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Error code reference

GE Range Error Code F4 E3

Over temperature during clean mode (temperature runaway).

GE codesGE range codes

Over temperature during clean mode (temperature runaway).

First step from the service manual

Enter diagnostics mode, press BAKE key to cycle bake relay on and off to verify relay operation.

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

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What F4 E3 means on a GE range

The F4 E3 error code on a GE range indicates an over-temperature condition during self-clean mode, specifically a temperature runaway event. During the self-clean cycle, the oven is designed to reach and maintain extremely high temperatures, typically above 800 degrees Fahrenheit, to incinerate food residue. The control board continuously monitors the oven temperature via the oven temperature sensor (RTD probe). If the temperature climbs beyond the safe upper threshold and the control cannot regulate it back down, the board registers this as a runaway condition and locks out the system with the F4 E3 fault.

The most direct cause of temperature runaway is a failed bake relay on the control board. If the relay welds or sticks in the closed position, it continuously supplies voltage to the bake element even when the control board sends a shutoff signal. The first diagnostic step is to enter diagnostics mode and use the BAKE key to cycle the bake relay on and off, which confirms whether the relay is responding to control commands. A relay that cannot be toggled in diagnostics is a strong indicator the board has failed.

Additional causes include a faulty oven temperature sensor that is sending inaccurate resistance readings to the control board, causing the board to misread actual oven temperature and allow heating to continue unchecked. A shorted bake element can also draw excessive current and generate uncontrolled heat. In some cases, the control board itself has failed logic circuits that prevent proper relay switching, even if the relay hardware is intact. Identifying the root cause requires methodical testing of the sensor resistance, element continuity, and relay operation before replacing components.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of F4 E3

  1. 01

    Stuck or welded bake relay on the control board

    Part replacement

    If the bake relay welds shut, it supplies continuous power to the bake element even when the board tries to turn it off. This is confirmed by entering diagnostics and pressing the BAKE key to see if the relay can be toggled on and off.

  2. 02

    Faulty oven temperature sensor (RTD probe)

    Part replacement

    A sensor sending incorrect resistance values causes the control board to misjudge the oven temperature, allowing heating to continue past safe limits. The sensor can be tested with a multimeter for proper resistance at room temperature.

  3. 03

    Failed control board

    Part replacement

    If the relay hardware tests correctly but the board still cannot cycle the relay during diagnostics, the logic circuitry on the board itself has likely failed. The entire control board would need to be replaced.

  4. 04

    Shorted bake element

    Part replacement

    A bake element with an internal short can draw excessive current and generate uncontrolled heat regardless of relay switching. Visually inspect the element for burn marks or breaches, and test for continuity shorts to the element's chassis ground.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about F4 E3

What does F4 E3 mean on a GE range?
F4 E3 indicates an over-temperature condition during the self-clean cycle, also called temperature runaway. The oven's temperature climbed beyond the safe upper limit and the control board could not regulate it back down. The range shuts down as a safety measure when this fault is detected. The most common culprits are a stuck bake relay on the control board or a faulty oven temperature sensor.
Is it safe to use my GE range after an F4 E3 error?
You should not resume using the self-clean cycle until the fault has been diagnosed and repaired. A temperature runaway condition means the oven cannot reliably regulate heat, which poses a fire and damage risk. Regular baking at lower temperatures may be possible in some cases, but the underlying cause should be identified by a technician before further use.
Will resetting the range clear the F4 E3 error code?
Resetting the range by cutting power at the breaker may temporarily clear the code, but it will not fix the underlying problem. If the bake relay is stuck, the temperature sensor is faulty, or the control board has failed, the fault will return the next time the self-clean cycle is used. A proper repair requires diagnosing and replacing the defective component.
How do I fix the F4 E3 error on a GE range?
Start by entering diagnostics mode and pressing the BAKE key to cycle the bake relay on and off. If the relay does not respond, the control board is the likely cause. If the relay operates correctly, test the oven temperature sensor with a multimeter to verify it is sending accurate resistance readings. Depending on the failed component, the repair will involve replacing the control board, the temperature sensor, or the bake element.
How much does it cost to repair an F4 E3 error on a GE range?
Repair costs vary depending on which component has failed. A replacement oven temperature sensor typically runs in the range of $20 to $60 for the part alone. A control board replacement is more expensive, generally ranging from $150 to $350 or more for the part, with additional labor costs if a technician is hired. Getting a diagnostic visit from a repair technician can help confirm the faulty part before committing to a repair.

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