Use these guides to understand common display codes and decide what’s safe to check before booking service.
For professional repair, see Microwave repair in Ottawa.
Safety notice
Safety: Do not attempt live electrical testing, bypass safety switches, or open sealed refrigeration systems. If you are unsure, call a professional.
Safe homeowner checks
- Power cycle the appliance (turn off/unplug for 60 seconds, then restart).
- Confirm the breaker is fully on (some appliances use two linked breakers).
- Check for obvious blockages (filters, drain hose kinks, lint buildup) where applicable.
- If the code returns, take a photo of the display and note when it appears (start, mid-cycle, heating, draining) — it helps diagnose microwave issues faster.
Stop DIY and call a technician if…
- You smell burning, see smoke, or notice sparking.
- There is active leaking or water near electrical components.
- The appliance is overheating or repeatedly trips the breaker.
- The error code returns immediately after basic checks or the unit will not run safely.
Error Codes by Brand
Samsung Microwave Error Codes
Samsung appliance repair in Ottawa
| Error Code | What It Usually Means | Safe Homeowner Check | When to Call Fixer |
|---|---|---|---|
| SE / 5E | A touch key is stuck, the keypad is shorted, or the control panel is not sending a reliable signal to the main board. | Wipe the panel clean and dry. Power off for one minute, then try once. Do not disassemble the control panel or press multiple keys if the display is frozen. | Microwave internal components can hold dangerous high voltage even when unplugged. Fixer can diagnose the keypad, touch control, ribbon cable, and control board safely. |
| C-F2 | A control-panel or keypad communication fault was detected. The microwave may stop heating or respond inconsistently to buttons. | Power off at the breaker or unplug, wait 60 seconds, restore once. If steam or moisture reached the controls, allow the exterior panel area to dry before trying again. | Fixer can diagnose the control panel, display board, wiring, and main board. Do not attempt internal repairs — high-voltage parts remain hazardous after unplugging. |
| C-10 / C-11 / C-12 | A sensor-related cooking fault was detected during a cook, reheat, or sensor-assisted cycle. | Reset power once and make sure the cavity is clean and dry. Avoid repeated sensor-cook cycles until the code clears or service is booked. | Fixer can trace sensor circuits and control logic. Do not open the microwave cabinet — internal high-voltage components are dangerous even when unplugged. |
| E-62 / E-63 | A humidity sensor open-circuit or short-circuit style fault was detected, which can affect moisture-based cooking modes. | Reset power once and let any heavy steam or moisture clear from the cavity and door area before trying again. | Fixer can diagnose the humidity sensor, wiring, and control-board inputs. Internal microwave diagnosis should not be attempted at home. |
| E-71 / E-72 | A steam sensor open-circuit or short-circuit style fault was detected on models with steam or sensor-steam features. | Reset power once and avoid using steam or sensor-cook cycles until the code is resolved. | Fixer can diagnose steam sensor circuits and related control output. Do not open the microwave to inspect internal sensors yourself. |
| E-81 / E-82 / E-83 | A communication fault was detected between control boards inside the microwave. | Unplug the microwave or reset the breaker once. Note whether the display is blank, frozen, or partially lit after power is restored. | Fixer can trace board-to-board communication, user-interface wiring, and main control faults without exposing you to high-voltage parts. |
| E-X1 / E-X2 | An additional sensor open-circuit or short-circuit style fault was detected on models with extra cooking sensors. | Reset power once and keep the cavity clean and dry. Avoid stacking repeated cook cycles while the code is active. | Fixer can diagnose sensor circuits and control-board feedback. Internal components can remain dangerous even when unplugged. |
| TE | A touch-panel communication error was detected between the keypad and the main control board. | Clean and dry the control area. Reset power once and avoid pressing keys that feel stuck or unresponsive. | Fixer can diagnose touch-panel, user-interface, and control communication faults. Do not remove the control panel yourself. |
| Door / latch warning | The door switches or latch interlock do not confirm a fully closed door, so the microwave will not energize the magnetron. | Clean the latch area and door seal for food debris. Close the door firmly once. Do not bypass or tape door switches. | Door switch and latch faults involve safety interlocks tied to high voltage. Book service rather than opening the cabinet yourself. |
| PF / power failure | A power interruption or unstable supply was detected. The clock or display may need resetting after an outage. | Reset the clock if needed and confirm the outlet and breaker are stable. Check whether other kitchen circuits tripped during the outage. | If PF returns on a stable outlet, Fixer can diagnose wiring, terminal connections, and control-board power input before parts are replaced. |
LG Microwave Error Codes
| Error Code | What It Usually Means | Safe Homeowner Check | When to Call Fixer |
|---|---|---|---|
| F3 | A key panel or touchpad communication fault may be preventing normal input to the control board. | Wipe the panel dry, unplug for one minute, and try again once. Do not remove the cover or touch internal components. | If keys stay unresponsive, Fixer can diagnose the touch panel, control board, and wiring safely. |
| F4 | A humidity or moisture sensor on the control surface may be reading out of range, often after steam or spills. | Dry the exterior thoroughly and leave the door open briefly to vent moisture. Avoid spraying cleaners into button edges. | If F4 returns on a dry panel, book service to test sensors and control inputs — not a homeowner repair. |
| SE / 5E | A stuck key, keypad fault, or touch-control signal problem is preventing normal input to the control board. | Wipe the panel clean and dry, unplug for one minute, and try again once. Do not remove the cover or touch internal components. | If keys stay unresponsive or the code returns, Fixer can diagnose the touch panel, keypad, control board, and wiring safely. Microwave internal components can hold dangerous high voltage even when unplugged. |
| PF | A power fault or interruption was detected. The control may have lost consistent voltage during operation. | Confirm the outlet works for another small appliance and reset the breaker once. Run a 10-second test with a cup of water only. | Repeated PF codes may indicate supply or control-board issues. Internal microwave components can hold dangerous high voltage even when unplugged — leave testing to a technician. |
| Door / Open | The microwave believes the door is open when heat or cook functions are requested. | Inspect the door hooks and latch area for food debris. Close the door firmly once and avoid slamming. | If the display still shows a door fault, Fixer can test door switches and latch alignment. Do not open the cabinet — capacitors can retain high voltage. |
| F1 | A control-board or relay control signal problem was detected. | Reset power once at the breaker or unplug for one minute, then restore once. | If F1 returns, microwave internal diagnosis should be handled by a technician because high-voltage parts can remain dangerous even when unplugged. |
| F2 | A temperature or sensor-related fault was detected depending on model. | Reset power once and make sure the microwave cavity is clean and dry. | Fixer can diagnose sensor circuits, wiring, and control-board faults safely. Do not open the microwave cabinet. |
| F6 | A control communication or relay-control issue was detected depending on model. | Reset power once. Note whether the display is blank, frozen, or unresponsive to buttons. | If F6 returns, Fixer can diagnose the control panel, wiring, and board communication safely. Do not open the microwave cabinet. |
Whirlpool Microwave Error Codes
Whirlpool appliance repair in Ottawa
| Error Code | What It Usually Means | Safe Homeowner Check | When to Call Fixer |
|---|---|---|---|
| F1 | A control-board or relay control signal problem was detected. | Reset power once at the breaker or unplug for one minute. Do not remove the cover or probe internal wiring. | If F1 returns, microwave internal diagnosis should be handled by a technician because high-voltage parts can remain dangerous even when unplugged. |
| F2 | A temperature or sensor-related fault was detected depending on model. | Reset power once and make sure the microwave cavity is clean and dry. | Fixer can diagnose sensor circuits, wiring, and control-board faults safely. Do not open the microwave cabinet. |
| F3 | A keypad or touch-panel communication fault may be preventing normal input to the control board. | Wipe the panel dry, unplug for one minute, and try once more. Do not disassemble the control panel. | Microwave internal components can hold dangerous high voltage even when unplugged. Fixer can test the keypad and control board safely. |
| F4 | A humidity or moisture sensor on the control surface may be reading out of range, often after steam or spills. | Dry the exterior thoroughly and avoid spraying cleaners into button edges. Reset power once. | If F4 returns on a dry panel, book service to test sensors and control inputs — not a homeowner repair. |
| F5 | A door switch or safety interlock fault was detected. The microwave will not energize the magnetron until the door is confirmed closed. | Close the door firmly and check the latch area for food debris. Do not bypass door switches. | Door interlock faults involve safety circuits tied to high voltage. Book service rather than opening the cabinet yourself. |
| Door / latch warning | The microwave believes the door is open when heat or cook functions are requested. | Inspect the door hooks and latch area for debris. Close the door firmly once and avoid slamming. | If the display still shows a door fault, Fixer can test door switches and latch alignment. Capacitors can retain high voltage after unplugging. |
| PF | A power interruption or unstable supply was detected during operation. | Confirm the outlet works for another small appliance and reset the breaker once. Run a 10-second test with a cup of water only. | Repeated PF codes may indicate supply or control-board issues. Internal microwave components can hold dangerous high voltage — leave testing to a technician. |
Bosch Microwave Error Codes
Bosch appliance repair in Ottawa
| Error Code | What It Usually Means | Safe Homeowner Check | When to Call Fixer |
|---|---|---|---|
| E + number | An electronic control or sensor fault was detected. Exact E-code meanings vary by Bosch microwave model. | Reset power once at the breaker or unplug for one minute. Do not remove the cover or probe internal wiring. | If the code returns, microwave internal diagnosis should be handled by a technician because high-voltage parts can remain dangerous even when unplugged. |
| E01 / E02 / E03 | A control-board, relay, or sensor circuit fault was detected depending on model. | Reset power once and make sure the microwave cavity is clean and dry. Do not open the cabinet. | Fixer can diagnose sensor circuits, wiring, and control-board faults safely. Internal components can hold dangerous high voltage even when unplugged. |
| F1 / F2 | A control or temperature-related fault was detected on models that display F-series codes. | Wipe the panel dry, unplug for one minute, and try once more. Do not disassemble the control panel. | Microwave internal components can hold dangerous high voltage even when unplugged. Fixer can test the control board safely. |
| Door / latch warning | The microwave believes the door is open when heat or cook functions are requested. | Inspect the door hooks and latch area for debris. Close the door firmly once and avoid slamming. | If the display still shows a door fault, Fixer can test door switches and latch alignment. Capacitors can retain high voltage after unplugging. |
| PF / power fault | A power interruption or unstable supply was detected during operation. | Confirm the outlet works for another small appliance and reset the breaker once. Run a 10-second test with a cup of water only. | Repeated power faults may indicate supply or control-board issues. Internal microwave components can hold dangerous high voltage — leave testing to a technician. |
| Control / display group | The control or display reported a communication or logic fault that can freeze keypad input or display functions. | Reset power once. Wipe the panel dry and avoid pressing keys that feel stuck. | Fixer can diagnose keypad, user interface, and control-board communication. Do not open the microwave cabinet — high voltage may remain inside. |
GE Microwave Error Codes
| Error Code | What It Usually Means | Safe Homeowner Check | When to Call Fixer |
|---|---|---|---|
| F1 | A control-board or relay control signal problem was detected. | Reset power once at the breaker or unplug for one minute. Do not remove the cover or probe internal wiring. | If F1 returns, microwave internal diagnosis should be handled by a technician because high-voltage parts can remain dangerous even when unplugged. |
| F2 | A temperature or sensor-related fault was detected depending on model. | Reset power once and make sure the microwave cavity is clean and dry. Do not open the cabinet. | Fixer can diagnose sensor circuits, wiring, and control-board faults safely. Internal components can hold dangerous high voltage even when unplugged. |
| F3 | A keypad or touch-panel communication fault may be preventing normal input to the control board. | Wipe the panel dry, unplug for one minute, and try once more. Do not disassemble the control panel. | Microwave internal components can hold dangerous high voltage even when unplugged. Fixer can test the keypad and control board safely. |
| F4 | A humidity or moisture sensor on the control surface may be reading out of range, often after steam or spills. | Dry the exterior thoroughly and avoid spraying cleaners into button edges. Reset power once. | If F4 returns on a dry panel, book service to test sensors and control inputs — not a homeowner repair. High voltage may remain inside the unit. |
| F5 | A door switch or safety interlock fault was detected. The microwave will not energize the magnetron until the door is confirmed closed. | Close the door firmly and check the latch area for food debris. Do not bypass door switches. | Door interlock faults involve safety circuits tied to high voltage. Book service rather than opening the cabinet yourself. |
| Door / latch warning | The microwave believes the door is open when heat or cook functions are requested. | Inspect the door hooks and latch area for debris. Close the door firmly once and avoid slamming. | If the display still shows a door fault, Fixer can test door switches and latch alignment. Capacitors can retain high voltage after unplugging. |
| PF | A power interruption or unstable supply was detected during operation. | Confirm the outlet works for another small appliance and reset the breaker once. Run a 10-second test with a cup of water only. | Repeated PF codes may indicate supply or control-board issues. Internal microwave components can hold dangerous high voltage — leave testing to a technician. |
Frigidaire Microwave Error Codes
Frigidaire appliance repair in Ottawa
| Error Code | What It Usually Means | Safe Homeowner Check | When to Call Fixer |
|---|---|---|---|
| F1 | A control-board or relay control signal problem was detected. | Reset power once at the breaker or unplug for one minute. Do not remove the cover or probe internal wiring. | If F1 returns, microwave internal diagnosis should be handled by a technician because high-voltage parts can remain dangerous even when unplugged. |
| F2 | A temperature or sensor-related fault was detected depending on model. | Reset power once and make sure the microwave cavity is clean and dry. Do not open the cabinet. | Fixer can diagnose sensor circuits, wiring, and control-board faults safely. Internal components can hold dangerous high voltage even when unplugged. |
| F3 | A keypad or touch-panel communication fault may be preventing normal input to the control board. | Wipe the panel dry, unplug for one minute, and try once more. Do not disassemble the control panel. | Microwave internal components can hold dangerous high voltage even when unplugged. Fixer can test the keypad and control board safely. |
| F4 | A humidity or moisture sensor on the control surface may be reading out of range, often after steam or spills. | Dry the exterior thoroughly and avoid spraying cleaners into button edges. Reset power once. | If F4 returns on a dry panel, book service to test sensors and control inputs — not a homeowner repair. High voltage may remain inside the unit. |
| PF | A power interruption or unstable supply was detected during operation. | Confirm the outlet works for another small appliance and reset the breaker once. Run a 10-second test with a cup of water only. | Repeated PF codes may indicate supply or control-board issues. Internal microwave components can hold dangerous high voltage — leave testing to a technician. |
| Door / latch warning | The microwave believes the door is open when heat or cook functions are requested. | Inspect the door hooks and latch area for debris. Close the door firmly once and avoid slamming. | If the display still shows a door fault, Fixer can test door switches and latch alignment. Capacitors can retain high voltage after unplugging. |
Codes vary by model and region. When in doubt, check your model number and manual, or book service for a professional diagnosis.
Related repair services
If the code keeps returning, these service pages are the fastest way to book the right repair.
Brands we repair
Looking for brand-specific help? These links jump to our brand pages.
FAQ
Can I safely reset an error code?
Often you can power-cycle the appliance and check for obvious issues (drain hose, filter, breaker). If the code returns, professional diagnosis is recommended.
Should I keep using the appliance with an error code?
Not always. If you smell burning, see water leaking, or the unit is overheating, stop using it and call a technician.
Do you service microwave error codes in Ottawa?
Yes — we service microwave issues across Ottawa and surrounding areas. If the code returns after basic checks, book service.
How do I get a faster diagnosis when I call?
If possible, share the exact code, a photo of the display, the brand/model number, and what the appliance was doing when the code appeared (fill, heat, drain, spin).
Need Microwave service in Ottawa?
If your microwave keeps showing an error code, call Fixer for diagnosis and repair.