GE Oven Error Code C1

The C1 code on a GE oven means the main control board has lost communication with the upper relay board. The relay board controls power delivery to the heating elements, so this communication link is critical for safe oven operation. The fault is most often caused by a wiring harness issue between the two boards, though a failed relay board is also a common culprit.

You should not attempt to use the oven while the C1 error is active. The code indicates the control system cannot properly communicate with the relay board that manages heating element power, which means the oven cannot operate safely or predictably. Discontinue use until the fault is diagnosed and repaired.

Repair costs depend on which component is at fault. If only a harness connector needs reseating or cleaning, there may be minimal to no parts cost, though a service call from a technician typically runs between 75 and 150 dollars. Replacing the upper relay board generally adds a parts cost in the range of 80 to 200 dollars depending on the model, with total repair costs including labor often falling between 150 and 350 dollars.

A knowledgeable DIYer can start by inspecting the wiring harness between the main control board and the upper relay board for loose connectors, damaged wires, or corroded terminals. Reseating connectors and cleaning terminals requires no special tools and may resolve the fault. If the harness is not the issue, replacing the upper relay board is a more involved repair that requires identifying the correct part for your model.

A power reset by turning off the circuit breaker for one to two minutes may temporarily clear the C1 code, but if an underlying wiring or component fault is present, the error will return. A reset is useful for confirming whether the fault is intermittent, but it is not a repair. The harness and relay board should still be inspected.