JennAir Touch Cooktop Code F4: Pan Placed Too Close to the Controls

What F4 means

On JennAir electric radiant and touch-control cooktops, F4 is a placement message. A pot or pan is too close to the control panel, or something hot is on the touch control area. The cooktop shuts the area down to protect the controls. Moving the pan clears it after a short wait, usually about five minutes. The message is a placement warning, not a breakdown.

Common causes of F4

A pan placed near or over the touch control area
A hot pot handle or object resting on the touch panel
Heat from a pan reaching the controls
A pan that is off-center on the cooking area

✓ One safe check you can try

1. Take the pot or pan off the cooktop. 2. Make sure nothing hot is sitting on the touch control panel. 3. Wait about five minutes for the control panel to clear. 4. Put the pan back centered on the cooking area. 5. If F4 shows with nothing nearby, call us.

! Why to stop there

A pan move is free, and repair is not needed when the placement is the issue.
Leaving a hot object on the control glass can discolor it.
If F4 persists with a clean, empty cooktop, the heat sensing at the controls has to be tested properly.

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.

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Other Cooktop codes

FC LFJennAir Radiant Cooktop Code FC LF: Left Front Element or Its Wiring FC LRJennAir Radiant Cooktop Message "FC LR": Left Front Hotplate or Wiring FC RFJennAir Radiant Cooktop Code FC RF: Right Front Element or Its Wiring FC RRJennAir Radiant Cooktop Code FC RR: Right Rear Cooking Area Is in Question F42JennAir Radiant Cooktop Code F42: Board That Powers the Elements HJennAir Induction Cooktop Display "H": Cooking zone is hot F43JennAir Radiant Cooktop Code F43: Power control board or its wiring Indicator or Display FlashingJennAir Cooktop Message "Indicator or Display Flashing": Keys Pressed or Pan Not Detected

F4F4 questions

Why does F4 appear when my pan is on the burner?

The pan is likely near the control panel or off-center, and the cooktop is sensing heat there. Center it on the cooking area and keep hot items off the controls.

How long should I wait?

About five minutes after removing the pan lets the control panel clear. Then you can place the pan centered on the cooking area and restart at a normal setting.

When should I call you?

Call us if F4 appears on an empty, cool cooktop. That points to the control sensing heat that is not there, and we can check it for a written price.