mypros+
Error code reference

GE Range Error Code F031

Shorted oven temperature probe (RTD).

GE codesGE range codes

Shorted oven temperature probe (RTD).

First step from the service manual

Check probe circuit wiring for possible open or short condition.

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

MyPros+ Max

Get the full diagnostic procedure for F031.

  • Step-by-step tests with expected resistance, voltage, and continuity values
  • Wiring diagram references and connector pinouts from the OEM service manual
  • Verified part numbers when replacement is required
Get the full procedure

$29/month · Cancel anytime · Or $9.95 3-day pass

What F031 means on a GE range

The F031 error code on a GE range indicates a shorted oven temperature probe, also referred to as an RTD (Resistance Temperature Detector). The oven temperature probe is a sensor installed inside the oven cavity that monitors cooking temperatures in real time and sends resistance-based signals back to the electronic control board. Under normal operating conditions, the probe's resistance changes predictably with temperature, allowing the control board to regulate the oven's heating elements accurately. When the control board detects a resistance reading that falls below the expected range, indicating a short circuit in the probe circuit, it triggers the F031 fault code and typically disables oven operation to prevent unsafe temperature conditions.

A shorted probe circuit means that somewhere in the electrical path, two conductors are making unintended contact, causing resistance to drop abnormally low. This can occur within the probe sensor body itself, along the wiring harness that connects the probe to the control board, or at the probe's connector terminals. Heat exposure, physical damage, and wire insulation breakdown are the primary mechanisms that lead to this type of fault. The first diagnostic step is to inspect the probe circuit wiring thoroughly for any visible signs of a short or open condition, including burned or melted insulation, pinched wires, or corroded connector pins.

Diagnosing F031 accurately requires disconnecting the probe from the control board and measuring its resistance with a multimeter. A properly functioning probe typically reads around 1080 to 1100 ohms at room temperature. A reading significantly below this range, near zero ohms, or a direct short to ground confirms a faulty probe or wiring short. If the wiring harness checks out correctly, the probe itself is the likely failed component and will need replacement.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of F031

  1. 01

    Failed oven temperature probe (RTD)

    Part replacement

    The probe sensor itself has developed an internal short, causing its resistance to drop below the normal operating range. This is the most common cause and can be confirmed by measuring the probe resistance with a multimeter disconnected from the control board.

  2. 02

    Damaged or shorted probe wiring harness

    Part replacement

    The wiring that connects the probe to the control board may have melted insulation, pinched conductors, or wires in contact with the oven cavity walls, creating a short circuit. Visually inspect the full length of the wiring harness for heat damage or physical wear.

  3. 03

    Corroded or damaged probe connector

    Wiring / connection

    The connector that joins the probe wiring to the control board or probe terminal can accumulate corrosion or suffer physical damage, causing unintended electrical contact between pins. Inspect the connector carefully and clean or replace it if corrosion or deformation is present.

  4. 04

    Probe wire pinched behind oven components

    Wiring / connection

    During past repairs or manufacturing, the probe wiring may have been routed incorrectly and become pinched between metal panels or oven components, wearing through the insulation over time. Tracing the wire path during inspection will reveal this condition.

  5. 05

    Faulty electronic control board

    Part replacement

    In rare cases, the control board itself may be misreading the probe circuit signal due to a board-level fault, even when the probe and wiring are intact. This is typically only diagnosed after the probe and wiring have been confirmed good.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about F031

What does F031 mean on a GE range?
F031 on a GE range means the electronic control board has detected a short circuit in the oven temperature probe (RTD) circuit. The probe is responsible for measuring oven temperature and sending that data to the control board as a resistance signal. When the resistance drops abnormally low due to a short, the control board triggers this fault and disables oven operation. The probe itself, its wiring harness, or the connector are the primary areas to inspect.
Can I fix the F031 error myself?
A knowledgeable DIYer can diagnose and fix F031 by inspecting the probe wiring for visible damage and testing the probe resistance with a multimeter at room temperature, which should read approximately 1080 to 1100 ohms. If the probe reads near zero ohms or shows a direct short, replacing the probe is a straightforward repair that involves unplugging the range, removing the probe from the oven cavity, and connecting the new sensor. If the wiring harness is the problem, repair complexity increases depending on where the short is located. Always disconnect power before inspecting any components.
Is it safe to use my GE range while F031 is displayed?
It is not recommended to use the oven while F031 is active. The error indicates the control board cannot accurately read oven temperature, which means the oven may not heat correctly or could behave unpredictably. The control board typically disables oven operation when this fault is present as a safety precaution. Surface burners on a gas or electric range may still function, but the oven should not be used until the fault is resolved.
Will resetting the GE range clear the F031 error code?
A reset, performed by disconnecting power to the range for several minutes and restoring it, may temporarily clear the F031 code, but the fault will return if the underlying short in the probe circuit is not repaired. The error is triggered by a real electrical condition that the control board detects each time the oven is activated. A reset is useful for confirming whether the fault is intermittent, but it is not a repair solution.
How much does it cost to repair the F031 error on a GE range?
Repair costs depend on which component has failed. A replacement oven temperature probe typically costs in the range of $20 to $60 for the part alone, making it one of the more affordable repairs if the wiring is intact. If the wiring harness needs repair or replacement, parts and labor costs can increase. Professional appliance repair service calls generally range from $100 to $250 or more depending on your location and the extent of the repair needed.

Related GE range codes

All GE range codes
View all 303 GE range codes

78,000+ service manuals · 160,000+ error codes · 55+ brands

Get Started

$29/month · Cancel anytime · Or $9.95 3-day pass