COOLING FAN LOWER WB26X35089

My oven continued showing code F97 when we tried to use it. It would clear sometimes in a minute or 10 min. After some research, I figured it had something to do with the upper and lower cooling fans or the associated circuit boards. These fans send a signal (2.5volts I think) back to the main board identifying they are running correctly (fast enough). If the fans fail to get to required speed, CODE F97 appears. So, purchased both upper and lower fan units along with the corresponding circuit boards and decided to get it a shot. For a $8K oven, I had to try something.

You have to replace the items from the rear. Oven is 360+ lbs., So I purchased a lift from Harbor Freight to support the oven when I pulled it out. Once on the lift and the rear exposed, job was fairly easy.

Just remove the top and rear upper and lower panels, access the fans (circuit boards are attached to the fan housings) and replace with new. 1 hour tops for the entire job. My fans were working, but grease and dust had accumulated on the fins which I fell was my problem. Also, spinning them by hand compared to the new fans showed some drag on the old fans. It could have been a faulty circuit board, but I think it was the fans. The lift is a game changer and really makes this job not too bad.

It's been a week since repair, no F97!!! Ovens works great again!!

Removed oven from kitchen cabinet. Used a mover's dolly and made a wooden box from 2x10 boards to set unit on after removal. This allowed me to not disconnect the wiring from inside the cabinet. Off course, the power was off at the breaker box. Started removing oven panel pieces/covers from the top and replaced the lower fan first. Was a little tricky disconnecting the power clip. Replaced the blower, there is no ground wire as the blower is all metal and is attached to a plate that is metal and would be grounded to the unit itself. Went ahead and replaced the top blower as the unit was removed from the wall cabinet and the fan was exposed, why not, it was only $79. Top fan does have a ground wire. Turned the power on and tested unit, worked with no error code.

Replaced all of the covers. One note. I would suggest taking a couple of photos during the removal. I did not, and one piece seemed out of place, but I did figure out where it went on the unit. Saved $$$ doing it myself. Wish I had recorded for a You Tube video. Also, remember to remove and reuse the board sensor if you didn't buy a new one.

My less than 2 year double wall oven was showing a F97 on the right hand side of display screen on my oven, indicating to me it was a lower cooling fan issue. Purchased the parts after a lot of research (and a GE technician telling me over the phone it would be a 600 or more costly repair). I decided to bite the bullet and just do it myself to save money! I’m glad I did! I built a table for it to rest on after it got it out of the wall as it’s a heavy oven. I asked my dad to help me get it out and onto the stand. After that, it was a matter of getting to the lower fan through the back abs having to remove some panels. All went well and best part is this fixed it! I figure even if it goes out again in 2 years it’s still cheaper than paying a technician to do it! I’m a woman with zero background in repair but lots of determination and desire to save money! Just do it yourself!

I ordered the fan and the sensor. I had to pull the whole oven out anyway, why not replace both. Bought a piano dolly at Harbor Freight so I could set the oven on something while it was out of the hole. Make sure and remove the oven doors and racks prior to pulling it out. I was not able by myself. A neighbor had to assist. The fan and sensor are located mid-way up the middle of the rear panel. I just take pictures with my phone as I disassemble so I have a roadmap for reassembly. Once I plugged the fan and sensor in I tested the oven while still out of the hole. I used the vegetable oil to provide a little lubrication to the runners while sliding the oven back in. Works like a charm.