Kenmore Oven F31 Error Code — What It Means
F31 on Kenmore ranges that use the Frigidaire or Electrolux control platform indicates a shorted oven temperature sensor circuit. The electronic oven control is reading a signal that is too low or otherwise electrically abnormal, so it flags the fault and may prevent the oven from heating. In most cases the oven temperature sensor probe (RTD sensor) has developed an internal short or has fallen out of specification.
Common Causes
- Failed oven temperature sensor The RTD probe develops an internal short or drops below the normal resistance range, typically measuring far below 1,080 ohms at room temperature.
- Damaged sensor harness wiring The wires between the sensor and the control board are pinched, burnt, or broken, creating a short circuit or low-resistance path.
- Loose or corroded connector The plug at the sensor or at the main control board has oxidized terminals or is not seated fully, causing intermittent or low readings.
- Main control board input failure The electronic oven control’s sensor input circuit has failed even though the sensor and harness test normal.
Step-by-Step Fix
- Turn off power at the breaker before touching any wiring or removing access panels.
- Remove the back panel or lower access cover to expose the oven temperature sensor, which is usually a metal probe mounted in the rear oven wall.
- Inspect the sensor probe and its harness for physical damage, burnt insulation, or corroded connector pins, and clean or tighten any loose connections.
- Disconnect the sensor from the harness and measure its resistance with a multimeter at room temperature. A healthy sensor should read approximately 1,080 to 1,091 ohms at 75°F, and anything below 500 ohms indicates a failed probe.
- Replace the oven temperature sensor if the resistance is out of range, then reconnect the harness and restore power.
- If the sensor measures correctly, check the harness for continuity between the sensor plug and the control board, and test for any shorts to the chassis or ground.
- Replace the electronic oven control board if both the sensor and wiring test good but the F31 code returns after clearing the fault and running a bake cycle.
Parts Often Needed
| Part | Notes |
|---|---|
| Oven temperature sensor / RTD probe | Amazon | Primary fix when resistance measures low or erratic at room temperature. |
| Sensor wiring harness | Amazon | Needed if the harness shows opens, shorts, or melted insulation. |
| Electronic oven control board (EOC) | Amazon | Replace only after confirming the sensor and wiring are in specification. |
When to Call a Pro
Call a qualified appliance technician if you are not comfortable working with high-voltage wiring or if you do not own a multimeter to test the sensor resistance accurately. A technician will also have access to model-specific wiring diagrams and resistance tables to confirm whether the sensor is in specification. If you have already replaced the sensor and the F31 code persists, the control board replacement requires careful handling and programming, and a professional can verify the repair and prevent damage to other components.