantium JVM1850DJBB
- GE Cafe JT3800SHSS
GE gas ovens:
- GE Monogram ZET1SM1SS
- GE Monogram ZET1SS
- GE Café CGS980SEM1SS
- GE JGBS66REK1SS
- GE JGP329SET1SS
- GE JGP336BEV2BB
- GE JGP336WEV4WW
- GE JGP633SET1SS
What Does F2 Mean on a GE Oven?
- Meaning: If your GE oven blinks an F2 error code, it signals temperature-related malfunction. An f2 (or sometimes f20) fault code means the oven has detected an internal temperature exceeding safe operating limits. So, it’s the oven’s way to tell you‘ I am too hot.”
- Safety Feature: Your GE oven f2 error acts as a safety guardian. When the code appears, the oven shuts down. This way, this code prevents overheating and potential safety hazards.
- Impact on Use: As long as the f2 code is on the oven’s screen, your oven won’t operate. So, you’ll be stuck with a non-functional oven and uncooked dishes.
- Warning Signs: Before the GE oven error emerges, you might notice incorrect temperature readings, unusual smells, hear strange noises or witness a sudden stop in the heating cycle.
- Importance of Addressing: Ignoring the F2 code can lead to permanent oven damage. This may force you to get a new oven, which is very expensive.
Why Does Your GE Oven Show F2 Error?
As your oven cries for help to overcome the potential overheating risk, you might not know how to tackle the situation successfully. Different reasons could make the oven’s temperature skyrocket.
And by high temperatures, we talk about exceeding 615 degrees Fahrenheit during a regular cooking cycle or exceeding 915 degrees Fahrenheit during a self-cleaning cycle. So, let’s take a look at these potential causes:
1. Problematic Tempreture Sensor
Your GE oven’s temperature sensor (aka thermistor) is the most common cause behind this overheating issue. This sensor is a cornerstone for the oven’s temperature regulation. So, when it goes kaputt, it signals incorrect temperature readings to send incorrect readings to the main control board.
As the oven’s brain, the control board regulates all the oven’s functions. So, when it receives inaccurate temperatures suggesting cooler temperatures, the board will order the heating element to keep generating heat.
Beyond a faulty sensor, the control board itself may malfunction. In this case, it may misinterpret the sensor data or have issues with soldered connections within its complex circuitry.
2. Damaged Self-Cleaning
Many GE ovens come with various advanced modes including a self-cleaning program to remove (or burn away) grease residue, grime, and food splatters from the oven cavity. This cleaning mode is an alternative to using harsh chemicals or manual scrubbing. You can activate this cycle through the oven controls and buttons.
These cycles rely on high temperatures for successful cleaning. Sometimes, the generated heat becomes too much for the oven to handle and you will see the GE oven f2 error on the oven’s display. In this case, the problem could be associated with a malfunctioning heating element, the relay, or even the electronic range control (control board).
The relay acts as a switch that is powered and controlled by the control board. When active, this relay contacts the heating element to turn on, and vice versa.
3. Vent Blockage
Your GE oven vents provide a window for it to breathe. Together with the cooling fan, these vents play a crucial role in regulating the oven’s temperature. These holes (vents) reside at the back of the oven. By allowing heat to escape, these vents help the oven cool down.
If there are any obstructions, the oven may struggle to release heat, leading to an eventual GE oven F2 error.
4. Improper Use
You might take the sturdiness of your GE oven for granted. You may even misuse the oven without considering the consequences. For instance, you may use the wrong cooking setting or accidentally leave something in the oven for too long. This may result in overheating and trigger the F2 code.
Additionally, extremely high room temperature in your kitchen could put extra strain on the oven and potentially lead to the F2 error.
How To Reset GE Oven F2 Error
Before trying deep repairs to your oven, give this reboot solution a try. This solution can be effective if your GE oven f2 error code in the following scenarios:
- Power Fluctuations: Sudden current fluctuations or brief power outages can confuse your oven’s electronics.
- Temporary glitches: Minor system hiccups can cause different false error codes.
Here’s how to tackle this situation:
- Power Down: Completely turn off your oven using the power button on the control panel or unplug it from the wall outlet.
- Wait Patiently: Allow the oven to sit for at least 2-3 minutes. This ensures enough time for any capacitors to discharge and the system to fully power down.
- Power Up: Reconnect the oven’s plug or turn it back on the same way you turned it off.
How To Fix F2 Error Code on GE Oven
Troubleshooting the GE oven f2 is not impossible. In many cases, addressing the potential causes is manageable without complex repairs. Let’s explore how to resolve this code:
1. How To Fix Faulty Temperature Sensor
Before trying to access this sensor, you should disconnect the power from the oven. Then, follow these steps:
- Remove the back panel of your oven for access. Use a screwdriver for this purpose.
- Find the sensor at the back of the oven. You can identify it from its slender shape that appears like a probe with a wiring harness extending into the oven cavity.
- You can identify a faulty sensor from the appearance of frayed wires or the burnt-plastic smell. Also, you use a multimeter to perform a resistance test. Don’t disconnect the thermistor from the sensor harness to perform this test. But you must correctly connect the multimeter’s probe with the metal ends of the two thermistor wires.
- If you get inconsistent readings, or the “OL” icon, you might need to replace the thermistor.
- If you suspect problems with the control board, you shouldn’t attempt to DIY troubleshoot it. Call a certified repair technician for accurate diagnosis, testing, and troubleshooting for this expensive and delicate component.
2. How To Fix Damaged Self-Cleaning
Besides the basic resetting attempt, you should visually inspect the involved components. This includes the heating element, relay, and control board. Here’s how to do it:
- After disconnecting the power and removing the back panel, inspect the bottom part of the oven for the heating element. It is a metallic coil or tube-like structure.
- Bring your flashlight to check the element for burn marks or break signs. If visual inspection doesn’t reveal any problem, it’s time for a multimeter test.
- Now, look for the relay. It is an electrical device that looks like a switch. You can find it along the path of the wires extending from the heating element.
- Repeat the same diagnostic steps you did with the heating element.
- If you are certain of their malfunctions, replace them (only if you are familiar with disconnecting and reconnecting electrical wiring). If not, seek professional help.
- Addressing the control board issues requires professional intervention.
3. How To Fix Blocked Vents
The oven vents can get blocked by any sort of debris, including a misplaced oven mitt. To remove these blockages, you should use a vacuum cleaner with a small nozzle attachment. But use the vacuum cleaner gently to avoid damaging the vent flaps.
While at it, check the cooling fan to ensure its blades are spinning freely.
4. Improper Use
You can easily address this issue by avoiding all the above-mentioned wrongdoings. To ensure you are using the correct cooking settings, refer to the owner’s manual for the recommended settings for and times for various dishes.
Also, double-check that your oven is empty and properly shut down before leaving your kitchen. During very hot summer days, use a fan or keep the kitchen window open to reduce the ambient kitchen temperature before using the oven.
Conclusion
Seeing the F2 error on your GE oven can be a frustrating surprise. This code indicates a potential overheating issue. The good news is diagnosing and fixing the issue is pretty simple. The causes range between a faulty temperature sensor, a malfunctioning self-cleaning mode, blocked vents, and even improper use.
Start by resetting your GE oven and evaluate the result. If this doesn’t work, try deeper fixes explored in our guides.
But if you are unsure of your DIY skills, don’t hesitate to consult with GE support team or certified technicians
Encountering problems with other GE appliances, check this detailed guide on the 7 most common GE cafe Refrigerator Problems. Or if your GE washer is Stuck On the Wash Cycle, follow this repair guide.
Adrian is an ISCET licensed professional that has completed the National Appliance Service Technician Certification Exam and has the expertise to diagnose and repair any appliance. He is well-versed in the latest technologies and techniques and is always up-to-date on the latest industry standards.
