Kenmore Oven Error Code F4 — Oven Temperature Sensor Short Circuit
What this means
The F4 error code on Kenmore ovens indicates the oven temperature sensor is reading a short circuit — its resistance is much lower than expected. The control board interprets this as an extremely high temperature and shuts down the oven as a safety precaution. Causes include a damaged sensor probe, moisture inside the sensor connector, or a pinched sensor wire.
Step-by-step fix
3 stepsPower cycle the oven
Turn off the circuit breaker for 2 minutes. If moisture caused a temporary short (common after self-clean), this may resolve it.
If you just ran a self-clean cycle, wait for the oven to cool completely before resetting.
Test the oven temperature sensor
The sensor probe enters the oven through the upper rear wall. Disconnect the sensor connector at the back of the oven. Test resistance — it should read approximately 1,080 ohms at room temperature. A reading near 0 confirms a short.
Also test each sensor lead to ground (the oven frame). Any continuity to ground indicates a shorted wire.
Replace the temperature sensor
Remove the mounting screw(s) inside the oven cavity. Pull the sensor out, disconnect the wire connector, and install the new sensor.
The sensor is a universal part on many Kenmore ovens — verify the connector type matches.
When to call a professional
If the sensor tests correctly but the code persists, the oven control board's sensor circuit may be shorted internally.
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.
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