On the covered GE range or wall oven platform, F5, F8, FF means GE says F5 usually means the electronic control needs to be replaced. First, disconnect power and record when it occurs. GE says F5, F8 and FF usually mean the electronic control needs to be replaced.
Differential
Likely causes of “GE range or wall oven code F5, F8, FF”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
A failed electronic range control
What separates it F5, F8 or FF shows and other F codes appear
How to confirm GE says F5, F8 and FF usually mean the electronic control needs to be replaced
- 2
A sensor that only looks bad
What separates it F3 and F5 alternate on the display, which points to a sensor that only looks bad
How to confirm iFixit says check the sensor first; if it tests good, an alternating F2, F3 and F5 is almost certainly the control
- 3
A power surge that upset the control
What separates it F5 appeared after a storm or an outage and cleared after a breaker reset
How to confirm Switch the breaker off for a minute, restore it and see whether F5 returns
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- The exact characters shown on the display: F5, F8 or FF
- Whether other F codes appear too
- Whether the sensor tests about 1,100 ohms
Try in this order
0 of 7 completedWhat to do first
ReversibleDisconnect power and record when it occurs.
Correct only the documented fault domain
ReversibleGE says a trained service technician should diagnose and correct the issue.
Reset the power
ReversibleTurn off the breaker for a minute or two and back on; GE says this sometimes clears the code, but the control may not reset.
Rule out the sensor
ReversibleWith power off, check the oven sensor reads about 1,100 ohms at room temperature and the wiring is sound before condemning the control.
Replace the control
ReversibleIf the sensor and wiring are good, the electronic control is what GE says usually needs replacing; expect to run a setup process afterwards.
Look for other codes
ReversibleNote whether other F codes appear with it; GE says F5, F8 and FF usually mean the electronic control, but alternating codes point elsewhere.
Reset the power once
ReversibleSwitch the breaker off for a minute and back on to see whether the code returns before you call.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Displayed as
- F5, F8, FF.
- Parts named
- Electronic range control.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !GE says a trained service technician should replace the control
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Where the manufacturer's article stops. GE lists F5, F8 and FF with the same meaning, so they share this page.
Exact questions
Common questions
What does F5, F8, FF mean on a GE range or wall oven?+
GE says F5 usually means the electronic control needs to be replaced.
Should the sensor be checked?+
Yes, first; it costs less.
Is the control always at fault?+
Not always; a reset clears surge glitches, so try the breaker before you buy a control.
Does F5 always mean a bad control board?+
GE says it usually does, but a wiring or sensor problem can look the same, which is why a technician checks before replacing the board.
Is it safe to keep using the oven with F5?+
Not if the display or controls are unreliable. A control fault can affect temperature, so stop using it until it is checked.
What should I tell a technician about F5?+
The full model number, the code and any other codes, whether it appeared at power-up or in use, and whether a power reset cleared it.
Can I unplug the range to reset it?+
Not safely. Most ranges draw 240 volts on a heavy cord or are wired to the breaker, so use the breaker to cut power and do not drag the range out by its cord. If you cannot tell which breaker feeds it, switch off the main breaker and let an electrician label it.