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Error code reference

GE Range Error Code F43

Motorized latch will not unlock; all heating functions should be off.

GE codesGE range codes

Motorized latch will not unlock; all heating functions should be off.

First step from the service manual

Check if latch motor is rotating and feedback switch changed state; check contacts A and B.

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

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What F43 means on a GE range

The F43 error code on a GE range indicates that the motorized door latch mechanism has failed to unlock after a self-clean cycle or after a lock command was issued. The oven door lock system uses a small latch motor to physically drive a bolt or cam mechanism that secures the door during high-temperature self-cleaning. When the control board commands the latch to retract and the system does not confirm a successful unlock within the expected time window, F43 is triggered. At this point, all heating functions are disabled as a safety measure to prevent the oven from operating with an indeterminate latch state.

The latch motor works in conjunction with a feedback switch, often called a door latch switch or position switch, that signals the control board when the latch has physically moved to the unlocked position. The diagnostic process centers on two specific contact points, labeled A and B, which correspond to the switch terminals that confirm latch position. If the motor is running but the switch is not changing state, the fault lies either in the switch itself or in the mechanical linkage between the motor and the latch bolt. If the motor is not rotating at all, the fault is more likely in the motor, its wiring, or the control board output driving the motor.

Common causes include a seized or worn latch motor, a failed or misaligned feedback switch, damaged wiring in the latch assembly harness, or debris and grease buildup that physically prevents the latch mechanism from moving freely. In some cases, the latch assembly becomes distorted from repeated high-temperature self-clean cycles, which can prevent the bolt from retracting fully even when the motor is functioning correctly.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of F43

  1. 01

    Failed or seized latch motor

    Part replacement

    The small motor that drives the latch bolt may have burned out or seized, especially after repeated self-clean cycles at high temperatures. If contacts A and B show no change in state and the motor is not rotating, the motor is the likely culprit.

  2. 02

    Faulty or misaligned feedback switch

    Part replacement

    The position switch at contacts A and B may fail to change state even when the motor is running and the latch is physically moving. This can occur if the switch is worn, misaligned, or has corroded contacts.

  3. 03

    Mechanical obstruction in latch assembly

    Wiring / connection

    Grease buildup, debris, or physical distortion of the latch mechanism from high-heat cycles can prevent the latch bolt from retracting fully, causing the motor to stall or the switch to never reach its unlocked position.

  4. 04

    Damaged or loose wiring in latch harness

    Wiring / connection

    The wiring connecting the latch motor and feedback switch to the control board can become brittle or disconnected after prolonged exposure to oven heat. Check for broken wires or loose connectors at the latch assembly and the control board.

  5. 05

    Control board not supplying power to latch motor

    Part replacement

    If the control board output that drives the latch motor is faulty, the motor will not receive voltage and will not rotate. This is less common than a mechanical or switch failure but should be considered if the motor and wiring test properly.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about F43

What does F43 mean on a GE range?
F43 means the motorized door latch was commanded to unlock but the control board did not receive confirmation that the unlock was completed. The oven detects this failure through a feedback switch at contacts A and B on the latch assembly. As a safety precaution, all heating functions are disabled when this code is active. The fault is typically in the latch motor, feedback switch, or the mechanical latch linkage itself.
Is it safe to use my GE oven when F43 is displayed?
No, the oven will not allow heating functions to operate while F43 is active, which is a built-in safety response. Beyond that, the door may remain physically locked, preventing access to the oven cavity. Do not attempt to force the door open, as this can damage the latch mechanism further. Resolve the underlying fault before attempting to use the oven again.
Will resetting the oven clear the F43 error code?
A power reset by turning off the circuit breaker for 30 seconds may temporarily clear the code if the latch motor completes its cycle on restart. However, if the underlying problem is a failed motor, faulty switch, or mechanical obstruction, the code will return the next time a lock or self-clean cycle is initiated. A reset alone does not repair the root cause.
How do I fix F43 on a GE range?
Start by confirming whether the latch motor is rotating when the unlock command is given and whether the feedback switch at contacts A and B changes state. If the motor is not rotating, check for power at the motor and inspect the wiring harness for damage. If the motor runs but the switch does not respond, the switch or the mechanical linkage may need replacement. Cleaning debris from the latch mechanism is a good first step if there are no obvious electrical failures.
How much does it cost to repair a GE range F43 error?
Repair costs vary depending on the failed component. A replacement latch motor and switch assembly typically costs between $40 and $120 for the part alone. If a technician is hired for the diagnosis and repair, total costs including labor generally range from $150 to $350. Control board replacement, if required, can push costs higher, which may make it worth comparing repair cost against appliance replacement value.

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