GE Oven Error Code F1

The F1 code on a GE oven means the oven cavity thermistor did not detect a temperature of 165°F or higher within 20 minutes of starting a Bake or Speedcook operation. The control board interprets this as an open circuit in the thermistor. The fault points to either a failed temperature sensor, a wiring problem between the sensor and the main PCB, or in rare cases a very cold and large oven load slowing the temperature rise.

You should not continue using the oven while it displays an active F1 fault. The error means the control board cannot confirm the cavity is reaching a safe or intended cooking temperature, so food may be undercooked without any indication. The oven will typically shut down the cooking cycle when this code appears, which is a protective response. Have the thermistor and wiring inspected before resuming normal use.

If the oven thermistor is the cause, replacement parts typically range from $20 to $60 depending on the specific model, making it one of the more affordable oven repairs. If the main PCB requires replacement, costs can rise to $150 to $350 or more for the part alone. Adding professional labor generally brings the total repair cost to somewhere between $100 and $400, varying by region and service provider.

Many homeowners and DIYers can address this fault by first checking whether a large cold load caused a false trigger. If the error repeats consistently, testing the thermistor resistance at connector CN6 on the main PCB with a multimeter is the next step. Replacing a failed thermistor or reseating a loose harness connector are repairs within reach for someone comfortable working with appliance wiring. Replacing the main PCB is more involved and may warrant professional service.

Resetting the oven by cutting power at the breaker for a few minutes may temporarily clear the F1 code, but if the underlying cause is a failed thermistor or damaged wiring, the fault will return once a new Bake or Speedcook cycle runs. A reset is useful for ruling out a one-time event such as a large cold load triggering the code, but a recurring F1 requires hands-on diagnosis of the sensor and harness at connector CN6.