Frymaster M3000 Fryer Message: Temp Probe Failure
TEMP PROBE FAILURE on a Frymaster Gen II LOV fryer with the M3000 computer means the temperature probe reading is out of range (E03). The manual says to call service for a probe and harness check. Do not fry until the temperature can be read.
High: the oil temperature cannot be read, so the heat cannot be controlled.
What does Frymaster TEMP PROBE FAILURE mean?
The M3000 computer relies on a temperature probe in the vat to regulate the oil. When the probe reading is outside the valid range, it logs E03 and the Service Required list shows TEMP PROBE FAILURE. The cause may be the probe, or the harness that carries its signal to the computer. The manual's action is to call service for a probe and harness check. Without a trustworthy reading the computer cannot hold the setpoint, so the oil could stay cold or heat past where it should. The message appears in the Service Required Errors section as well as the error log, and it applies to the M3000 computer fitted to the BIELA14 electric and the BIGLA30 gas fryers. The 3000 controller on other Frymaster fryers has its own E03 description with specific tests, but this page follows the M3000 table.
Affected models and control systems
Gen II LOV fryers with the M3000 computer, BIELA14 series electric; the BIGLA30 gas fryer uses the same computer family.
Code numbers and their meaning can change between control generations. We match the full model and control before acting on a code.
What you may notice
- TEMP PROBE FAILURE on the computer
- Alarm sounding
- Oil that does not heat or heats uncontrollably
- Computer showing a temperature that makes no sense
Possible causes
Likely causes — what usually sits behind TEMP PROBE FAILURE on this control. A technician confirms which one it is before any part is replaced.
- Temperature probe reading out of range
- A probe lead damaged by heat or repeated cleaning
- Oil or grease inside the probe connector
- A harness connector at the computer with corroded pins
Safe checks before calling for service
- Turn the fryer off and let the oil cool.
- Do not keep frying while the temperature cannot be read.
- Look from outside for visible damage to the probe cable, without opening panels.
- Write down the vat and what happened before the message, then call service.
How a technician diagnoses TEMP PROBE FAILURE
- Read the error log for E03 and related heating messages.
- With power off, inspect the probe and its connector.
- Measure probe resistance and compare it with the manual value at the oil temperature.
- Check the harness for opens and shorts.
- Replace the probe or harness only after the measurement.
- Probe resistance must be read against a known temperature with a meter.
- The probe is in the vat, which means hot oil and live heating wiring nearby.
- Without a reliable reading the heat cannot be regulated safely.
How TEMP PROBE FAILURE differs from similar codes
TEMP PROBE FAILURE is the Service Required wording for E03 on the M3000, while the 3000 controller shows E03 as ERROR TEMP PROBE FAILURE.
Technical reference
- Maker documentation
- Frymaster owner support
- Edition
- May 2011, 819-6446
- Models / control
- 3000 controller / M3000
- Section
- 1.14.3 Service Required Errors p. 1-34 and 1.14.4 p. 1-35
- Checked
- October 2026
We use the maker's document to read the code and do not reproduce it. Always confirm the complete model and control before applying these steps.
Related Frymaster fryer error codes
Is E03 the same as TEMP PROBE FAILURE?
Yes, on the M3000 the manual gives E03 as the temperature probe reading out of range.
Can I use the fryer?
No. The computer cannot confirm the oil temperature, so it should not be used.
Is the probe always the cause?
Not always. The harness can also be the cause, which is why the check covers both.
Need help with Frymaster TEMP PROBE FAILURE?
A technician confirms the cause on site and gives you the price in writing before any work starts.