JennAir Radiant Cooktop Code F42: Board That Powers the Elements

What F42 means

F42 on JennAir electric radiant and touch-control cooktops points to the cooktop power control board or its wiring. This board switches power to the elements, so when it reports trouble the cooktop may stay cold, shut an element off or show F42 on startup. Nothing about your cookware or the glass causes this code. Pans, cleaning and cooling-down time have no effect on this code.

Common causes of F42

A cooktop power control board that has failed
Wiring to the board that is loose, burned or damaged
A power surge or electrical event that hurt the board
Moisture that reached the board under the glass

✓ One safe check you can try

1. Turn all elements off and wipe the glass dry. 2. Turn the breaker off for a minute, then switch it back on. 3. Test one element on low. 4. If F42 returns, keep the cooktop off. 5. Call us instead of cycling power again.

! Why to stop there

The board sits under the glass next to line voltage.
A burned wire or board can be a fire concern if power keeps being applied.
The same board is named in other codes, so confirming it by testing prevents a wrong part.

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 Cooktop codes

F64JennAir Radiant Cooktop Code F64: User interface, module or supply trouble FC E0JennAir Induction Cooktop Code FC E0: Supply, Wiring or Induction Module FC E1JennAir Induction Cooktop Code FC E1: Is It the Touchpad or Its Wiring? FC E4JennAir Induction Cooktop Code FC E4: Harness Between Touchpad and Module 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

F42F42 questions

Is F42 related to my pan or the glass?

No. The code points to the cooktop power control board or its wiring. Cleaning the glass or changing cookware will not clear it, because the problem sits under the surface.

Can F42 be a one-time glitch?

Sometimes. A short power-off can reset the control, and the cooktop may run again. If F42 returns, the board or its wiring should be tested instead of cycling the breaker again.

Will you tell me the price first?

Yes. After testing, we explain the cause and give you a written price. If you approve the work, the repair carries our 30-day workmanship warranty.