When your JennAir flashes Error Code FB, it’s telling you the oven isn’t heating correctly because one or more heating elements (bake or broil) aren’t doing their job. In plain terms: the control expects heat to rise a certain way and it isn’t—so it throws FB to protect the appliance and your food.
What “FB” Usually Means (in real life)
Most households see FB right after a big bake, a self-clean cycle, or a spill that hit the lower element. The control checks electrical feedback from the elements; if a circuit is open, shorted, or way out of expected range, heating stalls and the error appears. Depending on your exact model, FB can point to:
- A failed bake element (most common) or broil element
- A loose or burned wire terminal at the element
- A tripped high-limit/thermal fuse or weak relay on the control
- Less often: a damaged temperature sensor or harness that confuses the control
Tip: Cooktop burners (the “stove” part) can still work normally while the oven throws FB. That’s because they’re on separate circuits.
Symptoms You’ll Notice
You may see one—or several—of these:
- Oven won’t pass Preheat, or temperature climbs very slowly
- Uneven browning (top burns while bottom stays pale, or vice versa)
- No glow from a visible element, or visible blisters/breaks in the element band
- FB returns immediately after reset
Quick DIY Checks (safe and simple)
Unplug the range or switch OFF the breaker before touching anything.
Power & Reset
Turn the range off at the breaker for 5 minutes to clear a transient fault. Restore power and try a short preheat. If FB reappears, continue below.
Look at the Elements
With power off, remove the oven racks and visually inspect the bake (bottom) and broil (top) elements. You’re looking for blisters, cracks, or burn spots. Any of those means the element is done.
Check for Loose Wiring (no tools yet)
If your model allows, gently pull the oven forward a few inches and remove the back panel (again, power off). Look for a loose or heat-darkened spade connector on the element leads. Reseat if loose.
If you see physical damage or a cooked connector, plan on replacing the affected part rather than continuing to reset the unit.
Step-by-Step: Basic Home Fix (when it’s clearly the element)
Only proceed if you’re comfortable and the element is obviously failed. Otherwise, skip to the next section.
- Order the exact element for your model (bake or broil).
- Kill power at the breaker.
- Inside the oven, remove the mounting screws holding the element flange.
- Gently pull the element forward a couple of inches; don’t yank the wires.
- Transfer the wires one-by-one to the new element, ensuring snug connections.
- Reinstall the element, restore power, and test a 350°F preheat.
If preheat is normal and FB is gone, you’re done. If FB returns, the issue may be upstream—control relay, sensor, or a broken wire in the harness.
Why Elements Fail (and how to keep them alive)
Elements are durable, but heat and stress add up. Here’s what pushes them over the edge—and how to avoid it.
Common causes (short list):
- Self-clean cycles back-to-back (very high temps stress elements, wiring, and relays)
- Sugar/fat spills that carbonize on the element surface
- Door slams that fatigue hot element rods
- Poor ventilation around the range, trapping heat near the control
Better habits (small changes, big wins):
- Use steam clean or low-temp cleaning more often; reserve self-clean for rare deep cleans.
- Catch spills fast. If syrup or cheese overflows, let the oven cool and wipe the element and floor before the next bake.
- Avoid lining the oven bottom with foil—it blocks airflow and can reflect heat back at the element.
- Don’t crowd the cutout: maintain the clearances from the installation manual so electronics stay cool.
Preventive Maintenance You Can Do in 10 Minutes
- Quarterly: Remove racks and do a quick element inspection for blisters or cracks.
- Twice a year: Vacuum dust from behind/under the range so the cooling air path stays clear.
- Before holidays: Run a normal cleaning cycle weeks (not days) before big events in case a weak part shows itself.
- Yearly: Have a pro check sensor readings and control relay performance if you bake often.
Error Code FB means your JennAir isn’t reaching temperature because the heating circuit isn’t right—most often a bake or broil element, sometimes wiring or the control. Start with a safe reset and a visual inspection; replace an obviously failed element, and call a tech if the error persists or wiring/board issues are suspected.
Prefer a zero-guesswork repair? Our factory-certified specialists service JennAir daily with OEM parts and brand-level diagnostics.