Whirlpool Microwave F2 Error Code: Keypad Fault (Over-the-Range) or Oven Temperature Sensor (Built-In)

What the code means

Whirlpool has two separate Product Help articles for F2. The over-the-range article says: "The Keypad (User Interface) reported a problem to the control board. There may be a problem with the Keypad (User Interface) or the associated wiring." The built-in microwave article says: "There may be a problem with the Oven Temperature Sensor, the Control, or the associated wiring." Both give the same owner step: turn off the circuit breaker for one minute, turn it back on, monitor the microwave for one minute to make sure the code doesn't display again, then check that it works. Newer Whirlpool microwaves show a four-character version of the keypad fault, F2E1, which Whirlpool's articles describe as a problem with the user interface or keypad (and, on built-in models, the control) or its wiring. The technician sheet for one current over-the-range range (tech sheet W11561756) lists F2E1 as a stuck key failure, with the repair being to replace the keypad and, if the problem persists, to check the control board's pin voltages. Whirlpool's sheet also notes that many failure codes clear with a one-minute power cycle. So if your over-the-range microwave shows F2, think keypad; if your wall oven's microwave shows F2, think temperature sensor. This is a different code from F1E4 (control board) and F6 (relay control board).

Likely causes

• A temporary control glitch, which Whirlpool says a one-minute power cycle often clears
• Over-the-range models: a stuck or failed key on the keypad (touch panel), the failure the W11561756 tech sheet names for F2E1
• Over-the-range models: a loose or damaged ribbon or wire between the keypad and the control board
• Liquid or grease that has got behind the keypad, which can make a key read as pressed (a common reason keypads fail, not a Whirlpool statement)
• Built-in models: a failed oven temperature sensor or its wiring
• Either type: a failed control board, if the keypad or sensor and wiring check out

Safe DIY checks

1. Turn off the microwave's circuit breaker (or unplug it if you can reach the plug) for one full minute, then turn it back on.
2. Watch the display for about a minute with the microwave idle, as Whirlpool says. If F2 doesn't come back, run a short heat with a cup of water to confirm it works.
3. On an over-the-range model, look at the keypad for a button that looks pushed in, swollen or sticky, and wipe the panel with a barely damp cloth. Don't spray cleaner straight onto the keypad.
4. If F2 returns, note whether you have an over-the-range or built-in model and copy the model number from the label (usually inside the door frame) before you call, so the technician brings the right keypad or sensor.
5. Don't remove the outer cover yourself. Microwaves store a dangerous high-voltage charge even when unplugged, and Whirlpool's tech sheet says only authorized technicians should do diagnostic measurements.

Parts that commonly fix it

Always match the part number to your exact model.

Related codes

• F1E4 Whirlpool Microwave F1E4
• F6 Whirlpool Microwave F6
• F6 E8 Whirlpool Microwave F6 E8
• F7 Whirlpool Microwave F7
• F9 E0 Whirlpool Microwave F9 E0

All Whirlpool codes →

Sources

1. Whirlpool Product Help: F2 - Error Code - Over-the-Range Microwave (keypad/user interface reported a problem to the control board, keypad or wiring; one-minute breaker reset, monitor one minute; 1-866-698-2538)
2. Whirlpool Product Help: F2 - Built-In Microwave (oven temperature sensor, control or wiring; one-minute breaker reset)
3. Whirlpool Product Help: F2E1 - Error Code - Over-the-Range Microwave (user interface/keypad or wiring)
4. Whirlpool tech sheet W11561756 Rev A (failure code table: F2E1 stuck key failure, replace keypad, then check PCBA pin voltages; many codes clear with a one-minute power cycle; only authorized technicians should take voltage measurements)