GE Range Error Code F31

F31 indicates that the oven temperature sensor circuit has failed or is sending a signal outside the acceptable range for at least 20 continuous seconds. The control board uses this sensor to monitor oven temperature during cooking cycles. When the sensor signal is lost or out of range, the control locks out oven operation to prevent unsafe temperature conditions. The fault may be caused by a bad sensor, damaged wiring, or loose connections.

You should not attempt to use the oven while F31 is active. The fault indicates the control board cannot accurately monitor oven temperature, which means it cannot regulate heat properly. Using the oven in this condition risks overheating. Surface burners on a gas range may still be usable, but the oven should remain off until the fault is diagnosed and repaired.

Disconnecting the range from power for a few minutes will clear the stored F31 code from the display, but it will not fix the underlying problem. If the sensor or wiring fault is still present, F31 will return once the oven attempts to operate and the 20-second fault timer elapses again. A reset is useful for confirming whether the fault is intermittent, but a permanent fix requires identifying and correcting the root cause.

Many DIYers and technicians can resolve F31 by testing and replacing the oven temperature sensor, which is one of the more accessible oven components. Testing requires a multimeter to check resistance at the sensor and continuity along the wiring harness. If the sensor reads correctly and wiring is intact, the diagnosis becomes more complex and may point to the control board, which is a more involved repair.

Repair costs depend on the failed component. A replacement oven temperature sensor typically costs between $20 and $60 for the part. If the control board is at fault, that part can range from $150 to $350 or more depending on the model. Adding professional labor, total repair costs generally fall between $100 and $450, with sensor replacements being the lower-cost scenario.