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Error code reference

GE Range Error Code F31

Oven temperature sensor failure (fault limit 20 sec to avoid erroneous faults due to line noise on long…

GE codesGE range codes

Oven temperature sensor failure (fault limit 20 sec to avoid erroneous faults due to line noise on long sensor wires).

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What F31 means on a GE range

The F31 error code on a GE range indicates a failure in the oven temperature sensor circuit. The control board monitors the sensor continuously and requires the fault condition to persist for at least 20 seconds before triggering the error. This built-in delay is intentional: it filters out transient signal disruptions caused by electrical line noise, which is a known issue on ranges with longer sensor wire runs. When the signal remains out of acceptable parameters for the full 20-second window, the board locks out oven operation and stores the F31 fault.

The oven temperature sensor, sometimes called an RTD (resistance temperature detector), works by changing its electrical resistance in proportion to temperature. The control board reads this resistance to calculate the oven cavity temperature. A properly functioning sensor should measure approximately 1080 ohms at room temperature (around 70 degrees F). If the sensor is open, shorted, or reading outside the expected resistance range, the control interprets this as a sensor failure and triggers F31.

Common failure points include a degraded or burned sensor probe, damaged wiring along the sensor harness, corroded or loose connector pins at the sensor or control board, and in less frequent cases, a faulty control board that misreads a good sensor signal. Because the fault threshold accounts for line noise, intermittent F31 codes that clear on their own can point to wiring issues rather than a fully failed sensor.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of F31

  1. 01

    Failed oven temperature sensor

    Part replacement

    The sensor probe itself has burned out or drifted out of its correct resistance range. You can test the sensor with a multimeter: at room temperature it should read close to 1080 ohms. A reading significantly higher, lower, or open circuit confirms the sensor needs replacement.

  2. 02

    Damaged or broken sensor wiring harness

    Part replacement

    The wires connecting the sensor to the control board can be pinched, burned by oven heat, or broken internally. Inspect the full length of the harness for scorch marks, fraying, or breaks, and check for continuity with a multimeter.

  3. 03

    Loose or corroded connector pins

    Wiring / connection

    The sensor wire connector at either the sensor end or the control board end can develop loose or oxidized pins that cause intermittent or total signal loss. Unplug the range, disconnect the connectors, and inspect for discoloration, corrosion, or pins that have backed out of the housing.

  4. 04

    Electrical line noise on long sensor wire runs

    Wiring / connection

    Longer sensor wire routing in some GE range configurations makes the circuit more susceptible to electrical interference. If F31 appears intermittently and clears on its own, line noise could be disrupting the signal without a hard component failure. Checking wire routing and ensuring wires are not running parallel to high-voltage lines can help isolate this issue.

  5. 05

    Faulty control board

    Part replacement

    If the sensor and all wiring test within specification but F31 persists, the control board itself may be misreading the sensor signal. This is the least common cause and should only be considered after the sensor and wiring have been ruled out.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about F31

What does F31 mean on a GE range?
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.
Can I fix F31 on my GE range myself?
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.
Is it safe to use my GE range when F31 is displayed?
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.
How much does it cost to repair a GE range F31 error?
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.
Will resetting my GE range clear the F31 code?
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.

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