Error code · Microwave & Advantium

GE Microwave Code F4: Open Circuit in the Humidity Sensor

Medium · inspection needed

Code: F4
Appliance: Microwave & Advantium
Brand: GE
Warranty: 30-day workmanship

What F4 means

On GE and Profile microwaves, including over-the-range and countertop models such as the JVM3160, JVM7195, JES1657 and PVM9179 series, F4 means the humidity sensor circuit is open. This sensor lets the sensor-cooking functions decide when food is done, so the sensor-cook features may stop working. On Advantium 120V and 240V ovens the same code covers an open or a shorted sensor. You will see F4 on the display and a microwave that may still heat on timed settings.

Common causes of F4

Humidity sensor circuit open
Sensor wiring or connector loose
Steam or moisture affecting the sensor
Control board not reading the sensor

✓ One safe check you can try

1. Turn the circuit breaker or fuse off for 30 seconds and restore power. 2. Wipe the inside of the oven dry and let it air out with the door open. 3. Try a timed heating test with a cup of water. 4. Avoid the sensor-cook functions until the code is cleared. 5. If F4 returns, book a visit.

! Why to stop there

A dry oven and reset do not repair an open sensor circuit.
We test the sensor and its wiring before replacing anything.
You will have our price in writing first.

Opening a panel yourself does not automatically cancel a manufacturer warranty, but it can cause accidental damage, and some manufacturers set their own service conditions. Check your warranty terms, or ask us, before deciding.

→Same appliance

Other Microwave & Advantium codes

F1, F2, F3, F4GE Advantium Code F1, F2, F3, F4: Sensor and Touch Pad Circuits F3GE Profile Microwave Code F3: Key Held Over 60 Seconds ERR / SENSOR ERRORGE Microwave Message "SENSOR ERROR": Steam Not Detected SENSOR ERRORGE Advantium Message "SENSOR ERROR": Food Does Not Match Program LOC / LOCKEDGE Microwave Message "LOC": Control Lock-Out On FOOD / Insert FoodGE Microwave Message "Insert Food": Door Not Opened Cool / -90 / -80GE Microwave Message "Cool": Probe Temperature Below 90 Degrees Use ProbeGE Convection Microwave Message "Use Probe": Probe Not Detected

F4F4 questions

What does F4 mean on a GE microwave?

The humidity sensor is open. The sensor-cooking functions rely on it, so those may not work even though timed heating may still run. The sensor is not needed for a plain timer.

Does F4 mean the microwave will not heat?

Not necessarily. Timed heating may still work, but sensor cooking depends on the humidity sensor. Have it checked if F4 keeps returning. A written price comes first.

Why does Advantium describe F4 differently?

On Advantium 120V and 240V ovens, F4 covers an open or shorted humidity sensor, while the microwave listing describes it as open. The sensor is the same one either way.

Book a visit

Still seeing F4?

A technician diagnoses it on site and gives you the price in writing before any work starts.

(713) 547-5545