JennAir JMV Code F3C: cavity temperature thermistor

What F3C means

F3C turns up on JennAir over-the-range microwave hoods, among them the JMV9196CS and the JMV8000 series, when the cavity temperature thermistor or its wiring may have a problem. That thermistor tells the control how hot the cooking chamber is. With F3C showing, heated or convection modes can stop early, refuse to begin, or run with the wrong temperature. Plain microwave power may still run for a moment, but treat the unit as unreliable until it is checked.

Common causes of F3C

Cavity temperature thermistor has drifted or failed
Connector or wire to the thermistor is loose
Moisture or heat damage on the thermistor lead

✓ One safe check you can try

1. Cancel the cycle and let the cavity cool with the door open. 2. Wipe out food splatter with a damp cloth once it is cool. 3. Close the door and run a 30-second test with a cup of water. 4. Avoid heated modes until checked. 5. If F3C returns, call us.

! Why to stop there

The thermistor is mounted inside the cavity wall and its resistance has to be measured with the harness unplugged.
Without a meter the thermistor looks fine even when it has drifted.
A wrong temperature reading can overheat the cavity, which is why it is best left unused.
We give you the price in writing first and a 30-day workmanship warranty afterward.

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 codes

LOC or "L" or Padlock IconJennAir Microwave Message LOC, L or Padlock Icon: Control Lock Enabled Locked, Lock or LocJennAir Built-In Microwave Message "Locked, Lock or Loc": Control Lock On ":" or "." in displayJennAir Built-In Message ":" or "." in display: clock needs setting F8 E3JennAir Built-In Microwave Code F8 E3: one more cooling alert Sabbath, Sab, 5Ab, or 5A6JennAir Built-In Microwave Message "Sabbath, Sab, 5Ab, or 5A6": Sabbath Mode On F8 E4JennAir Built-In Microwave Code F8 E4: exhaust air sensor SEJennAir JMV Code SE: keypad problem F8E5JennAir JMV Code F8E5: exhaust air temperature sensor

F3CF3C questions

What does a thermistor actually do in a microwave hood?

It is a small sensor whose electrical resistance changes with heat. The control reads that resistance to know the cavity temperature. When the reading is out of range or missing, the control shows F3C.

Can I keep microwaving with F3C on the screen?

Possibly, since plain microwave power may not need that reading, but we would not rely on it. If heated modes are blocked or the unit behaves oddly, stop and book service.

How is F3C different from F3T3?

Both are thermistor codes on the hood, but they watch different spots. F3C watches the cavity, while F3T3 watches the hood temperature. Each leads us to a different sensor and wire.