Whirlpool oven F3E1 code: oven temperature sensor fault
- Urgency
- High
- Who can fix it
- Moderate DIY
- Time
- About 30 min
- Repair cost
- $120–$300
The control has found a problem in the oven temperature sensor circuit and will not heat. Whirlpool lists the sensor, its wiring or the control as the cause. On double wall ovens, F3E1 refers to the lower oven sensor.
Likely causes
Listed from most to least common.
- Failed oven temperature sensor
- Pinched, shorted or burnt sensor wiring
- Loose plug behind the oven back wall
- Faulty oven control board
How to fix the F3E1 code
Unplug the oven or switch it off at the breaker before removing any panel or filter.
Step 1: Reset power at the breaker
Turn off the circuit breaker for the oven for one minute, then turn it back on. Watch the display for one minute.
Step 2: Run a short bake
Set the oven to 350°F. If the code comes back as it heats, the sensor or its wiring is the likely cause.
Step 3: Check the sensor
With the breaker off and the oven cool, look at the sensor probe at the top rear of the oven. Make sure it is not bent or touching the oven wall.
Step 4: Replace the sensor
If the code keeps returning, fit a new sensor. It is held by two screws and plugs in behind the back wall.
You'll need: Nut driver set, flashlight, multimeter.
Parts that may need replacing
Check your model number on the label inside the door or on the back before ordering.
- Whirlpool oven temperature sensorCheck prices
When to call a technician
Call a technician if the code returns after a new sensor is fitted. A shorted harness or a failed control board needs electrical testing.
A typical repair for this code costs $120–$300 in the US, including parts and labor. Prices vary by area and model.
Models this applies to
- Electric and gas freestanding ranges (WFE, WFG and WEE series)
- Slide-in ranges (WEE, WEG and WEC series)
- Single, double and combination wall ovens (WOS, WOD and WOC series)
Codes can differ slightly between models. Your owner's manual is the final word and is available from Whirlpool support.
Common questions
›Did self-cleaning cause my F3E1 code?
It can. The very high heat of a self-clean cycle can damage the sensor or its wires. A power reset sometimes clears it, but a damaged sensor must be replaced.
›How much is a Whirlpool oven sensor?
The sensor itself usually costs $20 to $50. A technician visit to fit it typically runs $120 to $300 in total.