Fisher & Paykel Oven Error Code F3 — Oven Temperature Sensor Short Circuit
What this means
Error code F3 on Fisher & Paykel ovens indicates the oven temperature sensor (RTD probe) has a short circuit. While F1 indicates an open circuit (disconnected), F3 indicates the sensor leads are shorted together or the sensor element itself has failed in a low-resistance state. This can cause the control board to read the oven temperature as extremely high (since lower resistance means higher temperature for an RTD sensor), triggering a safety shutdown. The oven will not heat while this code is active.
Alternate codes: Error F3, Fault F3
Step-by-step fix
4 stepsTurn off power and reset
Turn off the oven at the circuit breaker for 2 minutes. Restore power and check if the F3 code clears. If it returns immediately, proceed to testing.
F3 can appear if the sensor wires are touching each other behind the oven wall — moisture or insulation damage can cause intermittent shorts.
Test the oven temperature sensor
Turn off power at the breaker. Disconnect the sensor wiring at the control board end. Measure resistance across the sensor leads — at room temperature it should read about 1,100 ohms. A reading significantly below 1,000 ohms (especially near zero) confirms a short circuit in the sensor.
If the sensor reads correctly when disconnected, the short may be in the wiring rather than the sensor itself.
Inspect the sensor wiring
Check the sensor wires along their entire length, particularly where they pass through the oven cavity wall. Look for melted insulation, bare wires touching each other, or damage from oven heat. Separate and re-insulate any damaged sections.
High-temperature silicone wire insulation is required for any wiring inside the oven cavity — standard electrical tape will melt.
Replace the sensor if shorted
If the sensor itself has a low resistance reading, replace it following the same procedure as F1 — remove the mounting bracket, pull the old sensor through the wall, and install the new one.
When routing the new sensor wire, ensure it does not contact any metal edges or sharp burrs in the wall penetration — this can cut into insulation and cause future shorts.
When to call a professional
If both the sensor and wiring test fine, the control board sensor input may have an internal fault. This requires professional diagnosis.
Related error codes
Information compiled from manufacturer service manuals, official troubleshooting documentation, and appliance repair industry resources. This guide is for informational purposes only — always consult a qualified technician for complex repairs.
Learn more about our sourcesParts you may need
Oven Temperature Sensor (RTD Probe)
Part #FP573264 · $20–$45
Required if sensor is shorted
High-Temperature Sensor Wire
Part #FP573281 · $10–$20
If wire insulation is melted or damaged
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