Otis Singleton
Electric ovens are a staple in most modern kitchens, but they can sometimes break down or malfunction. A common issue with electric ovens is their inability to heat up, which can be caused by a range of factors such as faulty heating elements, a defective temperature sensor, or improper calibration. Other problems may include uneven baking, faulty components, or a broken door lock. While some of these issues may be simple DIY fixes, others will require the expertise of a professional technician or repair specialist. It is important to always prioritise safety when working with electrical appliances and to ensure that the power is turned off before attempting any repairs.
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What You'll Learn
Fixing a faulty heating element
Electric ovens are generally easy to repair, and most malfunctions that affect them involve faulty heating elements. A faulty heating element will need to be replaced, as it cannot be repaired. Before attempting any work on an electric oven, ensure that it is unplugged or that the power to the unit is turned off by removing fuses or tripping breakers.
A heating element is vital to an oven's performance; it generates the heat required to cook meals. However, it can wear out over time, leading to uneven cooking or a completely cold oven. In electric ovens, the main baking coil is typically attached near the bottom, while a broiling coil sits near the top, working together to distribute heat evenly.
Before assuming that the heating element is faulty, use an oven thermometer to compare the actual temperature to the set temperature. If there is a significant discrepancy, the oven may need calibration, or the temperature sensor may need to be replaced. Also, ensure that no obstructions are inside the oven, interfering with heat distribution. While a dirty oven does not necessarily indicate a broken heating element, excessive buildup can affect the oven's performance and damage the element. Therefore, it is essential to clean the oven regularly to avoid buildup and potential damage to the heating element.
If the oven is still not functioning correctly after cleaning and there is no discrepancy in the thermometer test, turn the oven on and check if the heating element glows red-hot within about 10 minutes of reaching the set temperature. If the element has not heated up, it is faulty and will need to be replaced. If it has heated up but not to the correct temperature, turn the oven off and inspect the element for any signs of damage, such as holes or blisters. If damaged, replace the element. If there is no visible damage, use a multimeter to check for continuity. If it passes the multimeter test, the element is functioning correctly. If it does not pass, replace the element and check if the problem has been solved.
When deciding whether to replace the heating element or invest in a new oven, consider the oven's age, the cost of repair, the overall condition, and energy efficiency. If the oven is more than 10-15 years old, replacing the entire appliance might be more cost-effective in the long run. Additionally, if the oven has other issues or is outdated, it may be more prudent to replace it. Newer models are more energy-efficient, saving money on utility bills over time.
It is important to note that those uncomfortable with electrical work should consider hiring a professional appliance repair service or a qualified electrician.
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Replacing a blown thermal fuse
If your electric oven is not heating up, you may need to replace the thermal fuse. The thermal fuse trips to prevent the oven from overheating. The oven will not heat up again until you replace the thermal fuse.
Before you start working on the oven, make sure that it is unplugged or that the power to the unit is turned off by removing one or more fuses or tripping one or more breakers at the main entrance panel or a separate panel. If you are unsure whether the power has been shut off, you can test the oven's wires with a volt usage tester to see if they have a live current.
Now, carefully install your new fuse. It is important to install it correctly as it is a safety device that measures the temperature of a high heat source. If you are not comfortable installing the new fuse, contact an electrician.
- Remove the trim and outer casing: Unscrew and snap off the outer trim covering the screws that hold the oven in place.
- Remove the oven: Once the outer casing is removed, unscrew the round head screws to loosen the oven and pull it away from the wall.
- Remove the door: Locate the two hooks acting as hinges and rotate them towards you. Swing the door up and pull it towards you to remove it.
- Remove the paneling: Take off the top and rear paneling, which is usually secured with Phillips head screws.
- Locate the thermal fuse: Under the top panel, you will find a circuit drawing with the fuses. The thermal fuse is one of the more likely pieces to blow.
- Test the fuse: Remove the fuse and test it with a multimeter to see if it is broken. At room temperature, the circuit should be closed and functioning. If the resistance is very high or immeasurable, the fuse is broken and needs to be replaced.
- Install the new fuse: Position the wires on the ends of the thermal fuse terminals and push them onto the terminals. Push the female spade connectors all the way down so that they seat properly.
- Reinstall the oven: Position the outer back panel on the oven so that the mounting screw holes line up. Insert the mounting screws and tighten them. With someone's help, lift the oven back into place and reinstall the mounting screws.
- Restore power: Reset the house circuit breakers to restore electrical power to the oven.
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Resetting a tripped circuit breaker
If your electric oven is not working, it could be due to a tripped circuit breaker. Here is a step-by-step guide to resetting a tripped circuit breaker:
Locate the Main Breaker Box: Find the main breaker box, which is usually located in the basement, garage, or utility room of your home. It may also be outside, near the power meter.
Identify the Tripped Breaker: Once you have located the breaker box, identify the tripped breaker. It will appear offset or halfway between the "on" and "off" positions. It may also be in the "off" position if it has been manually shut off.
Turn Off All Appliances: Before resetting the breaker, it is important to turn off all appliances connected to it. This will help prevent any further issues or overload.
Reset the Breaker: To reset the breaker, firmly push the breaker handle to the "off" position, then back to the "on" position. Make sure it is fully aligned with the "on" position.
Check the Oven: After resetting the breaker, go back to your oven and turn it on to see if it is now functioning properly. If the oven is working, you have successfully reset the tripped breaker.
If resetting the breaker does not solve the issue, there may be another problem with your oven, such as a faulty heating element, a blown thermal fuse, or an issue with the electronic control board. In such cases, it is recommended to consult a professional technician for further diagnosis and repair.
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Replacing a faulty control board
Before attempting any repairs on an electric oven, ensure it is unplugged and that the power to the unit is off. If your oven is receiving power but not working, it may have its own fuse or circuit breaker assembly.
The control board is the brain of the oven, regulating functions such as temperature, timers, and cooking modes. When it malfunctions, it can cause inaccurate temperature settings, failed timers, or even a complete shutdown.
- Locate your oven's model number, usually found on the door frame or inside the door.
- Purchase a replacement control board that matches your oven's model number. You can buy replacement parts from an appliance store, an online marketplace, or directly from the manufacturer.
- Note that the new control board may not come with a button overlay, so you may need to order this separately.
- Gather the necessary tools, such as a screwdriver, pliers, and a nut driver.
- Before installing a new control board, conduct thorough diagnostics to ensure that the control board is indeed the issue. Use a multimeter to test other elements like heating elements and sensors. This step can save you from unnecessary expenses and help ensure a smoother cooking experience.
- Once you have confirmed that the control board is the culprit, follow the manufacturer's instructions for installing the new one.
- After installation, turn on the power to the oven and test the control board to ensure it is functioning properly.
A word of caution: once you’ve installed an oven control board, there is no turning back. Due to the sensitive nature of the electrical components and potential user errors during installation, control boards are typically non-returnable.
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Replacing a faulty igniter
Before attempting any repairs on an electric oven, ensure it is unplugged or that the power to the unit is switched off at the main entrance panel or a separate panel. If there is a grounding wire to the oven, disconnect it.
If your electric oven isn't heating up properly, a faulty igniter could be the cause. To replace a faulty igniter, first remove the oven racks to allow room to work inside the oven. Then, unscrew the screws at the rear of the bottom oven panel. Once the bottom panel is removed, you will see the igniter at the rear of the oven, held in place by a bracket and screws.
Remove the screws from the bracket holding the igniter and separate the bracket from the oven to dislodge the igniter. Next, unplug the wire harness from the igniter by pulling the igniter out slightly to access the wire harness and unplugging the cords. Then, pull the faulty igniter out of the oven.
To install the new igniter, plug the wire harness into the new igniter and insert the mounting screws, ensuring the wires are attached securely and the igniter is in the same position as the one removed. Finally, secure the igniter by screwing the brackets into place.
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Frequently asked questions
First, check your power source with a multimeter. If the multimeter setting is set to volts AC, it should read between 210 and 240 volts. If it doesn't, your power source may not be getting enough power. If the power source is fine, the problem may be with the bake or broil power supply wires, which may have burned out near the heating element.
The heating element may be faulty. If your oven is a gas oven, the gas igniter may be faulty.
First, make sure your oven is unplugged and that the power to the unit is off. Then, locate the two wires at the rear wall of the oven that provide electricity to the heating element. Disconnect these wires, and then pull out the heating element. Find a replacement heating element with the same make and model, and plug it into the connection point.
One of the top causes of an electronic oven control board failure is power surge damage, which can be caused by a close lightning strike, power outages, electrical grid overloads, utility service provider load shifting, or wind storms. If you suspect that your control board has failed, you can visually inspect it for signs of burning or shorts.
If your oven is older than 10 years and you're facing a costly repair, you may want to replace it instead of repairing it.
