GE Microwave Error Codes: PF, Sensor Error

Quick Answer

GE microwaves use descriptive text errors rather than alphanumeric codes on most models. 'PF' (Power Failure) is the most common GE microwave error - it simply means power was interrupted and the clock needs resetting.

Most GE microwave calls I go out on aren't actually hardware failures. While other brands use cryptic numbers, GE often tells you exactly what's wrong in plain English. In the field, I see 'PF' more than anything else, which is usually just a blip in your home's power. Sensor errors are the second most common, often caused by a dirty interior or trying to use the sensor cycle for food that's too dry to produce steam.

GeMicrowave

About These Ge Microwave Error Codes

I've found that GE is one of the more user-friendly brands because they prioritize descriptive text over codes. Most of these messages are just the microwave telling you it's confused by the cooking environment. Unless you're seeing an F3 or F4 code, you can usually get back to cooking without any tools or a service call.

Most Common Error Codes

Power interruption (PF)40%

Sensor dirty or food not suitable for sensor cook24%

No food in cavity for sensor cycle14%

Control board fault (F-codes)12%

Keypad membrane moisture10%

Symptoms You May Notice

You open the door and 'PF' is flashing on the display with the clock showing 0:00, like the thing completely forgot it existed.
Midway through a sensor cook cycle the unit beeps and shows 'Sensor Error' instead of finishing, often with 2-3 minutes still left on the potential cook time.
The clock randomly resets to 0:00 even when there's no obvious power outage you know about.
'Food Error' pops up when you're using the auto-cook features, even with totally normal food sitting right there in the cavity.
F3 or F4 on older units that won't clear no matter how many times you hit Clear/Off or unplug for 30 seconds.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

Damp cloth (for sensor cleaning)Flashlight

How to Identify Your Error Code

Replacement Parts

If your diagnostic testing proves the component has failed, you will need a replacement. We recommend OEM parts over aftermarket for water-handling components.

Part Name	OEM Number	Estimated Price
GE Microwave Control BoardModel-specific · $80–$180	Model-specific	$80 – $180
GE Microwave Humidity SensorModel-specific · $15–$30	Model-specific	$15 – $30

Frequently Asked Questions

Is PF on my GE microwave an error?

PF isn't a part failure at all. It stands for Power Failure. I see this most often after a thunderstorm or if someone bumped the power cord while cleaning behind the unit. Your GE microwave is just letting you know the clock got wiped. Hit Clear/Off and reset the time. That's it. But if it's happening every time you close the door, or multiple times a week with no obvious power issues in your house, that's a sign of a failing door switch or a loose wire inside that you'd want looked at.

Why does my GE microwave keep saying Sensor Error?

GE's sensor cooking relies on a humidity sensor to detect the steam rising off your food. If the microwave's interior is dirty, the sensor gets blocked by grease and can't do its job. Clean the ceiling of the cavity thoroughly with a damp soapy cloth and let it dry completely. Also, if you're heating something very dry, like a single roll or a small cracker, there's just not enough moisture for the sensor to detect and it'll time out with an error. For dry foods, skip sensor mode entirely and just set a manual time instead.

GE microwave F3 or F4 - repair or replace?

F3 and F4 are hardware faults, usually a stuck button on the keypad or a communication error on the main board. If a five-minute power reset doesn't fix it, you're looking at an actual hardware repair. For over-the-range models, I usually suggest pricing out a new unit first. GE parts can be pricey, and once you add a technician's labor, you're often more than halfway to the cost of a brand new microwave with a fresh warranty. Countertop models are almost always replace-don't-repair territory once you hit F-codes.

What does Food Error mean on a GE microwave?

Food Error pops up when you're using one of the auto-sensor presets and the microwave can't figure out what's happening inside the cavity. Could be too little food, could be food that's already hot when you put it in, or the sensor just couldn't pick up a consistent steam reading. It's not saying your food is bad. It's saying it gave up trying to auto-cook it. Just clear the error with the Clear/Off pad and reheat manually with a time you punch in yourself. Honestly for most reheating I use manual time anyway. Way more reliable.

How do I know if it's the sensor or the control board that's bad?

Here's how I tell them apart in the field. If cleaning the interior completely fixes the Sensor Error, it was just a dirty sensor. If the error comes back right away on a clean microwave, or if you're getting F-codes instead of Sensor Error, that points more toward the control board or keypad. Also, if multiple buttons are acting weird or not responding at all, that's a keypad or board issue, not a sensor issue. Sensor problems are usually consistent and tied to what you're cooking. Board problems are random and happen regardless of what's in there.

Related Ge Microwave Error Codes

Code: SENSORGE Microwave Sensor Error Code: PFGE Microwave PF: Power Failure

Same Fix Works on These Brands

Ge shares the same hardware platform with these brands. The diagnosis and repair steps are identical.

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Models Known to Experience HUB Errors

This repair applies to most Ge microwaves with this error code. Common model numbers include:

JVM6175SKSS, JVM3160RFSS, JVM7195SKSS, PVM9005SJSS, JNM3163RJSS, CVM517P2MS1

Written by

Mike Sullivan

Lead Appliance Repair Technician · 20 years experience

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 15, 2026