Oven
F3
The F3 error code on a Candy oven indicates a fault with the oven temperature sensor (NTC probe), meaning the appliance cannot accurately read the internal temperature. It will typically stop heating as a safety measure — annoying, but not dangerous.
What does this error mean?
Your Candy oven constantly monitors its internal temperature using a sensor called an NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) probe. The F3 code fires when the control board receives a reading from this probe that is outside the expected range — either an open circuit (no signal) or a short circuit (a constant, implausible reading). In plain terms: the oven thinks its thermometer is broken, so it shuts down heating rather than risk overheating your kitchen.
Est. repair cost
£15–£35 DIY sensor replacement; £80–£130 professional sensor repair; £150–£250 if control board replacement is needed
🔍 Likely causes
🛠️ Step-by-step fix
Power cycle the oven: switch it off at the wall socket, leave it unplugged for 5 minutes, then plug it back in and test. A one-off software glitch can trigger F3 and a reset clears it.
Check the oven cavity for the NTC sensor probe — it’s a small metal rod, usually mounted on the back wall inside the oven. Make sure it hasn’t been knocked loose or is visibly damaged. Reseat it firmly if it looks dislodged.
Inspect for obvious wiring damage around the sensor: open the oven door fully and look along the back cavity wall. If you see burnt, melted, or frayed wires near the probe, do not proceed with DIY — call an engineer.
Order a replacement NTC sensor for your specific Candy oven model (find the model number on the frame inside the door). UK parts typically cost £15–£35 online. With the oven fully unplugged and cooled, the probe usually unscrews with a single screw and the connector pulls off — no soldering required.
After fitting the new sensor, run the oven at 180°C for 10 minutes and confirm the F3 code has cleared. If it returns immediately, the fault lies with the wiring harness or control board — escalate to a professional.
📞 When to call a professional
If replacing the NTC sensor does not clear the F3 code, the fault is likely a damaged wiring loom or a failed control board (PCB) — both require a qualified appliance engineer. When you call, tell them: ‘My Candy oven is showing an F3 error, I’ve already replaced the NTC temperature sensor and the fault persists.’ This saves diagnostic time and cost. Also call immediately if you see any burnt wiring or smell burning.
⚖️ Repair or replace?
A professional repair for an NTC sensor replacement typically costs £80–£130 call-out and labour in the UK, plus the part. A control board replacement is more expensive at £150–£250 all-in. If your Candy oven is under 7 years old, repair is almost always worth it. For ovens 8 years or older, weigh repair cost against a new built-in oven starting at around £250–£350 — if the repair quote exceeds half the replacement cost, replacing is the smarter choice.