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Samsung Ovens & Ranges F-3 Error Code (Temperature Sensor): How to Fix It Yourself

The F-3 error on your Samsung oven means the oven temperature sensor (also called a thermistor) is not reading correctly. The sensor is a thin metal probe inside the oven that tells the control board how hot it is. Replacing it is one of the easier oven repairs — it is just a probe with a plug.

⚡ Difficulty: Medium⏱ 20-40 minutes💰 Parts cost: $10–$25🔧 Tools: Multimeter, Phillips screwdriver, 1/4-inch nut driver

⚠️ Safety First

  • Turn off the oven at the circuit breaker before doing any work.
  • Let the oven cool completely before reaching inside.
  • Electric ovens use 240 volts. Always confirm power is off before touching any wires.

Parts You May Need

Oven Temperature Sensor (Thermistor)

~$10–$25

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Step-by-Step Repair

  1. 1

    Turn off the breaker and let the oven cool

    Flip the oven's circuit breaker to OFF. If the oven has been running, wait until it is completely cool. The sensor is inside the oven cavity and you will need to reach in.

  2. 2

    Locate the temperature sensor

    Open the oven door and look at the back wall of the oven, near the top. You will see a thin metal probe sticking out about 3–4 inches. That is the temperature sensor. It is held in by one or two screws from the outside back of the oven.

  3. 3

    Test the sensor with a multimeter (optional)

    Set your multimeter to resistance (ohms). Disconnect the sensor wire harness at the back of the oven and touch the multimeter probes to the sensor's two terminals. At room temperature, it should read around 1080–1100 ohms. If you get no reading or a wildly different number, the sensor is bad.

  4. 4

    Remove the old sensor

    From the back of the oven (you may need to pull the range out slightly), remove the one or two screws holding the sensor in place. Gently pull the sensor out through the back wall of the oven cavity. Disconnect the wire harness plug.

  5. 5

    Install the new sensor

    Connect the wire harness to the new sensor. Slide the sensor probe through the hole into the oven cavity. Secure it with the same screws. Make sure the probe is not touching the oven wall — it should stick out freely into the oven space.

  6. 6

    Test the oven

    Turn the breaker back on. Clear the error by pressing Cancel or Stop. Set the oven to 350°F and let it heat up. The F-3 error should not return. Use an oven thermometer to verify it is reaching the correct temperature.

If That Didn't Work

  • Wiring issue between sensor and control board
  • Faulty oven control board
  • Damaged wire harness connector

When to Call a Professional

If a new sensor does not fix the F-3 error, the control board or the wiring may be the problem. Control board replacement is more expensive ($100–$250 for the part) and requires careful wiring. A tech will charge $150–$300 for the full repair.

Related Repairs

GE — Oven Not Heating

Medium · 30-60 minutes · $15–$50

Whirlpool — Oven Not Reaching Set Temperature

Medium · 20-45 minutes · $10–$50

LG — Gas Oven Igniter Not Working

Medium · 30-45 minutes · $20–$50

Frigidaire — F10 Error Code (Runaway Temperature)

Medium · 20-45 minutes · $10–$50

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute professional repair advice. All repairs are performed at your own risk. RepairItFree.com is not liable for any personal injury, property damage, device damage, voided warranties, or other losses resulting from the use of this information.

If you are unsure about any step — especially anything involving electricity, gas, water, or refrigerant — stop and consult a qualified professional. Your safety is more important than saving money.

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