Error code reference

GE Oven Error Code F23

Lower oven temperature climbed above Error Lock Temperature while door is locked (thermal runaway).

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Lower oven temperature climbed above Error Lock Temperature while door is locked (thermal runaway).

First step from the service manual

Most likely at least 1 welded relay; replace the control with the welded relay.

The complete diagnostic procedure includes additional test steps, resistance specifications, wiring diagram references, and component test points.

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What F23 means on a GE oven

The F23 error code on a GE oven indicates that the Electronic Range Control (ERC) has detected a resistance value outside the acceptable threshold on the lower oven sensor circuit. Specifically, the control board is reading a resistance value that is too high through the sensor circuit between connector CN300 pin 1 to 8 (W to W/R wiring) or through the Machine Control lower oven board connector J300 pins 1 to 2. This points to an open or degraded circuit rather than a shorted one, and the fault is isolated to the lower oven temperature sensing loop.

For homeowners, the lower oven sensor is a small probe mounted inside the oven cavity that constantly reports the temperature to the control board. When the board sees a resistance reading that exceeds its expected range, it can no longer trust the temperature data and throws the F23 code to prevent unsafe operation. This typically means the sensor itself has failed, a wire connection has loosened or corroded, or the wiring harness between the sensor and control board has been damaged. The oven will generally stop operating normally until the fault is resolved.

Because the error is tied specifically to the lower oven sensor circuit, the diagnosis path is well-defined. Checking resistance directly at the ERC connector or the Machine Control lower oven board connector will confirm whether the fault lies in the sensor, the wiring, or the control board itself.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of F23

  1. 01

    Failed lower oven temperature sensor

    Part replacement

    The lower oven sensor itself has drifted out of spec or failed open, producing a resistance reading that exceeds the threshold the ERC expects. A healthy sensor typically reads around 1080 ohms at room temperature, so a reading significantly above this confirms sensor failure.

  2. 02

    Loose, corroded, or broken wiring connection at CN300 or J300

    Wiring / connection

    The W to W/R wiring between the sensor and the ERC connector CN300 pins 1 to 8, or at Machine Control lower oven board connector J300 pins 1 to 2, may have a loose pin, burned connector, or corroded terminal causing high resistance in the circuit.

  3. 03

    Damaged wiring harness between lower oven sensor and control board

    Part replacement

    The wire harness running from the lower oven sensor to the control board can be pinched, chafed, or heat-damaged inside the oven cavity or door frame, creating an open or high-resistance condition in the sensor circuit.

  4. 04

    Faulty ERC or Machine Control lower oven board

    Part replacement

    If the sensor and all wiring check out within spec at the connector pins, the control board itself may have a failed input circuit for the lower oven sensor, causing it to misread a valid resistance signal as a fault.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about F23

What does the F23 error code mean on a GE oven?
F23 means the control board has detected that the resistance on the lower oven sensor circuit has exceeded the acceptable threshold. The lower oven sensor is a temperature probe inside the oven cavity, and this code tells you the ERC can no longer get a valid reading from it. The fault is in the circuit running through connector CN300 pins 1 to 8 or Machine Control lower oven board connector J300 pins 1 to 2.
How do I fix the F23 code on my GE oven?
Start by checking the resistance of the lower oven sensor circuit at ERC connector CN300 pin 1 to 8 on the W to W/R wires, or at Machine Control lower oven board connector J300 pins 1 to 2. A room-temperature sensor should read approximately 1080 ohms. If resistance is well above that, replace the lower oven sensor. If resistance is correct at the sensor but abnormal at the connector, inspect the wiring harness and connectors for damage, corrosion, or loose pins. If wiring and sensor both check out, the control board may need replacement.
Is it safe to use my GE oven while it's showing an F23 error?
No, you should not use the oven while F23 is active. Because the control board cannot reliably read the lower oven temperature, the oven has no accurate way to regulate heat in the lower cavity. This creates a risk of overheating or erratic temperature behavior. Disconnect power to the oven until the fault is diagnosed and repaired.
How much does it cost to fix an F23 error on a GE oven?
If the lower oven sensor is the cause, replacement sensors typically run between $20 and $60 for the part, and the repair is manageable for a confident DIYer since it usually involves removing two screws and a wire connector. A wiring harness repair is similar in cost but more labor-intensive to access. If the ERC or Machine Control lower oven board has failed, control boards can range from $150 to $350 or more depending on the model, and professional installation labor will add to that cost.
Can a bad wire connection cause the F23 error code on a GE oven?
Yes. The F23 code reflects a resistance threshold fault in the sensor circuit, not just the sensor component itself. A loose pin, corroded terminal, or damaged wire at connector CN300 or J300 can add enough resistance to the circuit to trigger F23 even if the sensor itself is functional. Always inspect and reseat the connectors at both the sensor end and the control board end before ordering a replacement sensor.

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