If you see a GE F7 error code on your oven, it means that there is a problem with the oven’s heating element. This can be caused by several things, including a faulty element, a damaged wire, or a problem with the control panel. If you see this error code, you should unplug the oven and call a qualified technician to come and take a look at it.
How to Fix GE F7 Error Code
The key panel is broken if your GE oven displays the F7 error code. The oven simultaneously detects stuck or depressed buttons, which is frequently the source of the issue. The ribbon cable can be cleaned, the key panel replaced, or the control panel replacement cost. If this is the case, the control board on most models will need to be replaced.
The oven can be reset temporarily by unplugging it for three minutes or by using the keypad (instructions for reset can be found in the oven’s manual). To prevent the error code from reoccurring, the source of the problem must be identified and corrected.
Sanitize And Inspect The Ribbon Cable
If a ribbon cable gets loose or dirty, the F7 error code can pop up. A ribbon cable connects the control board to the key panel. Remove the panel on the back of the control board to get to the ribbon cable. The ribbon cable can be cleaned with a pencil eraser or an electrical cleaner after the panel has been removed.
Typically, the ribbon cable is disconnected from the control board and key panel by releasing the tabs that secure it. Take care not to damage the connectors when removing the ribbon cable. In some instances, the F7 issue may be resolved by simply detaching and reattaching the ribbon cable.
Follow these steps for ribbon cable inspection and cleaning:
- Turn off the power supply to an oven.
- Remove the screws from the oven’s back panel’s control panel. The control board and ribbon cable should be visible with the panel removed.
- Depress the ribbon cable’s tabs to remove them from the control panel and key panel.
- Clean the ribbon with an eraser or an electrical cleaner. Using a pencil eraser, thoroughly clean the copper connectors at the ends of the ribbon. Remove any signs of oxidation, including any blackness, from the copper connectors.
- Reconnect the control board and key panel via a ribbon cable. Before reconnecting a ribbon cable with an electrical cleaner, ensure that it has dried.
- Reassemble the control panel and test the oven to determine whether the F7 error has been resolved.
Keypad Or Control Panel?
If cleaning and reconnecting the ribbon belt does not resolve the issue with the F7 key, the key panel or control board must be replaced. You may be able to determine which component is causing the F7 error through a visual inspection of the parts. Burning or broken wires on the control board will almost certainly necessitate replacement. If there are signs of moisture entering the key panel, broken seals, or stuck keys, it will likely be necessary to replace the key panel.
Unplugging the ribbon cable that connects the control board and key panel and leaving it disconnected for 24 hours, depending on the model, may allow you to determine which component is faulty if neither part appears to be damaged. Observe the oven during this time to see if the F7 error code reappears. If it returns, the control panel is likely to be at fault.
Follow the steps below to inspect the control board and keypad:
- Turn off the power supply to the oven.
- Remove the screws holding the control panel’s back panel in place. The control board and ribbon cable should be visible with the panel removed.
- To disconnect the ribbon cable from the control board, depress its tabs.
- Replace the back panel of the oven by rethreading the screws.
- Restore electricity to the oven.
- Check the oven once per day to determine if the F7 error code reappears.
- If the F7 error code appears, the control board will need to be replaced. If after disconnecting the ribbon cable no F7 error code appears, the key panel must be replaced.
Typically, replacing the control board is more expensive than replacing the key panel. Before removing and replacing a faulty component, consult a professional if you are uncertain of its cause.
To replace or remove the key panel, follow these steps:
Access to the control panel may vary depending on the model of the GE oven. Taking photographs of the process, especially the wiring, can aid in ensuring that the oven is reassembled correctly.
- Turn off the power supply to the oven.
- Remove the screws holding the control panel’s back panel in place.
- Remove the oven’s back panel to gain access to the control board.
- To detach the ribbon cable, press down on the tabs holding it in place.
- Remove the two screws that hold the heat deflector in place on each side of the oven. The heat deflector should be removed from the oven.
- Remove the screws holding the control board in place.
- Remove the screws that secure the spark module in place.
- Remove the screw that holds the oven’s grounding wire in place.
- Remove the screws attaching the console to the frame of the oven.
- Before removing the key panel from the console, remove the screws holding it in place.
- Using your fingers and a paint scraper, remove the key panel.
- Connect the new key panel to the console for key panels.
- Reconstruct the oven.
These steps must be followed to remove and replace the control board:
- Turn off the power supply to the oven.
- Remove the screws that secure the back panel to the control panel and lift it off.
- To detach the ribbon cable, press down on the tabs holding it in place.
- Remove the screws holding the control board in place.
- Take photographs of how the wires should be connected to the control board.
- Remove the wires from the control board utilizing needle-nose pliers.
- Replace the control panel.
Using a heat gun, the original key panel from the old control board console can be removed. The key panel must be heated with care until it can be removed without causing damage. The key panel must then be reinstalled on the new console control board.
Final Thoughts
The process of removing and replacing the control board or key panel is not difficult, but it does require some basic knowledge of how ovens are constructed. If you are unsure about any part of the process, it is best to seek professional assistance. Attempting to repair an oven yourself can be dangerous if you do not know what you are doing.
