How to Fix Kenmore Oven Error Code F10

If you’ve encountered the F10 error code on your Kenmore oven, you’re dealing with a temperature sensor issue. This common error can interrupt your cooking plans, but the good news is that in many cases, you can diagnose and fix the problem yourself. This guide will walk you through understanding the F10 error code, identifying the cause, and implementing the appropriate solution to get your oven working properly again.

What Does the F10 Error Code Mean?

The F10 error code on a Kenmore oven specifically indicates a problem with the oven’s temperature sensing system. This system is responsible for monitoring and regulating the internal temperature of your oven. When the F10 code appears, it means the oven’s control board has detected one of these issues:

• The temperature sensor (RTD probe) has failed or is giving faulty readings
• There’s a short or open circuit in the temperature sensor wiring
• The electronic control board is not properly receiving or interpreting temperature data
• The oven is overheating beyond its programmed limits

Understanding what triggers this error is the first step toward resolving it efficiently.

Tools You’ll Need

Before beginning the troubleshooting process, gather these tools:

• Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers
• Needle-nose pliers
• Multimeter for testing electrical components
• Oven-safe thermometer (for calibration checks)
• Work gloves to protect your hands
• Flashlight for better visibility

Having these tools ready will make the diagnostic and repair process much smoother.

How to Troubleshoot and Fix the F10 Error Code

Step 1: Reset the oven’s power

Sometimes, the simplest solution works best. A temporary electronic glitch might be causing the error:

1. Turn off the oven and disconnect power by unplugging it or switching off the circuit breaker
2. Wait for at least 1 minute to allow the control board to reset
3. Restore power and check if the error persists

If the error reappears, continue to the next troubleshooting steps.

Step 2: Check the temperature sensor

The temperature sensor (also called an RTD probe) is often the culprit behind the F10 error:

1. Unplug the oven or turn off the circuit breaker for safety
2. Open the oven door and locate the temperature sensor—it typically looks like a thin metal tube protruding from the rear wall of the oven
3. Visually inspect the sensor for any damage, bends, or discoloration
4. Ensure the sensor isn’t touching the oven wall, as this can cause inaccurate readings
5. Check that the sensor’s wire connections are secure and not damaged

If the sensor appears physically damaged, it will need replacement.

Step 3: Test the temperature sensor

If visual inspection doesn’t reveal any obvious issues, test the sensor with a multimeter:

1. Unplug the oven or shut off the power at the circuit breaker
2. Access the sensor wiring—this might require removing the rear panel of the oven
3. Disconnect the sensor wires from the control board
4. Set your multimeter to measure resistance (ohms)
5. Connect the multimeter probes to the sensor terminals
6. At room temperature (approximately 75°F), a functioning sensor should read around 1,000-1,100 ohms
7. If the reading is significantly different or shows infinity (open circuit), the sensor needs replacement

Temperature sensors fail over time due to the constant heating and cooling cycles they endure.

Step 4: Inspect the wiring

If the sensor tests good, the wiring between the sensor and control board might be the issue:

1. With the power still disconnected, examine the entire wire harness from the temperature sensor to the control board
2. Look for signs of heat damage, breaks, pinched wires, or loose connections
3. Pay special attention to areas where the wiring might rub against metal edges
4. Use your multimeter to check for continuity in the wiring
5. Repair any damaged sections or replace the wire harness if necessary

Damaged wiring can cause intermittent F10 errors that appear seemingly at random.

Step 5: Replace the temperature sensor

If your tests indicate a faulty sensor, here’s how to replace it:

1. Purchase a replacement temperature sensor specific to your Kenmore oven model
2. Ensure the oven is unplugged or the circuit breaker is off
3. Remove any racks from the oven for better access
4. Locate the sensor inside the oven cavity (typically mounted on the rear wall)
5. Remove the mounting screw that secures the sensor to the oven wall
6. Gently pull the sensor into the oven cavity while feeding its wires through the hole
7. Access the back of the oven and disconnect the sensor’s wiring connector
8. Connect the new sensor’s wires
9. Feed the sensor probe through the hole into the oven cavity
10. Mount the new sensor using the original screw, ensuring it doesn’t touch the oven walls
11. Restore power and test the oven

A new temperature sensor often resolves the F10 error completely.

Step 6: Check the electronic control board

If replacing the temperature sensor doesn’t fix the error, the electronic control board might be at fault:

1. Disconnect power to the oven
2. Access the control board (typically behind the control panel or at the rear of the oven)
3. Inspect the board for signs of damage such as burned components, swollen capacitors, or discoloration
4. Check all wire connections to ensure they’re secure
5. If damage is visible or all other components test good, the control board likely needs replacement

Control board replacement is more complex and might be best left to a professional technician.

Summary

The F10 error code on your Kenmore oven signals a temperature sensor problem that you can fix yourself in most cases. Through the troubleshooting steps in this guide, you’ve learned how to:

1. Reset your oven’s power
2. Inspect and test the temperature sensor
3. Check for wiring issues
4. Replace faulty components

The temperature sensor is the most common culprit and is relatively inexpensive to replace. For control board issues, you may want to consider professional help.

Always disconnect power before attempting any repairs. With these steps, you can resolve the F10 error and get back to cooking without the expense of a service call.