Kenmore Range F031 Error Code — What It Means
The F031 error code on Kenmore ranges indicates a fault in the oven temperature sensor circuit. The electronic oven control is detecting an abnormal signal from the sensor, typically consistent with a shorted probe or a sensor reading that is out of the expected range. This is not a heating element problem. The control board relies on the oven temperature sensor to monitor and regulate oven heat, and when it sees a signal it interprets as impossible or dangerous, it throws F031 and may disable oven operation.
The fault almost always points to the sensor probe itself, the wiring harness connecting it to the control board, or occasionally the control board’s sensor input circuit. The sensor is a resistance temperature detector (RTD) that changes resistance as temperature changes. At room temperature (around 75°F), a healthy sensor should read approximately 1,080 to 1,091 ohms. Readings far outside this range, or a short to the metal cabinet, will trigger the code.
Common Causes
- Failed oven temperature sensor or RTD probe The sensor element itself has drifted out of range or developed an internal short, sending a faulty resistance signal to the control board.
- Damaged or shorted sensor wiring harness The wires running from the sensor to the control have been pinched, melted, or cut, causing a short circuit or open connection.
- Loose or corroded sensor connector The plug joining the sensor harness to the control board has backed out or developed corrosion, creating an intermittent or high-resistance connection.
- Sensor wire shorted to chassis ground Insulation on a sensor lead has worn through and the wire now touches the metal cabinet, creating a direct short to ground.
- Electronic oven control (EOC) board fault The sensor input circuit on the control board itself has failed, even though the sensor and wiring test correctly.
Step-by-Step Fix
- Disconnect power at the circuit breaker or unplug the range completely, then pull the unit away from the wall so you can access the rear service panels.
- Remove the rear access panel covering the oven cavity and locate the oven temperature sensor (a metal probe extending into the oven) and its two-wire connector plugged into the control board or harness.
- Inspect the sensor connector and harness for any obvious damage, melting, or looseness, and firmly reseat the plug if it appears loose or corroded.
- Disconnect the sensor leads from the control board and use a multimeter set to resistance (ohms) to measure across the two sensor terminals with the oven at room temperature.
- Check that the sensor reads between 1,080 and 1,091 ohms at room temperature (approximately 75°F), then test each sensor lead to the metal cabinet frame for a short to ground (any reading near 0 ohms indicates a shorted wire).
- Replace the oven temperature sensor if it reads open (infinite resistance), shorted (very low resistance), more than about 200 ohms away from the nominal value, or if either lead shows a short to ground.
- Replace the electronic oven control board if the sensor and all wiring test within specification but the F031 code returns as soon as you restore power and attempt to use the oven.
Parts Often Needed
| Part | Notes |
|---|---|
| Oven Temperature Sensor / RTD Probe | Amazon | Match the sensor to your specific Kenmore range model number. Most sensors are universal within a brand family but verify the connector type and probe length. |
| Electronic Oven Control Board (EOC) | Amazon | Required only if the sensor circuit tests good. Control boards are model-specific, so have your full model and serial number ready when ordering. |
When to Call a Pro
If you are uncomfortable working with electrical appliances or accessing live wiring, call a qualified appliance technician. The sensor replacement itself is straightforward, but you must pull the range out, work behind it, and verify correct resistance readings with a multimeter. If the sensor tests correctly and the fault persists, diagnosing and replacing the control board requires experience reading wiring diagrams and handling sensitive electronics. A professional can also confirm the fault code definition against your specific model’s tech sheet, since Kenmore ranges are built by multiple OEMs and fault code logic can vary slightly across families.