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Error code reference

Kenmore Range Error Code F3-E3

Clean temperature out of range (too high)

Kenmore codesKenmore range codes

Clean temperature out of range (too high) — BAKE element does not turn off.

First step from the service manual

1. Verify failure if not displayed. Go to manual diagnostics screen 5 to view and clear error codes. 2. Use manual diagnostics screen 2 to view status. 3. Press BAKE to toggle element on/off; if element does not turn off, trace wires from control to BAKE element. Replace harness if damaged, otherwise replace control.

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

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What F3-E3 means on a Kenmore range

The F3-E3 error code on a Kenmore range indicates that the oven detected a clean cycle temperature that exceeded the acceptable upper limit, and the root cause is a bake element that is not shutting off when commanded. During a self-clean cycle, the oven reaches extremely high temperatures, typically above 800 degrees Fahrenheit. If the bake element continues to draw power after the control sends a shutoff signal, temperatures rise beyond safe parameters and the control board triggers this fault code to halt the cycle and protect the oven.

The diagnostic process focuses on determining whether the bake element is staying energized due to a wiring harness fault or a failed control board. Using the manual diagnostics screens, a technician can view live status and actively toggle the bake element on and off. If the element does not respond to the toggle command and remains on, the problem lies either in the wiring between the control board and the element, or in the control board's ability to open the circuit. A damaged harness with a short circuit can hold the element energized regardless of board commands.

If the wiring harness is visually intact and shows no signs of burning, chafing, or melted insulation, the control board itself is the likely culprit. The board's relay or triac responsible for switching the bake element circuit may have failed in a closed position, keeping the element continuously powered. Replacing the harness or the control board, depending on which component fails inspection, is the standard repair path for this fault.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of F3-E3

  1. 01

    Failed control board relay or triac

    Part replacement

    The control board contains a relay or triac that switches the bake element circuit on and off. If this component fails in a closed position, the bake element stays energized regardless of commands from the board, causing runaway temperature during a clean cycle.

  2. 02

    Damaged or shorted wiring harness

    Part replacement

    The wires running from the control board to the bake element can become chafed, melted, or shorted together, especially after repeated high-temperature cycles. A short in the harness can hold the bake element circuit closed even when the control attempts to open it.

  3. 03

    Loose or corroded connector at the control board

    Wiring / connection

    Connector pins at the control board end of the bake element harness can corrode or back out of the connector housing, causing intermittent or incorrect circuit behavior. Inspect connectors carefully during harness tracing for signs of corrosion or damage.

  4. 04

    Error code stored from a previous fault

    Wiring / connection

    In some cases the F3-E3 code may be stored from a prior event and the oven may not currently exhibit active symptoms. Using manual diagnostics screen 5 to view and clear stored codes can confirm whether the fault is current or historical.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about F3-E3

What does F3-E3 mean on a Kenmore range?
The F3-E3 code means the oven detected an out-of-range high temperature during a self-clean cycle because the bake element failed to turn off when commanded. The oven shuts down as a safety precaution when this condition is detected. The problem is traced to either a damaged wiring harness or a failed control board that cannot properly open the bake element circuit.
Can I reset the F3-E3 error code and keep using my Kenmore range?
You can clear the stored F3-E3 code using manual diagnostics screen 5, but simply resetting the code does not fix the underlying problem. If the bake element relay or wiring harness is faulty, the fault will return and the oven may overheat again. It is not safe to run the self-clean cycle until the root cause has been diagnosed and repaired.
Is it safe to use my Kenmore range when it shows F3-E3?
Because the F3-E3 code indicates the bake element may not shut off when commanded, using the oven, especially the self-clean function, carries a risk of uncontrolled overheating. Normal baking could also be affected if the element cannot be properly cycled on and off. It is best to avoid using the oven until the wiring and control board have been inspected and the faulty component replaced.
How do I fix the F3-E3 error on a Kenmore range?
The repair starts by using the manual diagnostics screens to toggle the bake element on and off and observe whether it responds correctly. If the element does not turn off, you trace the wiring harness from the control board to the bake element and inspect it for damage or shorts. A damaged harness should be replaced, and if the harness is intact the control board itself needs to be replaced.
How much does it cost to repair a Kenmore range showing F3-E3?
Repair costs vary depending on which component has failed. A wiring harness replacement is generally the less expensive repair, while a control board replacement typically costs more for both parts and labor. Total repair costs including professional labor can range from around $150 to $450 or more depending on parts pricing and the technician's rates in your area.

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