Fisher & Paykel Oven Error Code F2

When your Fisher & Paykel oven throws Error Code F2 during a Self-Clean (Pyro) cycle, the control has detected temperatures beyond its safe limit inside the cavity. Self-clean runs the oven extremely hot to incinerate residue—if a sensor reads out of bounds or an element runs away, the control stops the cycle and flashes F2 to protect the appliance.

What F2 Really Means (in plain English)

F2 isn’t saying “your oven is ruined.” It’s saying “I’m getting a dangerous temperature signal.” That signal can be caused by a failing temperature sensor (NTC), a heating element sticking on, a power/control module that isn’t regulating correctly, or even a door/venting condition that traps heat where it shouldn’t. Your job is to figure out whether it’s a real overheat event or bad data getting to the board.

Typical clues you’ll notice

• Self-clean starts, the cavity roars hot, and the code appears mid-cycle
• Lock light engages and the door stays locked longer than usual
• A burnt smell from heavy residue (normal) vs. a bitter electrical smell (not normal)
• After cooling, normal bake may still work—or F2 reappears quickly

The Fault, Explained: Where Overheat Signals Come From

Inside the oven, the sensor reports temperature to the control. The bake and broil elements (or gas burner on some models) supply heat, while the cooling fan and airflow paths move that heat away from electronics. If the sensor reads wildly high, if an element is energized when it shouldn’t be, or if airflow is compromised, the control sees a thermal condition beyond limits and shuts things down.

Short version:

• Bad data (sensor or wiring out of spec) → false “too hot” reading → F2.
• Real overheat (element stuck on, airflow failure) → actual temperature runaway → F2.

Safe First Steps (no special tools)

Unplug the oven or switch OFF the breaker before touching anything.

1. Let the oven cool fully
   Wait until the door unlocks on its own. Don’t force it—the lock will release as temperatures drop.
2. Power reset
   After the oven is cool, restore power and try a normal Bake at 300°F for 10–15 minutes. If F2 appears in a standard bake, you likely have a sensor or control issue—not just a one-off self-clean spike.
3. Quick visual check
   Open the door and look for obvious damage: warped racks near the broil element, scorch marks near the top, melted wire insulation visible through vent slots. Light residue smoke is normal after self-clean; electrical smell is not.

DIY Diagnostics You Can Do Carefully

You’ve got a few checks that don’t require deep disassembly. If anything looks risky, stop and call a pro.

Temperature sensor sanity check
With power off, locate the sensor probe inside the oven (a thin metal rod at the rear or side wall). Make sure it’s firmly mounted and not bent or coated with heavy residue. Behind the oven (or via the control panel on some models), confirm the sensor connector is fully seated—loose pins can make the board think it’s scorching hot.

Element condition
Inspect the bake (bottom) and broil (top) elements for blisters, cracks, or obvious hot spots. A visibly damaged element can arc and overshoot. If you can access the rear panel, verify each element’s spade terminals are tight and not heat-discolored.

Airflow and cooling
During a short low-temp test bake, listen for the cooling fan near the control area. No fan during high demand can trap heat and trigger F2. (Turn power off again before any physical checks.)

If you have a multimeter and you’re comfortable using it: a typical oven sensor reads around 1,080–1,100 Ω at 70°F (21°C) and rises smoothly with heat. A reading of “open” (OL) or a near-zero short indicates a failed sensor or harness. Only proceed if you know meter safety; otherwise, leave this to a technician.

Likely Causes (and how they show up)

• Temperature sensor/NTC out of range – F2 in self-clean and sometimes during high-temp baking; may clear after a reset but returns.
• Element fault (bake/broil) – hot spots, visible damage, tripping breakers, or immediate F2 once heat ramps.
• Harness/connector issues – intermittent F2, especially after moving the oven or a recent install/remodel.
• Power/control module fault – elements energize at the wrong time or don’t cycle off as temps climb.
• Door/lock or venting anomalies – self-clean retains too much heat near controls; F2 shows mid-cycle.

What You Can Fix Yourself (practical, not extreme)

Keep it simple and safe:

• Reseat connectors you can reach once, with power off—sensor leads, element spades, and any obvious quick-connects to the control.
• Replace a clearly failed sensor if you’re comfortable: it’s usually a two-screw bracket and a plug-in harness. Match part by model/serial.
• Avoid another self-clean until the issue’s resolved. Use a lower-temp bake to verify basic heating.

If F2 returns immediately after these checks—or you find heat damage—stop. Repeated faults can cook the control.

When to Call a Professional

• F2 appears outside of self-clean or after only a few minutes of regular baking
• The sensor ohms don’t match spec at room temp (open/short)
• Elements test good but the oven still overshoots or won’t cycle off
• You smell electrical burning or see discolored wiring/terminals
• The cooling fan doesn’t run when it should

A factory-trained tech will test the sensor curve across temperatures, load-check the bake/broil circuits, verify relay/control output, and inspect the harness for heat stress. If the sensor and elements check out, the power/control module is the next suspect.

Smart Prevention (keep F2 from coming back)

You don’t have to baby the oven—just use a few good habits:

• Use self-clean sparingly. It runs at extreme temperatures. Spot-clean with warm soapy water for day-to-day, and reserve pyrolytic cycles for heavy buildup.
• Keep ventilation clear. Don’t block cooling vents at the control panel or rear. Proper airflow keeps electronics within their comfort zone.
• Mind liners and foils. Foil on the floor of the oven or contact with elements can reflect heat and cause hot spots.
• Check racks and probe placement. If you use a meat probe, avoid crimping or contacting elements.
• Annual quick check. Have a tech look over the sensor, harness, and terminal integrity—cheap insurance for the control board.

Quick Action Plan (bookmark this)

• Let the oven cool fully → power reset → test a low-temp bake
• Reseat the sensor and element connectors; eyeball for damage
• If F2 returns or anything looks scorched: book professional service
• Hold off on self-clean until a tech signs off