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Error code reference

GE Range Error Code bAd LinE bAd

Voltage monitor error indicating a terminal block cord miswire; appears if 120VAC is not present between…

GE codesGE range codes

Voltage monitor error indicating a terminal block cord miswire; appears if 120VAC is not present between J2-15(N) and J20-3(L2), or if less than 200VAC is present between J20-1(L1) and J20-3(L2).

First step from the service manual

Check terminal block wiring and verify correct voltage at J20-1 (L1), J20-3 (L2), and J2-15 (N).

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

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What bAd LinE bAd means on a GE range

The bAd LinE bAd error on a GE range is a voltage monitor fault that indicates the control board has detected an incorrect or missing voltage condition at the power supply connections. Specifically, this code triggers under two conditions: 120VAC is not detected between the neutral terminal J2-15(N) and the L2 terminal J20-3, or the voltage measured between L1 at J20-1 and L2 at J20-3 is below 200VAC. These measurements are taken directly by the control board to confirm that a proper 240VAC split-phase supply is present and correctly wired to the unit.

The most common root cause is a miswired terminal block, which is the connection point where the range's power cord attaches to the appliance. If the hot legs (L1 and L2), neutral, or ground conductors are connected to incorrect terminals, the control board will not see the expected voltage relationships and will display this fault. This can occur after a cord replacement, a recent installation, or if the range was moved and reconnected incorrectly. Wiring errors at the wall outlet or a shared neutral fault in the home's electrical panel can also produce this condition.

Diagnosis should begin at the terminal block. Using a multimeter, verify that 120VAC is present between J2-15(N) and J20-3(L2), and that 240VAC or greater is present between J20-1(L1) and J20-3(L2). If voltages are absent or out of range, trace the issue back through the power cord connections and the supply circuit. A failed or open leg at the breaker panel, a damaged power cord, or a loose terminal connection can all produce the same fault signature.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of bAd LinE bAd

  1. 01

    Miswired terminal block

    Wiring / connection

    The most frequent cause is incorrect connection of the power cord to the terminal block, where L1, L2, or neutral conductors are placed on the wrong terminals. This often happens after a cord replacement or reinstallation.

  2. 02

    Lost or open L2 leg from the breaker panel

    Wiring / connection

    If one of the two 120VAC hot legs supplying the range is open or tripped at the breaker, voltage between L1 and L2 at the terminal block will drop well below 200VAC, triggering this fault. Check the double-pole breaker for the range and confirm both legs are energized.

  3. 03

    Damaged or incorrect power cord

    Part replacement

    A power cord with a broken conductor, or a 3-wire cord installed where a 4-wire cord is required, can create missing or incorrect voltage at one or more control board terminals. Inspect the cord for visible damage and confirm it is the correct type for the installation.

  4. 04

    Loose or corroded terminal block connection

    Wiring / connection

    Even if wiring is correct, a loose screw or corroded contact at the terminal block can cause high resistance or an open circuit on a supply leg, resulting in low or absent voltage at the control board's sense points.

  5. 05

    Faulty wall outlet or receptacle

    Part replacement

    A damaged 240VAC receptacle can fail to deliver one or both hot legs at the proper voltage. Testing voltage at the outlet with a multimeter will confirm whether the problem is upstream of the range.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about bAd LinE bAd

What does bAd LinE bAd mean on a GE range?
The bAd LinE bAd code is a voltage monitor error indicating that the control board is not detecting the correct voltages at its power supply input terminals. It activates when 120VAC is absent between the neutral terminal J2-15(N) and L2 at J20-3, or when less than 200VAC is measured between L1 at J20-1 and L2 at J20-3. The most common cause is a miswired terminal block, but a wiring fault in the home's electrical supply can also trigger it.
How do I fix the bAd LinE bAd error on my GE range?
Start by turning off the range's circuit breaker and inspecting the terminal block where the power cord connects to the appliance. Confirm that L1, L2, and neutral are connected to their correct terminals according to the wiring label on the range. Then restore power and use a multimeter to verify 120VAC between J2-15(N) and J20-3(L2) and at least 200VAC between J20-1(L1) and J20-3(L2). If voltage is missing or low, check the breaker panel and the power cord for faults.
Is the bAd LinE bAd error on a GE range a safety concern?
Yes, this error indicates a potentially unsafe wiring condition and the range should not be operated until the fault is resolved. Incorrect wiring at the terminal block or a missing supply leg can pose a risk of electrical shock or equipment damage. If you are not comfortable working with 240VAC wiring, contact a licensed electrician or qualified appliance technician.
Will resetting my GE range clear the bAd LinE bAd error?
Resetting the range by cycling the breaker will not permanently clear this error if the underlying wiring or voltage problem has not been corrected. The control board continuously monitors the supply voltages and will redisplay the fault as soon as it detects the out-of-range condition again. The error will only stay cleared once the correct voltages are present at all three sense points.
How much does it cost to fix the bAd LinE bAd error on a GE range?
If the fix is simply correcting a miswired terminal block, the cost can be minimal since no parts are needed, though a service call from a technician typically runs in the range of $75 to $150 for diagnosis and labor. If a new power cord is required, parts generally cost between $20 and $60 depending on cord type. If the problem originates at the home's electrical panel or outlet, an electrician's repair costs can range from $100 to $300 or more depending on the scope of work.

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