LG Oven: error code F-3
What is this symptom?
If your LG oven is displaying the error code F-3, it may be experiencing issues while preheating or baking. This often results in the oven failing to heat up or stopping mid-cycle. The error can persist even after attempting a reset, indicating a potential fault with the temperature sensor or control board.
Important Tips for LG Models
- Official LG help for some lightwave oven models notes F3 can indicate foreign substances around the touch button panel causing a short; cleaning the panel and power cycling may clear it.
Possible Causes
Faulty oven temperature sensor (RTD)
How to Identify: F3 appears when the oven cannot accurately read or regulate cavity temperature; multimeter resistance at room temp should be ~1000–1100Ω; readings far outside indicate a bad sensor.
Part: Oven temperature sensor
Main control board misreads sensor signal
How to Identify: Sensor and wiring test good but F3 persists; control board inspection shows burnt components or erratic behavior.
Part: Main control PCB
Shorted/touch panel key (brand specific alternative interpretation)
How to Identify: F3 displayed immediately when pressing controls or after spills around touchpad; buttons sticky or stuck.
Part: Control panel keypad
DIY Solutions
Power Reset of Oven
- Turn off power at the circuit breaker or unplug the oven.
- Wait 5–30 minutes to allow control board to fully reset.
- Restore power and test if the F3 code reappears.
Inspect and Test Temperature Sensor
- Disconnect power at breaker.
- Open oven door and locate the temperature sensor on the rear wall.
- Unscrew and gently pull sensor to access wiring.
- Disconnect sensor from harness.
- Use multimeter to check resistance.
- If resistance is out of spec, order correct LG replacement sensor.
- Reconnect sensor and wiring, restore power, test oven.
Next step
Choose the next step for error code F-3
Confirm the diagnosis before ordering. An error code can identify the system involved, but it does not prove that a specific part has failed.
Most relevant component to inspect
Temperature Sensor
Monitors the internal temperature to ensure correct operation and prevent overheating.
- Typical part-only price
- $15 - $35
- DIY difficulty
- Easy
- Estimated time
- 15-30 mins
Where can I find the model number?
Check the rating label around the door, lid, frame, rear panel, or inside the appliance cabinet. Use the complete model number, including suffixes.
Verify the complete model and part number on the retailer's compatibility page before ordering.
Other parts options
Check related components first; use model search as a fallback.
Main Control Board
The central brain of the appliance that controls all components, cycles, and timings.
Model-compatible Oven parts
Enter the complete model number to browse compatible replacement parts. This is a model-based parts search, not a diagnosis that a specific component failed.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We may earn a commission from other qualifying purchases or service requests made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you. Recommendations are based on repair relevance, not commission rate.
Optional routine care
Maintenance supplies
These products support cleaning or routine upkeep. They are separate from the possible repair components above and are not claimed to fix this error code or symptom.
Non-Scratch Cooktop Cleaner
A routine surface-care product. Confirm that it is approved for the specific glass, ceramic, enamel, or stainless finish.
Oven Thermometer
A diagnostic aid for comparing cavity temperature during a controlled check. It does not prove which internal component has failed.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Recommendations are based on routine-care relevance, not commission rate.
Professional Repairs
Replace Oven Temperature Sensor
Control Board Diagnosis/Replacement
Keypad/Control Panel Repair (if applicable)
When to Call a Professional
Preventive Maintenance
-
Periodically inspect oven sensor and wiring: Temperature sensor related errors such as F3
Frequency: annually -
Keep control panel clean and dry: False keypad short errors
Frequency: monthly
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my LG Oven error code F-3?
How do I fix LG Oven error code F-3 myself?
How much does it cost to fix error code F-3?
When should I call a technician for error code F-3?
References & Sources
- LG Help Library: F3 error displayed Official
Community Analytical Insights
Guidance from available sources; statistical claims are shown only for samples of at least 10 discussions
Common Issues Reported by Users
- Faulty temperature sensor
- Wiring issue in the oven
- Control board malfunction
User Suggested Solutions
-
Check and replace the temperature sensor. To do this, unplug the oven, locate the temperature sensor (usually at the back of the oven), disconnect it, and test it with a multimeter. If it reads outside the normal range (around 1100-1200 ohms at room temperature), replace it with a new one.
-
Inspect the wiring for any visible damage. Open the back panel of the oven to access the wiring. Look for burnt, frayed, or disconnected wires. Repair or replace any damaged wiring as necessary.
-
Reset the control board by unplugging the oven for 10-15 minutes. This can sometimes clear temporary faults. If the error persists, consider replacing the control board.
Limited-source guidance; percentages and success-rate claims are not shown
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Sources
Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:
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