The F8 error code on a GE True Temp oven signals failed relays on the control board. Replace the broken control board relays to clear the fault and restore oven operation.
Technicians trace this code to mechanical wear inside the relays after repeated high temperature cycles. Visual inspection of the board often reveals burned contacts or stuck armatures that prevent proper heating element control.
Diagnose GE True Temp F8 Relay Issues
Owners first notice the F8 code when the oven fails to reach set temperatures or shuts down mid cycle. The control board relies on multiple relays to switch power to the bake and broil elements. A single stuck relay disrupts the entire sequence and triggers the diagnostic code. Multiple checks confirm whether the issue stays isolated to the board or spreads to wiring harnesses.
| Symptom | Primary Suspect | Difficulty 1-5 |
|---|---|---|
| Oven will not heat | Stuck control board relay | 3 |
| Intermittent shutdowns | Burned relay contacts | 4 |
| Error persists after reset | Failed relay coil | 3 |
This table narrows the search before any disassembly begins.
GE True Temp Relay Arcing and Pitting
Relay contacts inside the GE True Temp control board arc each time they open and close under load. Over time the metal surfaces pit and carbon builds up until the circuit stays open or closed. Heat from the oven cavity accelerates this wear and shortens relay life to five or six years in daily use. Voltage spikes from household wiring can also weaken the relay coil windings.
A failed relay prevents the control board from sending power to the heating elements. Replacement of the entire board costs more than swapping the individual relays when the rest of the board remains intact.
GE True Temp Control Board Relay Replacement
Disconnect power at the breaker before any work starts. Remove the rear access panel with a screwdriver and locate the control board mounted on the back wall. Note the orientation of each wire harness and photograph the connections for reference. Desolder the defective relays from the board using a soldering iron and flux. Install new control board relays of the same amperage rating and resolder the leads cleanly. Reattach all harnesses and restore power to test the oven through a full bake cycle.
GE True Temp F8 Relay Function Checks
Run the oven through multiple temperature settings to confirm the new relays switch correctly. Monitor the display for any return of the F8 code during the first three cycles. Check that both bake and broil elements energize without delay. A final resistance test across the relay terminals shows continuity only when the relay should close.
GE True Temp Relay Part Number Matching
Match the relay part number printed on the original component to avoid voltage or amperage mismatches. Many suppliers stock direct replacements for GE True Temp boards in lots of two or four. Keep spare relays on hand because the same board often contains four identical units that reach end of life together. Order from vendors that list the exact GE series compatibility to prevent fitment issues during installation.
GE True Temp F8 Relay Handling Steps
Never force connectors off the board because bent pins create new faults. Apply heat shrink tubing over soldered joints to prevent future shorts from vibration. Test each relay with a multimeter before installation to catch defective units from the package. Work on a nonconductive surface to avoid accidental board damage from static discharge.
Replace GE Oven Control Board Relays
When a GE True Temp oven triggers the F8 error code the control board relays are frequently at fault. Swapping out these damaged relays restores reliable operation and avoids the expense of a complete board replacement. The steps below detail how to access and exchange the specific relays on the control board.
Order the correct control board relays and complete the swap within one hour using basic tools.
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