GE Oven F4 Code

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Introduction

Your GE oven thinks that the oven sensor is showing a short circuit or is below any normal resistance range for that component (900Ω).

There are three main possibilities: The oven temperature sensor is bad, the wiring harness between the sensor and the Electronic Range (or oven) Control (ERC) is defective, or the ERC has failed.

Tip:

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

Here is a link to GE Oven Parts if you find a defective part.

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, which power cycling clears and then grows in frequency.

Causes

1

Defective Temperature Sensor

Get a multimeter and measure the sensor resistance. At room temperature, it should be about 1100 Ω. For more details, see More About Oven Temperature Sensors.

Shut off power to the unit before checking this resistance
Disconnect the sensor so you can measure it directly.
Replace the sensor if it reads more than 1150Ω or less than 1050Ω.

When checking the sensor's resistance, check for continuity between each sensor lead and the sensor's shell or mounting plate.

There should be no continuity; if there is, replace the sensor.
If the sensor checks out, reconnect it, then move to the next step.

2

Defective Temperature Sensor Wiring Harness

If the sensor is giving correct resistance values at room temperature, then the next step is to check if what the control board is "seeing" is correct.

You will want to trace the wire from the sensor to the connectors on the control board and then use your meter to check the resistance in the circuit at the control board.
- As you trace the wire, make sure it is in good condition. If you find any melted insulation or pinched wires, repair them. Make sure you use wire with insulation that matches what you found and porcelain or ceramic wire nuts.
- Especially look for wires that are contacting sharp edges where the insulation could be cut and the wires shorted or partially short.
Disconnect the connectors for the temperature sensor wires at the control board and check the resistance.
The special plastic connectors supplied with the sensor will often fail over time. They can deform and you may get a short or a partial short.

If the values check out, go to the next step.

3

Defective Electronic Range Control (ERC)

At this point, the only thing to replace is the ERC.

If the above steps point to a defective control, then power down the unit, and replace the ERC. Be prepared to run through a setup process for the unit.

More About Oven Temperature Sensors

The oven temperature sensor is what is called a resistive temperature device or RTD. They use a coiled length of platinum wire which changes in resistance with temperature. Unlike a thermistor, the resistance of an RTD changes essentially linearly with temperature, with a resistance increase of approximately 2Ω/°F

In some instances the sensor can fail by losing its linear character. You should, if possible, check the sensor at another temperature to see if it is acting as it should. Since these sensors are essentially identical from oven to oven, you can check them at other temperatures for correct values.
For higher temperatures, you may be able to use a toaster oven or an electric hot plate. A digital kitchen thermometer can be used to verify the sensor's actual temperature or an infrared thermometer can be used.
- 32°F (0°C) — 1000Ω
- 77°F (25°C) — 1100Ω
- 250°F (121°C) — 1450Ω
- 350°F (177°C) — 1650Ω