GE Oven F0 Code

Introduction

The F0 code means a couple of different things depending on the model of your GE stove or oven. This error was especially common on GE units around 2013, but GE seems to have used variations of the control for a number of years beginning in the early 2000s. Two keypad styles are common, Membrane, which has little bubbles at each button, and Glass Touch, which just has a flat surface with button locations marked.

The Basics

As with almost any error code, resetting the device is a good first step. For GE ovens, the easiest way to do this is to disconnect the power.

You may be able to reach the plug on gas or electric ranges or stoves. You can disconnect the power at the circuit breaker if it is difficult to reach.
Built-in ovens (like wall ovens) require you to disconnect power at the circuit breaker since they are usually hardwired and don't have a plug.
Leave the power disconnected for 5 minutes.
Reconnect the power and check to see if the error returns.
If it does, move on to the next item. If not, monitor the oven, as this type of error often starts with occasional error codes and then grows in frequency.

Tip:

A multimeter is an important tool in troubleshooting these kinds of devices so knowing how to use one is pretty important.

For models with a membrane keypad, you should go to Membrane Pad Failure.

For models with a glass touch keypad, go to Glass Touch Keypad Failure.

Here is a link to GE Oven Parts.

Causes

Membrane Pad Failure

This code usually indicates a shorted OFF key. Since your unit has a membrane-style keypad, you can try disconnecting the ribbon cable from the control unit to the keypad. You can use a pencil eraser to carefully clean the contacts on the ribbon cable. Then reconnect it and see if the error goes away. If it does not, then run the next check.

You can also run a resistance check on the keypad.

With the keypad disconnected from the control, take a multimeter and measure the resistance between terminals 13 and 14 on the ribbon cable.
- You should read OL.
Then press and hold the OFF key and check the resistance at the same place (terminals 13 & 14).
- You should read 150Ω.
If these readings don't match the figures above, replace the keypad, If the readings are good, replace the control unit.
When you replace a part, you should run through the reset sequence below. Your display may or may not show the exact items listed.

Glass Touch Keypad Failure

The F0 code usually indicates a problem with the control unit or the touch keypad. These problems may also be indicated by abnormal sensitivity for one or more keys.

The control continuously monitors the keypad's status; the parameters are factory-set. When they drift outside these factory settings, you will get an error code or sensitivity, and the oven will become unusable.

The control unit and the keypad must be tested together. One possible fix involves a keystroke sequence to reset the control and keypad.

Turn the power off at the circuit breaker and wait 2-3 minutes.
Turn the power back on. All the LED segments should light.
When this happens, press the 1 and 5 keys simultaneously, and the display should go blank, then display all the segments again briefly.
Loc rEF will display for a moment; then, all the segments will display for 30 seconds.
Loc rEF will display again. Press the 6 and 8 keys simultaneously. The control will display the time of day.
Test the keypad by pushing random keys.
Reset the clock by pressing the CLOCK button and entering in the time of day using the number keys.
If the control doesn't work, replace it. You must use the entire sequence above when you replace the control.

Note:

The control can be a difficult-to-obtain part for some older units, and in that case will most likely have to be obtained from secondary sources, such as used parts from existing units. Try this link first, though

Additional Information

Here is a link to a GE Service Bulletin for the F0 code on units with glass touch keypads: RA04 04 GE