GE · Oven
GE Oven F04 Error Code
Shorted oven temperature sensor
What this error means
F04 indicates shorted oven sensor.
How F04 is detected
When F04 appears on a GE oven, the control board has confirmed that water did not leave the machine within the programmed drain window. On GE JGB735SPSS, GE PTS9200SNSS, and similar variants, the drain pump runs for a fixed interval—often three to seven minutes on washers and dishwashers—while a pressure switch or turbidity sensor verifies the tub or sump is empty. If water remains, the cycle stops to prevent spin with a full tub or overflow on the next fill.
Most F04 calls are resolved without parts: inspect cavity routing. Restricted drain paths mimic pump failure because the impeller spins against a blocked hose or filter. Document whether the pump hums audibly during the drain step; a humming pump with no water movement points to a clogged filter or kinked hose, while silence may indicate a failed pump motor or loose wiring at the harness.
After clearing blockages, run a short cycle and listen at the drain hose for steady water flow. If F04 returns on the next load with a clean filter and straight hose, measure resistance at the pump motor connector per the service manual for your model before ordering a replacement pump assembly.
Common causes
- Pinched wire
- Wet connector
- Shorted probe
- Metal on terminals
Step-by-step fixes
- 1Inspect cavity routing
- 2Dry connector
- 3Replace probe
- 4Retest bake
When to call a technician
F04 with probe unplugged is harness short.
Affected models
- GE JGB735SPSS
- GE PTS9200SNSS
- GE JB735SPSS
Prevention & maintenance
- Clean drain filters and hose terminations monthly on high-use ovens to prevent F04 from lint and food debris buildup.
- Record when F04 appears in the cycle and whether it clears after a 60-second power reset on your GE oven—that detail speeds diagnosis if you call service.
- Keep the model and serial number from the rating plate when ordering parts for F04; GE uses multiple revisions with different harness lengths and board firmware.
- Photograph wiring connector orientation before disconnecting any component while troubleshooting F04; reversed plugs on pumps and valves cause immediate repeat faults.