How To Fix F050 Error Frigidaire Oven

Seeing an error code flash on your oven can be frustrating, especially when you’re not sure what it means. If your Frigidaire oven is displaying the F50 error, you’re in the right place to learn how to fix it. This code is a common issue that points to a problem with the oven’s temperature sensor or its electrical circuit.

Don’t worry, many F50 errors can be resolved without a costly service call. This guide will walk you through the steps to diagnose and fix the problem yourself. We’ll cover everything from simple resets to component replacements, ensuring you have the knowledge to get your oven working again.

How To Fix F050 Error Frigidaire Oven

The F50 error code on a Frigidaire oven specifically indicates a fault in the oven temperature sensor circuit. This sensor, also called a thermistor or RTD (Resistance Temperature Detector), is crucial for regulating heat. When the oven’s control board detects a resistance value from the sensor that is out of the expected range—either too high or too low—it triggers the F50 code to alert you.

This usually means one of three things: the sensor itself has failed, the wiring connecting it to the board is damaged, or the electronic control board has a problem. The good news is that the sensor and wiring are relatively inexpensive and straightforward to check.

What You’ll Need for the Repair

Before you start, it’s helpful to gather a few basic tools. You likely have most of these already in your home.

A multimeter (for testing electrical continuity and resistance)
A screwdriver set (Phillips and flat-head)
A pair of needle-nose pliers
A replacement oven temperature sensor (if needed)
An oven light or flashlight for better visibility

Safety First: Essential Precautions

Your safety is the most important thing. Please follow these steps before touching any part of your oven.

Turn the oven off at the circuit breaker. Do not rely just on the oven’s control panel.
Allow the oven to cool completely if it has been used recently.
Unplug the oven from the wall outlet if possible. For built-in models, the breaker is sufficient.
Discharge any static electricity from your body by touching a metal surface like the oven door frame.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

Follow these steps in order, starting with the simplest solutions. Often, the fix is easier than you think.

Step 1: Perform a Power Reset

Sometimes, the error can be caused by a temporary electrical glitch. A full power reset can clear the code.

Turn the oven off using the control panel.
Go to your home’s main electrical panel and locate the circuit breaker for the oven.
Flip the breaker to the “OFF” position.
Wait for at least 60 seconds. This allows the oven’s internal memory to clear.
Flip the breaker back to the “ON” position.
Return to the oven and see if the F50 error reappears when you try to use a bake function.

Step 2: Locate and Inspect the Temperature Sensor

If the reset didn’t work, the next step is to check the sensor itself. The oven temperature sensor is a thin, metallic rod located at the top rear of the oven cavity.

Open your oven door and look at the back wall, near the top.
You will see a thin tube sticking into the oven, held by a single bracket and screw.
Visually inspect the sensor. Look for any obvious signs of damage, like melting, cracking, or a bent probe.
Check where the wires connect to the sensor. The connections should be tight and not corroded.

Step 3: Test the Oven Temperature Sensor

This requires a multimeter. You will be testing the sensor’s resistance, which changes with temperature.

Disconnect the power to the oven again at the breaker.
Remove the back panel inside the oven to access the sensor’s wiring terminals. You may need to unscrew the bracket holding the sensor in place.
Carefully disconnect the two wires from the sensor terminals.
Set your multimeter to the resistance setting (Ohms, Ω).
Touch one multimeter probe to each of the sensor’s terminals.
At room temperature (around 70-80°F), a working Frigidaire oven sensor should read between 1050 and 1100 ohms. A reading of “OL” (open loop) or infinity means the sensor is broken and needs replacement. A reading of zero or very low also indicates a failure.
For a more thorough test, you can gently warm the sensor tip with your hand or a hairdryer. The resistance should drop smoothly as it warms up. If it doesn’t change, the sensor is faulty.

Step 4: Check the Sensor Wiring Harness

If the sensor tests fine, the problem might be in the wires that connect it to the control board. Frayed, pinched, or burned wires can cause the F50 error.

Follow the wires from the sensor back to where they plug into the main oven wiring harness.
Look carefully along the entire length for any damage. Pay special attention to areas where the wires might pass near sharp metal or heating elements.
Use your multimeter to check for continuity in each wire. Disconnect both ends, set the multimeter to continuity (the diode symbol), and touch the probes to each end of a single wire. A beep indicates a good wire; no beep means a break in the wire.

Step 5: Access and Inspect the Control Board

The control board is the “brain” of the oven. While it’s less common, a faulty board can send an incorrect F50 error. This step is more advanced.

The control board is usually located behind the oven’s control panel. You’ll need to remove the panel trim or screws to access it.
Once you see the board, look for any obvious signs of damage: burned spots, bulging capacitors, or a burnt smell.
Check the wiring connector that comes from the temperature sensor. Ensure it is firmly seated on the board’s pins.
You can also use the multimeter to test for voltage from the board to the sensor circuit, but this requires a wiring diagram. If all other tests pass, the control board is the likely culprit.

How to Replace the Oven Temperature Sensor

If your testing confirms a bad sensor, replacing it is a simple and affordable repair. You can order the correct part using your oven’s model number, which is found on a sticker inside the door frame or on the oven’s side.

Disconnect Power: Always start by turning off the breaker.
Remove the Old Sensor: Inside the oven, unscrew the single bracket screw that holds the sensor to the back wall. Gently pull the sensor and its grommet out through the hole. From the back access panel, disconnect the two wires from the old sensor.
Install the New Sensor: Feed the new sensor through the hole in the oven back wall from the inside. The grommet should seal the hole. Secure it with the bracket screw. Connect the two wires to the new sensor’s terminals—the order doesn’t matter.
Reassemble and Test: Put the back access panel back on. Restore power at the breaker. Turn on the oven to a bake setting at 350°F. The F50 error should be gone, and the oven should begin heating normally.

When to Call a Professional Technician

While many F50 fixes are DIY-friendly, there are times when calling a professional is the best choice.

If you’ve tested the sensor and wiring and everything seems correct, but the error persists. This points to a complex control board issue.
If you are uncomfortable working with electrical components or using a multimeter.
If your oven is still under warranty—attempting a repair yourself could void the coverage.
If you cannot safely access the components in your specific oven model.

A certified technician will have the exact schematics and tools to diagnose the problem efficiently. They can also confirm if a part like the main control board needs to be replaced, which is a more expensive repair.

Preventing Future F50 Errors

A little care can help prevent temperature sensor issues from happening again.

Avoid using harsh oven cleaners directly on the sensor probe. Clean it gently with a soft cloth and mild soap if needed.
Be careful when placing or removing cookware not to hit or bend the sensor.
Ensure that foil or food debris does not come into contact with the sensor, as this can insulate it and cause incorrect readings.
If you experience frequent power surges in your home, consider using a surge protector for your oven’s circuit.

FAQs About the Frigidaire F50 Error

Can I still use my oven with an F50 error?

It is not recommended. The F50 error means the oven cannot accurately read its internal temperature. This can lead to severe undercooking or overcooking, and more importantly, it can be a safety hazard as the oven may overheat.

Is the F50 error the same as the F50 error code?

Yes, they are the same thing. Some Frigidaire models display it as “F50” and others as “F50.” Both refer to the oven temperature sensor circuit fault.

How much does it cost to fix an F50 error?

The cost varies. If you do it yourself, a new temperature sensor typically costs between $20 and $50. If you hire a technician, the total cost for a sensor replacement, including labor, usually ranges from $150 to $250. A control board replacement will be significantly more.

Could a blown thermal fuse cause an F50 code?

Usually, no. A blown thermal fuse (often causing an F51 error) is a safety device that breaks the circuit if the oven overheats. The F50 code is specifically for the active temperature sensor circuit. However, in some complex failures, multiple issues could be present.

My oven heats but still shows F50. Why?

This happens sometimes. The oven may default to a fixed heating pattern when it cannot read the sensor, but it is not cooking accurately. The error code is still a problem that needs to be addressed to ensure proper and safe operation.

How often do these temperature sensors fail?

They are generally reliable but can fail over time due to constant exposure to extreme heat cycles. Physical damage from accidental impacts is also a common cause of failure. Most last for many years of normal use.

Final Thoughts on Resolving the F50 Code

Dealing with an F50 error on your Frigidaire oven can be an inconvenience, but it’s often a repairable one. By starting with a simple power reset and moving methodically through inspecting and testing the temperature sensor and its wiring, you can usually identify the source of the problem. Replacing a faulty sensor is a task that most people can handle with basic tools and careful attention to safety.

Remember, the key is systematic troubleshooting. Don’t skip the testing steps with a multimeter if you can; it saves time and money by confirming exactly which part has failed. If the process seems beyond your comfort level, there’s no shame in calling a qualified appliance repair service. Getting your oven working correctly again ensures your kitchen is fully functional and, most importantly, safe for everyday use.