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Error code reference

Kenmore Oven Error Code F13

Incorrect EEPROM checksum

Kenmore codesKenmore oven codes

Incorrect EEPROM checksum: the control (User Interface Board or Appliance Control Board) internal memory may have become corrupted.

First step from the service manual

Disconnect power, wait 30 seconds and reapply power. If fault returns upon power-up, replace the Appliance Control Board.

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

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What F13 means on a Kenmore oven

The F13 error code on a Kenmore oven indicates an incorrect EEPROM checksum, meaning the internal memory stored within the control board has become corrupted or unreadable. The EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) is a small non-volatile memory chip embedded in the Appliance Control Board that stores critical configuration data, calibration settings, and operational parameters. When the control board performs a self-check at startup or during operation, it computes a checksum to verify the integrity of that stored data. If the calculated value does not match the expected value, the board triggers F13 to alert the technician that the stored data cannot be trusted.

Corruption of EEPROM data can result from several conditions, including power surges, voltage spikes during a power outage, or brief interruptions in supply voltage that occur at a critical moment during a write cycle. In some cases, the EEPROM chip itself has degraded over time, particularly in older units that have experienced many read and write cycles. The error can appear suddenly after a power event or may develop gradually as the memory degrades.

The first diagnostic step is to disconnect power to the oven for at least 30 seconds and then restore it. This allows the control board to reinitialize and attempt to reload its stored parameters. If the F13 code returns immediately upon power-up, the memory corruption is persistent and a simple reset will not resolve it. At that point, replacing the Appliance Control Board is the indicated repair, as the EEPROM is typically integrated directly onto that board and is not serviceable as a standalone component.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of F13

  1. 01

    Power surge or voltage spike

    Wiring / connection

    A sudden spike in electrical voltage, often caused by a power outage or the power being restored abruptly, can corrupt data stored in the EEPROM during a write cycle. If the F13 code appeared shortly after a power event, this is the most likely culprit.

  2. 02

    Failed or degraded EEPROM on the Appliance Control Board

    Part replacement

    The EEPROM chip on the control board can degrade over time and eventually fail to retain accurate data. If the oven is older and the error persists after a power reset, the control board has likely reached end of life for its memory component.

  3. 03

    Brief power interruption during a memory write cycle

    Wiring / connection

    If power to the oven was interrupted at the exact moment the board was writing data to EEPROM, the stored checksum can become invalid. This is a one-time event and may be cleared by a 30-second power reset.

  4. 04

    Faulty Appliance Control Board

    Part replacement

    In some cases the control board itself has an underlying hardware fault that causes it to repeatedly write incorrect data or fail to compute checksums accurately. If the error returns consistently after resets, board replacement is required.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about F13

What does F13 mean on a Kenmore oven?
F13 on a Kenmore oven indicates an incorrect EEPROM checksum, meaning the internal memory on the Appliance Control Board has become corrupted. The board performs a checksum verification at startup, and when the stored data does not match the expected value, it triggers this fault code. The oven is designed to stop normal operation when this occurs to prevent errors caused by unreliable configuration data.
Will resetting my Kenmore oven clear the F13 error?
Sometimes. Disconnecting power to the oven for at least 30 seconds and then restoring it allows the control board to reinitialize. If the F13 code does not return after that reset, the corruption was likely a temporary result of a power event. However, if the code comes back immediately when power is restored, the memory corruption is persistent and the Appliance Control Board will need to be replaced.
Is it safe to use my Kenmore oven while it shows the F13 code?
It is not recommended to continue using the oven when F13 is active. The error means the control board cannot verify the integrity of its stored settings and calibration data, which could lead to unpredictable behavior such as incorrect temperature regulation. Until the fault is resolved, avoid using the oven for cooking.
How much does it cost to fix a Kenmore oven F13 error?
If a 30-second power reset clears the code, there is no parts cost involved. If the Appliance Control Board needs to be replaced, the part itself typically costs between $150 and $350 depending on the model, with professional labor adding another $100 to $200. Total repair costs generally fall in the range of $250 to $550 if a technician performs the work.
What part needs to be replaced to fix the F13 error on a Kenmore oven?
The Appliance Control Board is the component that requires replacement when the F13 error persists after a power reset. The EEPROM memory chip that stores the corrupted data is integrated directly onto that board and is not replaced separately. In some Kenmore oven configurations, the User Interface Board may also be involved, but the Appliance Control Board is the primary suspect for a persistent F13 fault.

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