Whirlpool Oven Error F3: Temperature Sensor Failure

The Logic Verdict

My Take: F3 is the classic “bad sensor” code. The oven computer isn’t getting a valid resistance reading from the temperature probe. It’s almost always the sensor itself, not the board. The part is cheap and easy to replace from the back of the range.

What It Means

F3 = Oven Temperature Sensor Failure. The resistance of the sensor is out of range (Open or Shorted).

Potential Causes

1. Failed Temperature Sensor: The probe inside the oven has burned out.
2. Broken Wiring: A wire in the harness has broken or disconnected.
3. Control Board Failure: Rare, but if the sensor tests good, the board might be bad.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting

1. Access the Sensor: Unplug the range and remove the rear panel to access the sensor connector (or sometimes you can do it from inside the oven).
2. Test Resistance: Unplug the sensor and use a multimeter to check resistance. At room temperature, it should read approximately 1000-1100 Ohms.
   • If it reads infinity (Open) or near 0 (Short), it’s bad.
3. Replace Sensor: Remove the two screws holding the sensor in place and swap it with a new one.

Resources

• Whirlpool Oven Temperature Sensors (Amazon)
• Multimeters for Testing (Amazon)