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Error code · Cooktop

Whirlpool Older Smoothtop Cooktop Code F03: Touch Control Out of Contact

F03 on an older Whirlpool electric radiant (smoothtop) cooktop, such as the WCE55US6HS, points to an internal communication error on the touch control module. The parts that read your keypad and the parts that run the…

Medium · inspection needed
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Code
F03
Appliance
Cooktop
Brand
Whirlpool
Warranty
30-day workmanship

What F03 means

F03 on an older Whirlpool electric radiant (smoothtop) cooktop, such as the WCE55US6HS, points to an internal communication error on the touch control module. The parts that read your keypad and the parts that run the burners are no longer talking cleanly. Cooktops of this age are still in many Houston homes, and we do repair them. We also say plainly when the cost of a repair is not worth it for the age of the cooktop.

Common causes of F03

  • Touch control module losing communication with the rest of the cooktop
  • Loose or aging connection between the keypad and the control
  • Electronic hiccup after a power disturbance
✓ One safe check you can try

1. Turn all surface controls off. 2. Switch the cooktop's breaker off for one minute. 3. Switch it back on. 4. Wait a minute to see whether F03 returns. 5. Test each burner briefly if it stays clear. 6. If F03 returns, leave the cooktop off until it is checked.

! Why to stop there
  • If F03 returns, we test the touch control and the link behind it to see which side is failing.
  • On an older cooktop, we check parts availability before quoting, so there are no surprises.
  • The price is written down before work, and the repair carries a 30-day workmanship warranty.
Opening a panel yourself does not automatically cancel a manufacturer warranty, but it can cause accidental damage, and some manufacturers set their own service conditions. Check your warranty terms, or ask us, before deciding.
→Same appliance

Other Cooktop codes

Indicator or Hot Light OnWhirlpool Smoothtop Cooktop Hot Light On: Control Still on or Glass Still Hot LockWhirlpool Smoothtop Cooktop Lock: Control Lock Is on Performance Boost FlashingWhirlpool Induction Cooktop Performance Boost Flashing: Zone Limited Power Level Lower Than Level RequestedWhirlpool Induction Cooktop Power Level Lower Than Requested, a Power Limit at Work U-uWhirlpool Induction Cooktop U-u: No Suitable Pan Detected FC E1Whirlpool Cooktop Code FC E1: Touchpad Message FC E4Whirlpool Cooktop Code FC E4: Harness to the Touchpad FC LFWhirlpool Cooktop Code FC LF: Left Front Element Circuit
F03F03 questions
Is F03 worth fixing on an older cooktop?

Often, if the touch control is the only issue. We give you the cost in writing and tell you directly when a repair would not make sense.

Will the breaker reset solve it?

It often clears brief communication hiccups. If F03 returns, there is a lasting problem in the touch control or its connection, and it needs repair.

Can I still cook while F03 shows?

Controls may be unreliable, so we advise waiting. A touch panel that cannot communicate may fail to turn burners off when you expect. Please leave it off until we have looked.

Book a visit

Still seeing F03?

A technician diagnoses it on site and gives you the price in writing before any work starts.

(713) 589-6107