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Error code reference

KitchenAid Oven Error Code F3 E3

Oven temperature too high (over 510°C / 950°F in Clean mode).

Oven temperature too high (over 510°C / 950°F in Clean mode).

First step from the service manual

Check sensor connection and measure sensor resistance; if valid, check for welded-closed relays on the 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 KitchenAid oven

The F3 E3 error code on a KitchenAid oven indicates that the oven cavity temperature has exceeded 510°C (950°F) during the self-clean cycle. This threshold represents an abnormally high temperature reading detected by the oven temperature sensor (RTD probe), which continuously monitors cavity conditions and reports resistance values back to the electronic control board. Under normal clean cycle operation, the oven reaches temperatures in the range of 425°C to 480°C (800°F to 900°F), so an F3 E3 reading signals that something is allowing the heating elements to stay energized beyond safe limits.

The two most common root causes are a faulty temperature sensor and welded relay contacts on the control board. The RTD sensor should produce a resistance of approximately 1,080 ohms at room temperature (around 70°F). If the sensor is shorted, damaged, or has a degraded connection at the harness plug, it can report inaccurate low-resistance readings that trick the board into believing the oven is cooler than it actually is, causing the control to continue applying power to the elements. Welded relay contacts on the control board are equally serious: if a relay that governs the bake or broil element becomes fused in the closed position, the element receives constant power regardless of what the sensor reports.

Diagnosis should begin at the sensor connection point. Inspect the wiring harness for corrosion, burn marks, or loose pins, then measure sensor resistance at room temperature and compare to specification. If resistance is within range, attention shifts to the control board itself, checking whether any relays show signs of arcing or failure. A welded relay typically requires full control board replacement, as individual relay repair is not generally performed in the field.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of F3 E3

  1. 01

    Faulty oven temperature sensor (RTD probe)

    Part replacement

    A shorted or damaged RTD sensor can report incorrect low-temperature readings, causing the control board to keep the heating elements on longer than it should. Measure sensor resistance at room temperature; a reading significantly below 1,080 ohms indicates a failed sensor.

  2. 02

    Loose or corroded sensor wiring connection

    Wiring / connection

    A poor connection at the sensor harness plug can cause intermittent or inaccurate resistance readings that the board misinterprets as a low temperature condition. Inspect the connector at the sensor and at the control board for corrosion, burnt pins, or loose terminals.

  3. 03

    Welded relay contacts on the control board

    Part replacement

    Relay contacts that have fused closed due to arcing or overload will keep the bake or broil element energized continuously, regardless of sensor input. This condition requires control board replacement and may also cause visible burn marks or a distinct electrical odor near the board.

  4. 04

    Failed electronic control board

    Part replacement

    Beyond a welded relay, broader control board failure can result in loss of proper temperature regulation during the clean cycle. If sensor resistance checks out and wiring is intact, the control board is the likely culprit.

  5. 05

    Bake or broil element stuck energized

    Part replacement

    In rare cases, a shorted heating element can draw power outside of normal control signals. This is less common than relay failure but should be checked if other components test normally.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about F3 E3

What does F3 E3 mean on a KitchenAid oven?
F3 E3 means the oven's control board detected a temperature exceeding 510°C (950°F) during the self-clean cycle, which is well above the normal operating range for that mode. The code points to a problem in the temperature sensing or heating control system. The most likely causes are a faulty RTD temperature sensor, a bad wiring connection to that sensor, or relay contacts on the control board that are stuck in the closed position.
Is it safe to use my KitchenAid oven when F3 E3 is displayed?
No, you should not use the oven while this error is active. The F3 E3 code indicates the oven may be reaching dangerously high temperatures that exceed its design limits. Continuing to operate it risks damage to the oven cavity, surrounding cabinetry, and potential fire hazard. Disconnect power to the unit and have it inspected before using it again.
Will resetting the oven clear the F3 E3 error code?
Resetting the oven by cutting power at the breaker for a few minutes may temporarily clear the code, but it will almost certainly return the next time the self-clean cycle is run if the underlying problem is not repaired. A reset does not fix a faulty sensor, damaged wiring, or a welded relay. The fault condition needs to be physically diagnosed and corrected for the error to be permanently resolved.
How do I fix the F3 E3 error on a KitchenAid oven?
Start by measuring the resistance of the oven temperature sensor at room temperature; it should read approximately 1,080 ohms. Also inspect the sensor wiring harness for loose, corroded, or burnt connections. If the sensor and wiring check out, the next step is inspecting the control board for signs of relay failure such as arcing marks or a burnt smell. Depending on the faulty component, the repair will involve replacing the sensor, repairing the wiring connection, or replacing the control board.
How much does it cost to repair a KitchenAid oven showing F3 E3?
Repair costs vary depending on which component has failed. A replacement RTD temperature sensor typically costs in the range of $20 to $60 for the part, while a control board replacement can range from $150 to $350 or more depending on the model. Adding professional labor, total repair costs can range from $100 to $500 or higher. Getting a diagnosis before ordering parts helps avoid unnecessary expenses if, for example, the fix turns out to be a simple wiring connection repair.

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