The microwave suddenly beeped several times, the scroll directed to push clock button, but no button would respond and then F3 appeared on screen but no explanation. We unplugged microwave a couple of times with the same results.

An F3 error code indicates that the keypad for the control panel is bad or has a short. This will cause the microwave to beep continuously after the set clock message appears.
On many models of microwave oven means a problem with the touch panel, (tact switches).

Replace the switch panel to fix the fault.


Hope this helps.

Try pushing / stop reset first. The setting the time by pushing clock button .... punch in the time and push the clock button again. Just respond here if that does not work. 88-8888 is what you get after your first plug it in. Sometimes you will get PF if you unplug it and plug it back in. If that appears push stop / reset / clear. (Same button)

Kelly

Hello. Try this. Push the clock button. Then enter the time in hours and minutes, THEN push the clock button a second time. Joe

Please give my answer 4 thumbs up since it is on target and also free to you. Thanks. Joe

Operating functions:
To set the clock, press and hold the clock/timer button for three seconds. A clock icon will appear on the left side of the screen. Input the time using the numerical buttons and then click the clock/timer button to save the time.
To set the timer, press and release the clock/timer button so that the display shows all zeroes. Enter the desired time using the keypad. Press start/stop to start the countdown. The countdown may be paused by pressing the stop/start button and resumed by pressing the same button again.
When countdown is complete, timer will beep continuously for thirty seconds and display will flash. Timer will then beep every ten seconds for ten minutes until the stop/start button is pressed.
This timer will also time up to time activities. To start count up, press clear/memory so timer reads all zeroes. Press stop/start and a plus sign will appear on the right side of the screen as the timer begins counting up.

Unfortunately, it appears that GE did not make that model to be repaired.

According to the owner's manual, there is a one year warranty.

After that, GE offers no support for it, but they sometimes make exception is people raise heck with Customer Service.

Good luck.

We're happy to help you with free advice and we'd appreciate your thoughtful rating of our answer.

F3 on a GE / Hotpoint microwave means you have a shorting keypad / controls.

There's a chance it can come on by itself and run unattended, which can result in a fire.

So until it is repaired, please leave it unplugged or leave the door open.

On this model, the keypad is not available as a separate part, so you would have to replace the entire controller assembly.

At our Web site, we have a video available showing how to remove a typical over the range control panel assembly in under 5 minutes.

Then you disconnect the wires and install the new controller.

You can order part number WB07X10903 here for $114.37 (compare that to $174.75 direct from GE!).

We're happy to help you with free advice and we'd appreciate your thoughtful rating of our answer.

I have the same problem. However when I unplug the microwave from the wall outlet, let it sit for 10 seconds, then weird codes appear on the top line. Reset the clock and it shold work just fine.

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The first thing I would suggest is a hard reset. Unplug the unit for a minute or so. Then plug it back in, set the clock and try again.

If that doesn't work, you have a shorted / failed membrane keypad.

Until it is repaired, please leave it unplugged or leave the door open.

If you (or someone you know) might want to replace it yourself, I have uploaded a handy guide with pictures showing you what's typically involved.

You can usually find helpful exploded view diagrams and order parts by entering your full model number here.

There should also be a "mini-manual" hidden inside the unit behind the control panel or hidden on the left side behind the grille, which is very helpful when troubleshooting & testing.

At our Web site, we have a video available showing how to remove a typical over the range control panel assembly in under 5 minutes.

If you would like to have us do this repair for you, we do that for $39.95 plus part costs.

Feel free to contact me directly (and please remind me of your model number) for more information & help.

We're happy to help you with free advice and we'd appreciate your thoughtful rating of our answer.

William E. Miller, AS-EET
[email protected]
http://www.microwavedisplay.com

F3 on a GE / Hotpoint microwave means you have a shorted keypad.

Direct spraying of cleaners on the keypad and steam from the cooktop can damage the controls.

Always spray non-ammonia cleaner on a soft cloth (not a paper towel which can scratch) and gently wipe the keypad.

If it will not successfully dry out, it will need to be repaired.

If you (or someone you know) might want to replace it yourself, I have uploaded a handy guide with pictures showing you what's typically involved.

You can usually find helpful exploded view diagrams and order parts by entering your full model number here.

There should also be a "mini-manual" hidden inside the unit behind the control panel or hidden on the left side behind the grille, which is very helpful when troubleshooting & testing.

If you would like to have us do this for you, we do that for $39.95 plus part costs.

Please feel free to contact me directly if you need more help.

We're happy to help you with free advice and we'd appreciate your thoughtful rating of our answer.

William E. Miller
[email protected]
http://www.microwavedisplay.com

microwave quits working and F3 comes up on the readout - along with a series of beeps - pressing any of the buttons on the touchpad does nothing - The F3 stays there and beeps intermittently