Whirlpool Oven F3 Error: Open or Shorted Temperature Sensor

Quick Answer

An F3 error is almost always caused by a faulty oven temperature sensor probe. To fix it, you need to test the sensor with a multimeter, it should read approximately 1080 ohms at room temperature. If the reading is significantly higher, lower, or shows no continuity, replacing the sensor probe will solve the problem.

In my experience, seeing a single F3 usually means you're working on an older Whirlpool range or an entry-level WFE model. While newer boards give you the E0 sub-code, this legacy code means the exact same thing: the brain lost contact with the oven probe. I see this pop up a lot right after a self-clean cycle or when a heavy roasting pan bumped the sensor during a holiday meal. Ignore it and you've got an oven that won't hold temp or won't heat at all.

WhirlpoolOvenSeverity: high90% DIY Success

Time to Fix

15–30 min

Difficulty

beginner

Parts Cost

$18 – $35

Tools Needed

Phillips #2 screwdriver, Torx T20 screwdriver

What Does the F3 Code Mean?

What makes the F3 code frustrating is that it often starts as an intermittent glitch before it completely kills your ability to bake. If your oven's undercooking food or suddenly shuts down ten minutes into preheating, the sensor's probably drifting out of its resistance range. It's a safety feature that prevents the oven from runaway heating when it can't accurately track temperature. The good news? It's usually a $25 fix and about 15 minutes of your time.

Most Likely Causes

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

Oven Temperature Sensor (RTD) Failure85%

Wiring Harness or Connector Issue10%

Main Control Board Fault5%

Symptoms You May Notice

F3 flashes on the display during preheat, usually around the 5 to 10 minute mark when the elements are actually starting to produce real heat.
The oven won't even attempt to preheat. You punch in 350, hit Start, and within seconds F3 shows up before the elements ever kick on.
Your food is consistently undercooked because the oven's running 50 or 75 degrees low before the sensor finally drifts far enough out of range to throw the code.
Oven shuts itself off mid-cook with F3 on the display, sometimes after running fine for 20 or 30 minutes, which is the worst because you're halfway through a roast.
The temperature readout jumps around erratically on the display before eventually locking up with F3.

Can you reset a Whirlpool oven to clear the F3 code?

Once you've swapped the sensor, press Cancel to clear the display, then restore power at the breaker. Set the oven to 350 degrees and watch the display climb. You should see the temperature rise steadily without F3 appearing. Let it fully preheat and then run it another 10 minutes. If it holds temp without throwing the code again, you're done. The whole repair including the test run usually takes under 30 minutes.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

Phillips #2 screwdriverTorx T20 screwdriverDigital multimeter with ohms/resistance modeFlashlight or headlampNeedle-nose pliers (for stubborn connector pins)

Service / Diagnostic Mode

Press 'Cancel' then 'Cancel' then 'Start' within 5 seconds to enter the error log on most modern models.

Diagnostic Checklist

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

ComponentComponent Under Test

Expected Range1000–1100 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	OEM Number	Estimated Price
RTD Temperature SensorW11045714 · $18–$35	W11045714	$18 – $35

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Whirlpool oven F3 the same as F3 E0?

Yeah, effectively the same error. Whirlpool updated their display logic years ago to add the sub-code for more detail, but the underlying hardware didn't change much. If you see plain F3, your board's just an older generation that doesn't use the E0 suffix. You'll use the exact same RTD sensor probe, part number W11045714, to fix it. I've swapped hundreds of these and the process is identical regardless of how the code looks on your display.

How much does it cost to fix a Whirlpool oven F3 code?

For most homeowners it's a really affordable fix. The sensor itself usually runs between $20 and $40 depending on where you source it. Since it's a beginner-level repair that takes about 15 minutes, you can save a $150 service call fee by doing it yourself. Even if you have to buy a basic multimeter to test the resistance, you're still way ahead compared to calling a pro. Now if the board is the problem, that changes things, but start with the sensor because it's right most of the time.

Can I still use my oven while I wait for the sensor to arrive?

Honestly, no. When F3 is active the oven shuts down the heating elements as a safety measure, so it's usually not going to heat anyway. But even on days when it seems to work between error codes, you can't trust the temperature reading. I've seen ovens with a drifting sensor run 150 degrees hotter than what the display shows, and that's a real fire risk especially if you're cooking anything fatty. Order the part, it's usually 2 to 3 day shipping, and just use the stovetop or microwave in the meantime.

What's the part number for the Whirlpool oven temperature sensor?

W11045714 is the most common one and it fits a huge range of Whirlpool, Maytag, and Amana ovens. But check your model number first because there are a couple different sensors depending on the generation of your range. The model number sticker is usually inside the door frame on the left side when you open the oven door. Type that into any appliance parts site and it'll pull up the exact sensor. Don't just order W11045714 on faith, verify it fits your specific model number first.

How long does it take to replace the oven temperature sensor?

Fifteen minutes if everything cooperates. Maybe twenty if you have to fight the wire harness a little. It's genuinely one of the easiest oven repairs out there. Two screws hold the sensor in, you disconnect the plug, plug in the new one, screw it back in, done. I've had customers call me back to say it seemed too easy and they were sure they did it wrong. They didn't. Sometimes appliance repairs really are just that straightforward, and this is one of those times.

Related Whirlpool Oven Error Codes

Code: HUBWhirlpool Oven Error Codes: Complete F and E Code Guide Code: F3 E0Whirlpool Oven F3 E0 Error Code: Temperature Sensor Fix Code: F6 E1Whirlpool Oven F6 E1 Error Code: Temperature Sensor Out of Range

Models Known to Experience F3 Errors

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

WFE361LVQ, WFE515S0ES, WEC310S0FB, WEE510S0FW, WFE320M0AS, WFE381LVQ, WFE510S0AS

Written by

Mike Sullivan

Lead Appliance Repair Technician · 20 years experience

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 14, 2026