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Error code reference

KitchenAid Oven Error Code F31

Lower oven temperature sensor open or shorted.

KitchenAid codesKitchenAid oven codes

Lower oven temperature sensor open or shorted.

First step from the service manual

Check lower oven sensor resistance (1075 ohms at 68°F) and wiring at P3-1 to P3-2.

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

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What F31 means on a KitchenAid oven

The F31 error code on a KitchenAid oven indicates a fault with the lower oven temperature sensor, also called an RTD (resistance temperature detector). The control board has detected that the sensor circuit is either open (broken continuity) or shorted (resistance reading outside acceptable limits). This sensor is critical for accurate temperature regulation in the lower oven cavity. At a reference temperature of 68°F, a properly functioning sensor should read approximately 1075 ohms. Readings significantly higher than this suggest an open circuit, while readings near zero indicate a short.

The diagnostic process starts at connector P3, specifically pins P3-1 and P3-2, which carry the sensor signal back to the control board. Wiring between the sensor and the control board runs through a high-heat environment, making it susceptible to insulation breakdown, pinching, or connector corrosion over time. A failed solder joint at the connector or a wire that has contacted the oven cavity wall can produce intermittent or permanent fault conditions.

If the wiring and connector check out, the sensor itself is the likely culprit. Temperature sensors degrade after repeated heating cycles and can develop internal open circuits or shorts without any visible external damage. Replacing the sensor requires accessing the interior of the lower oven cavity, disconnecting the wiring harness, and removing the mounting screws that secure the probe to the cavity wall.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of F31

  1. 01

    Failed lower oven temperature sensor

    Part replacement

    The sensor probe itself has developed an internal open circuit or short, producing a resistance value outside the expected range of approximately 1075 ohms at 68°F. Disconnect the sensor and measure resistance directly at the probe terminals to confirm.

  2. 02

    Damaged or broken wiring harness

    Part replacement

    Wiring between the sensor and connector P3 can crack, fray, or short against the oven cavity wall due to repeated heat exposure. Visually inspect the full wire run and test for continuity from the sensor terminals to P3-1 and P3-2.

  3. 03

    Loose or corroded connector at P3

    Wiring / connection

    The connector at pins P3-1 and P3-2 on the control board can develop corrosion or lose proper seating, interrupting the sensor signal. Remove, inspect, and reseat the connector to rule this out before replacing components.

  4. 04

    Control board fault

    Part replacement

    If the sensor and all wiring test within specification, the control board itself may be misreading the sensor circuit. This is the least common cause and should only be considered after all other components are confirmed good.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about F31

What does F31 mean on a KitchenAid oven?
F31 means the control board has detected that the lower oven temperature sensor circuit is either open or shorted. The sensor should read approximately 1075 ohms at 68°F, and a reading outside acceptable limits triggers this code. The fault can originate from the sensor probe itself, the wiring harness, or the connector at pins P3-1 and P3-2. The oven will not operate reliably until the underlying cause is resolved.
Can I fix the F31 error code myself?
A knowledgeable DIYer can diagnose and often fix F31 by testing the sensor resistance with a multimeter and inspecting the wiring and connector at P3. If the sensor reads far outside 1075 ohms at room temperature, replacing it is a straightforward repair involving removing the probe from the oven cavity and reconnecting the harness. However, if the wiring is damaged deep within the oven structure or the control board needs replacement, professional service may be more practical.
Is it safe to use my KitchenAid oven when F31 is displayed?
It is not recommended to use the oven while F31 is active. Because the lower oven temperature sensor is not providing a reliable reading, the control board cannot properly regulate heat in the lower cavity. This could result in overheating, underheating, or unpredictable behavior during cooking cycles.
How much does it cost to repair an F31 error on a KitchenAid oven?
If only the temperature sensor needs replacement, parts typically range from $20 to $60 depending on the model, and the repair is manageable without professional help. If a professional technician is needed, total repair costs including labor generally range from $100 to $250. Control board replacement, if required, can push costs higher, often in the $200 to $400 range for parts and labor combined.
Will resetting my KitchenAid oven clear the F31 error code?
Resetting the oven by cutting power at the breaker for a few minutes may temporarily clear the F31 code, but it will return if the underlying sensor or wiring fault is still present. A reset is useful for confirming whether the fault is intermittent, but it does not fix the root cause. Permanent resolution requires diagnosing and repairing the sensor circuit.

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