Fisher & Paykel Cooktops F7 Error: Residual heat sensor fault
Fisher & Paykel cooktop error code F7 is a mid-severity fault meaning Residual heat sensor fault (radiant electric zone). A faulty residual heat sensor undermines a key safety feature of the cooktop. A power-cycle may clear a transient F7 fault.
~15%
DIY Fixable
From $150
Typical Repair Cost
1–2 hrs
Pro Repair Time
Quick Assessment
Answer to continue safely
Is it safe to keep using?
No. A faulty residual heat sensor undermines a key safety feature of the cooktop. The sensor exists specifically to warn against touching a hot surface. Operating with a known sensor fault is unsafe — the cooktop may fail to warn you of a genuinely hot surface.
Can I reset the code?
Yes. A power-cycle may clear a transient F7 fault. If F7 or a permanently lit H indicator returns after power-cycling with a confirmed-cool surface, the sensor requires professional replacement.
When to stop immediately?
Stop if you notice: H indicator never extinguishes regardless of cooling time, Zone will not activate due to permanent sensor fault.
Symptoms You May Notice
H indicator does not extinguish after cooling
The hot-surface indicator stays lit long after the zone has cooled, or never illuminates even immediately after use.
F7 displayed with H stuck on
The zone displays F7 alongside a permanently lit H indicator, even when the cooktop has been off for several hours.
Zone refuses to activate
The affected radiant zone will not switch on; the controller is blocking activation because it cannot confirm the zone is cool enough to operate safely.
Possible Causes
Failed residual heat NTC sensor
The NTC thermistor that monitors residual surface temperature has failed, causing the controller to default to a permanent hot-surface assumption.
Requires ProfessionalSensor connector loose or corroded
The sensor connector beneath the glass has vibrated loose or corroded, causing an open-circuit reading that the controller interprets as maximum temperature.
Requires ProfessionalController logic fault
The main control board is misinterpreting the sensor signal due to a software or hardware fault, keeping the H indicator permanently active.
Requires ProfessionalSafe Checks You Can Do
-
1
Allow extended cooling time
Leave the cooktop completely off for at least 2 hours and observe whether the H indicator extinguishes. If H clears after extended cooling, the sensor may be slow rather than failed.
An H indicator that is very slow to clear but does eventually extinguish suggests the sensor is reading high — it may still be functional but approaching end of life.
-
2
Power-cycle at the circuit breaker
After confirming the surface is completely cool to the touch, switch the circuit breaker off for 5 minutes and restore power. Observe whether F7 and the H indicator clear.
If the surface is genuinely cool and H clears after a power-cycle but returns on the next use, the sensor is intermittently failing.
-
3
Do not touch the surface during diagnosis
If H is displayed, treat the surface as hot regardless of elapsed time since use. The sensor may be wrong in either direction — it could be displaying H when cold, or failing to display H when the surface is actually warm.
A faulty residual heat sensor is a safety-critical fault. If there is any doubt about whether the surface is hot, use an infrared thermometer to verify before touching.
Tools required
When to Call a Professional
Contact a qualified technician if:
- Residual heat sensor replacement requires glass-ceramic surface access from below
- Connector inspection beneath the glass requires cooktop disassembly
- Controller board replacement is a technician-level repair
Need Professional Help?
Find qualified technicians in your area for proper diagnostics and repair.
Cooktops Repair Service Schedule Appointment