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Error code reference

Whirlpool Cooktop Error Code F6-E2

Over temperature during clean mode (runaway temp).

Whirlpool codesWhirlpool cooktop codes

Over temperature during clean mode (runaway temp).

First step from the service manual

Press CANCEL>CANCEL>START to enter Diagnostic Mode, verify codes. While in diagnostics mode, press BAKE to cycle the bake element and check relay operation.

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

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What F6-E2 means on a Whirlpool cooktop

The F6-E2 error code on a Whirlpool cooktop indicates an over-temperature condition detected during the clean cycle, specifically a runaway temperature event. During a self-clean operation, the control board continuously monitors temperature through the oven temperature sensor. If the sensed temperature exceeds the expected threshold for the clean cycle stage and continues climbing without responding to relay shutoff commands, the control interprets this as a thermal runaway condition and triggers F6-E2. This is a protective fault designed to prevent damage to the appliance and potential fire hazards.

The most common components involved in this fault are the oven temperature sensor (RTD probe), the relay board controlling the bake element, and the main control board itself. A failed relay that sticks in the closed position can allow the bake element to remain energized continuously, causing temperature to climb unchecked. Similarly, a sensor with drifted resistance values may report inaccurate temperatures, causing the control to misread the actual thermal state of the oven cavity.

Diagnosing this code requires entering Diagnostic Mode by pressing CANCEL, CANCEL, then START. Once in diagnostics, pressing BAKE cycles the bake element on and off, allowing a technician to verify that the relay is opening and closing correctly. If the element stays energized when it should be off, a stuck relay is the likely culprit. If the relay cycles correctly but the temperature reading is erratic or out of range, the sensor or its wiring harness should be inspected for continuity and resistance values.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of F6-E2

  1. 01

    Stuck or failed relay on the relay board

    Part replacement

    A relay that welds itself in the closed position keeps the bake element energized even when the control board sends an off signal, causing temperature to climb without limit. Cycling the bake element in Diagnostic Mode will reveal whether the element de-energizes on command.

  2. 02

    Faulty oven temperature sensor

    Part replacement

    A sensor with out-of-specification resistance or an intermittent open/short can send incorrect temperature readings to the control board, causing the board to mismanage heat output during clean mode. Inspect the sensor for physical damage and verify its resistance is within the expected range at room temperature.

  3. 03

    Damaged sensor wiring harness

    Wiring / connection

    High heat exposure during clean cycles can degrade the insulation on sensor wires, causing shorts or intermittent open circuits that produce false temperature readings. Inspect the wiring between the sensor and control board for melted insulation, pinched conductors, or corroded connector pins.

  4. 04

    Defective main control board

    Part replacement

    If the control board fails to properly interpret sensor signals or loses the ability to command relay shutoff, it can allow thermal runaway conditions to develop. This is typically diagnosed after confirming the relay board, sensor, and wiring are all functioning correctly.

  5. 05

    Blocked or restricted oven vent

    Wiring / connection

    Restricted airflow around the oven cavity can cause heat to build up beyond normal clean cycle levels, contributing to an over-temperature fault. Check that the oven vent area is not obstructed by foil, cookware, or debris.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about F6-E2

What does F6-E2 mean on a Whirlpool cooktop?
F6-E2 signals that the oven temperature rose to an unsafe level during the self-clean cycle and continued climbing in a runaway pattern rather than being controlled. The appliance shut down to protect itself and prevent a potential fire hazard. The fault points to a problem with the relay controlling the bake element, the temperature sensor, or the main control board.
Is it safe to use my Whirlpool cooktop when F6-E2 is displayed?
You should not attempt to run another self-clean cycle until the fault has been properly diagnosed and repaired. The F6-E2 code indicates a thermal runaway condition, which is a fire risk if the root cause is not resolved. Basic cooktop surface burner operation may still be possible, but the oven should be kept off until a technician evaluates the relay and sensor systems.
Will resetting my Whirlpool cooktop clear the F6-E2 error?
Disconnecting power or pressing CANCEL may temporarily clear the code, but it will return if the underlying fault is not repaired. A stuck relay, failed sensor, or faulty control board will continue to cause the same over-temperature condition every time a clean cycle is attempted. A reset alone is not a repair.
How do I diagnose or fix the F6-E2 error on my Whirlpool cooktop?
Begin by entering Diagnostic Mode using the sequence CANCEL, CANCEL, START. From there, press BAKE to cycle the bake element on and off and observe whether the relay opens and closes correctly. If the element stays on when it should be off, the relay board needs replacement. If relay operation is normal, inspect the temperature sensor and its wiring harness for damage or out-of-range resistance values.
How much does it cost to repair the F6-E2 error on a Whirlpool cooktop?
Repair costs depend on which component has failed. A replacement temperature sensor typically runs in the range of $20 to $60 for the part. A relay board or main control board can range from $80 to $250 or more depending on the model. Adding professional labor, total repair costs generally fall between $150 and $400, though this varies by region and technician rates.

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