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Kenmore Oven F2 Error Code: Oven Temperature Too High

Quick Answer

Kenmore F2 is a temperature fault. On Frigidaire-made Kenmore (model prefix 790), F2 specifically means the oven temperature exceeded the bake or broil temperature limit. On Whirlpool-made Kenmore (prefix 665), F2 means the same as Whirlpool F2.

When I see an F2 on a Kenmore, I'm usually dealing with a runaway heating situation. This code fires because the control board's detected a temperature spike way beyond safe limits, often past 600 degrees. And honestly? It's rarely a fluke. It's almost always a sensor that's drifted out of range, or a relay on the control board that's physically welded shut, keeping the heat on indefinitely. Ignore it and you're looking at a real fire risk.

KenmoreOvenSeverity: highDifficulty: intermediate75% DIY Success
Time to Fix
20–90 min
Difficulty
intermediate
Parts Cost
$15 – $200
Tools Needed
Phillips #2 screwdriver, 1/4-inch nut driver

What Does the F2 Code Mean?

Sears didn't make these ovens themselves, so the F2 code is kind of a chameleon. Depending on your model prefix, you're either looking at a Frigidaire design where a stuck relay is the prime suspect, or a Whirlpool design where the temperature sensor's probably failing. Before you start pulling the oven out, figure out which 'flavor' of Kenmore you've got. That one step will save you from buying the wrong $200 part.

Most Likely Causes

Based on aggregated repair data, here is the probability breakdown for this error code:

Temperature sensor failure40%
Control board relay stuck24%
Bake element shorted14%
Control board fault12%
Sensor wiring damaged10%

Symptoms You May Notice

  • Display shows F2 and the oven beeps repeatedly, usually right in the middle of cooking something.
  • You set it to 350 and it just kept climbing past 500 before the fault tripped and cut everything off.
  • Oven shuts down completely and won't restart until you reset the breaker or unplug it.
  • The bake element stays glowing red even after you hit Cancel and the display goes dark, which is the scary one.
  • Something smells like it's burning but there's no spilled food anywhere, just the oven running way hotter than it should.

Can you reset a Kenmore oven to clear the F2 code?

Flip your circuit breaker off and leave it for a full five minutes. Don't cheat and do 30 seconds. The control board needs time to fully discharge and clear its fault memory. When you restore power, watch what happens. If the F2 comes right back within a minute or two, you've got a hard fault and a reset won't fix it. Something physical has failed and you need to dig in with the diagnostic steps above.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

Phillips #2 screwdriver1/4-inch nut driver5/16-inch nut driverDigital multimeterNeedle-nose pliersFlathead screwdriverFlashlight or headlamp

Diagnostic Checklist

Follow these steps in order. We start with the easiest external fixes before opening up the machine.

ComponentComponent Under Test
Expected Range1050–1100 ohms
ConditionIf Open (OL) or infinite, replace component.

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
Kenmore Oven Temperature SensorModel-specific · $15–$30
Kenmore Oven Control BoardModel-specific · $80–$200

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my Kenmore oven made by Frigidaire or Whirlpool?
Check the first three digits of your model number. A 790 prefix means Frigidaire built it, while 665 or 106 means it's a Whirlpool-built unit. This actually matters a lot for diagnosing F2. On Frigidaire-built Kenmores, I see the control board relay fail way more often, especially after self-clean cycles. On Whirlpool-built units, the temperature sensor's usually the culprit. Different diagnosis, different parts, different cost. Don't skip this step, it's genuinely the most important thing you can do before ordering anything.
How much does it cost to fix a Kenmore F2 error?
If it's just the sensor, you're looking at a pretty affordable DIY fix. The part's usually $20-$50 and you can swap it in about 20 minutes. If the control board's failed though, that part alone runs $150-$300 depending on the model. Add another $100-$150 for a tech to come out and do the labor. Honestly, if your oven's over 12 years old and it's the board, I'd seriously start pricing new ranges before spending $300+ on a repair. That math doesn't always work out.
Can I use Frigidaire or Whirlpool parts in my Kenmore oven?
Yeah, absolutely, as long as the part numbers cross-reference correctly. Sears didn't make their own appliances, so the parts inside are literally the same as what's in a Frigidaire Gallery or Whirlpool Gold. If you've got a 790-prefix Kenmore, the sensor and board are identical to the Frigidaire version. Just search by your full Kenmore model number to make sure the connector and wire harness match up. I always do this before ordering anything because there are a few sub-variants out there.
What's the part number for the Kenmore oven temperature sensor?
On Frigidaire-built Kenmores (790 prefix), the sensor is usually part number 316490000. That's the one I order most. On Whirlpool-built models (665 prefix), you're looking at WP9750110 or a close variant. But always double-check against your specific full model number on a parts site before you order. There are a handful of sub-variants and you want to make sure the connector end physically matches what's on your harness. Takes two minutes and saves you a return trip.
Is it safe to keep using the oven after an F2 error?
No. Don't use it until you've figured out what triggered it. If it's a stuck relay, the element can stay energized even when you think the oven's off. That's not a theoretical risk, I've actually seen it cause fires. Now, if the error was a one-time thing from a power blip and it hasn't come back after a 5-minute breaker reset, you can cautiously test it while watching it closely. But if F2 keeps coming back every time you use it? Pull the plug and diagnose it before cooking anything.

Related Kenmore Oven Error Codes

Code: HUBFrigidaire Oven Error CodesCode: WP-HUBWhirlpool Oven Error Codes

Same Fix Works on These Brands

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

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Models Known to Experience F2 Errors

This repair applies to most Kenmore ovens with this error code. Common model numbers include:

790.46013410, 790.46003900, 790.46033910, 790.94113400, 790.92312200, 665.95014100, 665.95013100, 790.46603902

MS

Written by

Mike Sullivan

Lead Appliance Repair Technician · 20 years experience

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 15, 2026