Oven
F2
The F2 error code on a Zanussi oven signals a temperature sensor (NTC probe) fault — the oven cannot read its internal temperature correctly and will shut down as a safety precaution. It’s a moderately serious fault that often has a straightforward fix, but needs addressing before you use the oven again.
What does this error mean?
F2 means the oven’s control board has detected that the NTC temperature sensor (also called a thermistor or oven probe) is reading a temperature that is either too high, out of range, or implausible — typically above 350°C when the oven shouldn’t be that hot. The control board cuts power to the heating elements and displays F2 to prevent overheating or a fire risk. In plain terms: the oven thinks something is dangerously wrong with its temperature and is refusing to continue.
Est. repair cost
£15–£35 DIY (NTC sensor part only); £80–£150 professional repair for sensor fault; £150–£250 if PCB replacement required
🔍 Likely causes
🛠️ Step-by-step fix
Step 1 – Hard reset: Switch the oven off at the wall socket (or trip the circuit breaker), wait 5 minutes, then restore power. If F2 clears and doesn’t return, a temporary glitch caused it — monitor closely over the next few uses.
Step 2 – Inspect the NTC sensor visually: The sensor is a small probe, usually mounted on the back wall inside the oven cavity, held by one or two screws. With the oven cold and unplugged, remove it and check for obvious burn marks, cracks, or corrosion. A damaged probe needs replacing.
Step 3 – Check the sensor connector: Trace the thin wire from the NTC probe through to its plug connector (usually accessible once you remove the back panel inside the cavity or pull the oven slightly forward). Press the connector firmly together — a loose connection is a common and cheap fix.
Step 4 – Test the NTC sensor with a multimeter: A working Zanussi NTC sensor typically reads around 1,000–1,100 ohms resistance at room temperature (~20°C). If your reading is wildly different (open circuit, zero, or several thousand ohms), the sensor has failed and needs replacing.
Step 5 – Replace the NTC sensor: Order a genuine or compatible Zanussi NTC probe for your model (check the model number on the oven’s rating plate, usually inside the door frame). Fitting takes around 20–30 minutes with a basic screwdriver — unplug the oven, swap the probe, reconnect the wiring, and test.
Step 6 – If F2 returns after a new sensor: Stop DIY here. The control board (PCB) or a wiring harness fault is likely the cause — both require a qualified appliance engineer to diagnose safely.
📞 When to call a professional
Call an appliance engineer if replacing the NTC sensor does not clear the F2 code, if you find burnt or melted wiring inside the oven, or if you’re not confident using a multimeter. Tell the engineer: ‘My Zanussi oven is showing an F2 fault — I believe it’s an NTC temperature sensor or PCB issue.’ This helps them bring the right parts and saves call-out time.
⚖️ Repair or replace?
An NTC sensor part costs £15–£35 and is a straightforward DIY fix on most Zanussi models. If the control board (PCB) is at fault, professional repair typically runs £150–£250 including parts and labour — at that cost, compare it against a new mid-range Zanussi oven at £350–£600. If your oven is over 8 years old and the PCB has failed, replacement is usually the better financial decision.