
If your GE oven is not heating up, the thermostat may be faulty. The thermostat controls the temperature in your oven and is usually located on the back wall of the oven. It is a thin probe attached with screws and connected by wires. If you have an older model, you may need to replace the thermostat, switch, and element with something that fits from a more recent oven. If you are unsure about how to replace the thermostat, consult a certified technician to avoid damage or safety risks.
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What You'll Learn
- The thermostat in GE ovens is located on the outer oven wall
- The temperature sensor is a thin probe attached with screws and connected by wires
- The thermostat controls the oven temperature by turning the heat source on and off
- Symptoms of a faulty thermostat include undercooked food or an oven that won't turn on or off
- Replacing the thermostat involves removing oven racks, locating the sensor bulb, and disconnecting wiring

The thermostat in GE ovens is located on the outer oven wall
If you believe your GE oven's thermostat is faulty, you can replace it yourself. Before starting, either unplug the appliance or switch it off at the circuit breaker, and put on protective gear such as work gloves and safety goggles. For a gas oven, you must also turn off the gas running to the oven. Next, partially open the oven door and pull it off its hinges. Remove the racks and locate the sensor bulb on the oven's back wall. Take the bulb out of the retainer clips, bend it into a U-shape, and guide it through the small hole on the rear wall.
Go to the back of the oven and guide the sensor out of the opening. Once it is free, straighten the sensor bulb and push it back into the hole. Route it through the opening and pull it out of the hole on the main top panel. With a Phillips screwdriver, remove the screws on the bottom of the burner control panel and carefully lower the panel. Now you can locate the thermostat and unthread the screws holding it in place. Remove the thermostat, detach the wires, and guide the sensor bulb out of the stove top.
To install the new thermostat, straighten the coiled sensor tube and run the sensor bulb underneath the wires running through the cooktop. Bend the sensor bulb into a slight curve and insert it into the opening in the main top panel. Move to the rear of the oven and continue routing the bulb through the hole that leads to the oven interior. Circle to the front of the oven and pull the sensor bulb from the opening on the back wall. Secure the thermostat assembly box to the back of the oven by tightening the front-facing screws under the knob. Attach the wires, then thread the sensing bulb down through the back of the oven and into the interior. Clip it to the rear wall under the element, then slide the rear panel into position. Replace the screws along the panel's edge, then move to the front of the oven and push the knob back into position.
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The temperature sensor is a thin probe attached with screws and connected by wires
The thermostat in a GE electric oven is usually located on the top outer wall of the oven. It is controlled electronically by a computer or electronic control board and a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor is a thin probe attached with screws and connected by wires. It is usually found in the back of the oven, protruding out of the back wall.
To replace the temperature sensor, first remove the oven racks and back panel inside the oven cavity to access the sensor. The sensor is held in place with two screws, which can be removed using a 1/4-inch nut driver. Once the screws are removed, carefully disconnect the wiring harness by pulling the sensor probe forward into the oven interior. There should be enough slack in the wires to allow you to disconnect them.
Next, snap the connector of the new probe into the plug, and push the wire into the back wall of the oven. Position the new sensor probe and line up the holes for the mounting screws. Insert the mounting screws and tighten them firmly using a nut driver. If the plug doesn't fit the original wire harness connector, you may need to use a wire cutter to snip off the plug and connector, strip the insulation from the wires, and make the connection with ceramic wire nuts.
Finally, reassemble the oven panels and test the oven to ensure it is functioning properly. If you are unsure about any part of the process, it is recommended to consult a certified technician to avoid damage or safety risks.
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The thermostat controls the oven temperature by turning the heat source on and off
The thermostat in your GE oven controls the temperature by turning the heat source on and off. When the desired temperature is reached, the thermostat turns off the heat source. Conversely, when the temperature starts to drop, the thermostat turns the heat back on. This process ensures that the oven maintains the desired temperature.
A faulty thermostat may cause issues with temperature regulation, resulting in undercooked food or an oven that won't turn on or off. In some cases, the oven may run very hot or overshoot the set temperature. If you suspect a faulty thermostat, it is recommended to either replace it or seek professional assistance.
To replace the thermostat in a GE oven, you will need to access the sensor bulb or temperature probe, which is usually located on the back wall of the oven cavity. First, remove the oven racks and back panel inside the oven. Then, locate the sensor bulb and disconnect it from the retainer clips. Bend the sensor bulb slightly and guide it out through the small hole on the rear wall. Once it is removed, you can install the new sensor bulb by reversing these steps.
It is important to note that the process of replacing the thermostat may vary slightly depending on the specific model of your GE oven. Some models may have the thermostat located on the top of the outer oven wall, while others may require additional steps for accessing and replacing the thermostat. Always refer to the appropriate replacement guide or seek professional assistance if needed.
Additionally, when working with electrical appliances, it is crucial to prioritize safety. Ensure that the oven is unplugged or switched off at the circuit breaker before attempting any repairs. Wear protective gear, such as work gloves and safety goggles, to safeguard your hands and eyes during the process.
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Symptoms of a faulty thermostat include undercooked food or an oven that won't turn on or off
A faulty oven thermostat may result in undercooked food, an oven that won't turn on or off, or other issues. The thermostat is an important component of an oven, as it controls the temperature by monitoring the air within the oven chamber and switching the heating elements on and off to maintain the desired temperature. When it malfunctions, the oven may overheat, underheat, or fail to heat at all.
Symptoms of a faulty oven thermostat include:
- Oven Not Heating Correctly: The oven fails to reach the desired temperature or takes longer than usual to heat up.
- Temperature Fluctuation: The oven struggles to maintain a stable temperature, resulting in variable cooking and baking results.
- Overheating: The oven gets too hot, almost causing fires and damaging food.
- Underheating: The oven cannot reach the desired high temperature, no matter how long it is left to heat.
- Slow Pre-Heating: The oven takes longer than usual to reach the desired temperature.
- Uneven Cooking Results: Food is burned or undercooked, even when the temperature is set correctly. This could manifest as burnt edges or undercooked centres.
If you own a GE oven and suspect a faulty thermostat, the first step is to identify your oven's model. Older GE ovens from the 1940s and 1950s may have different thermostat replacement procedures compared to newer models. Once you've identified the model, you can refer to specific instructions for accessing and replacing the thermostat. Some models might require removing the oven racks, back panel, and control panel to access the thermostat sensor.
It is important to note that oven thermostats are inherently inaccurate, and even the best oven models may deviate from the set temperature by at least 10%. Therefore, it is recommended to test your oven's thermostat accuracy using a professional cooking thermometer to ensure precise temperature control.
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Replacing the thermostat involves removing oven racks, locating the sensor bulb, and disconnecting wiring
Replacing the thermostat in a GE electric oven is a manageable task that can be done without professional help. However, it is important to proceed with caution and consult a certified technician if you are unsure about any steps to avoid damage or safety risks.
The first step is to identify the location of the thermostat. In most GE ovens, the thermostat sensor is located inside the oven cavity, at the back, or on the outer oven wall. Once you have located the sensor, you can proceed to remove the oven racks and back panel to access it.
The thermostat sensor is usually a thin probe attached with screws and connected by wires. Carefully disconnect the wiring harness by removing the screws and gently pulling the sensor forward. You may now install the new sensor by reconnecting the wiring harness and securing it with the screws. Ensure that the sensor is firmly attached and connected before reassembling the oven.
After replacing the sensor, the next step is to reassemble the oven. Unlike most installations, it is important not to reassemble the oven in backward order. First, secure the box of the thermostat assembly to the back of the oven by tightening the screws under the knob. Then, attach the wires, using a picture as a guide to ensure everything is connected correctly. Next, thread the sensing bulb through the back of the oven and into the interior. Clip it to the rear wall under the element. Finally, slide the rear panel into position, replace the screws along the panel's edge, and push the knob back into position at the front of the appliance.
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Frequently asked questions
The thermostat in your GE electric oven is located on the back wall of the oven. It is usually a thin probe attached with screws and connected by wires.
To replace the thermostat in your GE electric oven, first unplug the oven and remove the racks and back panel inside the oven cavity. Disconnect the wiring harness, remove the faulty sensor, and install the new one. Reassemble the panels and test the oven for accurate temperature control.
Undercooked food or an oven that won't turn on or off are common signs of a faulty thermostat. Other symptoms include temperature inaccuracies and the oven still not turning on or off even after replacing the thermostat.
You can identify the model of your GE electric oven by checking the model number, which is usually located on a label or plate on the back or side of the oven. This information can also be found in the user manual or purchase receipt.











































