If you feel like you cannot fix the issue, always reach out to a professional for help.
It’s dinner time, and you’re about to fire up the oven for a delicious home-cooked meal. However, when you turn it on, nothing happens - your oven is not working. While it’s understandably frustrating, don’t worry. You can diagnose and fix the problem with these useful tips and be able to enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Check the burner, socket or igniter switch
The first step is to check the burner, socket or igniter switch. If the burner is faulty, it will need to be replaced. If the socket or igniter switch is causing the problem, you can try resetting it by unplugging the power cable and then plugging it back in after a few minutes.
Temperature problems
If it is not heating up, the temperature may be set too low or too high. Check the temperature setting and make sure it is accurate by using an oven thermometer. If the temperature is off, you can recalibrate the oven either manually or with a special calibration tool.
Gas burner not lighting properly
When a gas burner isn't lighting properly, it could be a sign of a larger problem. It is important to inspect the pilot light, flame sensor, and gas line for any obstructions or clogs that may be preventing the gas from flowing properly. Additionally, if the gas is not coming through, it could be a sign that the gas line needs to be professionally serviced.
Oven turns on but isn't heating
For electric models, the issue may actually be the element rather than the igniter. If the element is damaged, it will need to be replaced. Check the element for any discoloration or burned marks, which are indicative of a problem. Additionally, check the heating coils for any issues and make sure that the wires are connected properly.
Door won’t stay closed
A common issue is that the door won’t stay closed. This is usually caused by worn or broken hinges. To check if this is the problem, open the door and inspect the hinges. If they are in need of repair or replacement, it is best to seek professional help.
Replacing components
In some cases, it may require new components like the temperature sensor, burner, wires, or hinges. To replace these components, first make sure to turn off the power before beginning the replacement process. Then remove the old component and replace it with the new one. Make sure all wires are connected securely before turning the power back on.
Know the differences between gas and electric ovens
Finally, electric models have different issues than gas. When troubleshooting an electric oven, be aware that a malfunctioning element may be the culprit. With gas ovens, it is important to understand how the gas is delivered and how to check the pilot light, flame sensor and gas line.
Professional help
If you’re uncomfortable replacing any parts or unsure of the cause of the problem, it is always best to call a professional for help. They can provide further insight into the issue and offer guidance on how to best fix it.
With these steps, you should have no problems getting it to start working again. Knowing the common issues and understanding the difference between gas and electric units will ensure that you are able to diagnose the problem quickly and take the necessary steps to get it running smoothly again.
Expert tip
Before attempting to fix your oven, it’s important to unplug the power cable first. This will help you avoid any electric shocks or potential damage to your appliance.
Oven doesn’t turn on
If it doesn't turn on, the first step is to check the power cable to make sure it is plugged in properly. If it is, then you may need to check the main control board. This board includes a timer, a clock, and other electronic components that could be malfunctioning and preventing the oven from turning on. A qualified technician or technician service center should be called if this is the case.
Clock not working
If the clock is not working, it could be an issue with the main control board. Replacing the board is the best way to solve this problem. However, before you do this, make sure the power cord is connected properly and that the clock settings are correct.
Oven timer not working
The next thing to address is if the oven timer is not working. This could be due to a faulty timer switch or a bad timer motor. The timer switch will need to be replaced, while the timer motor can be taken apart, checked for any debris or foreign objects, and cleaned to make sure it is working properly.
Oven light not working
If the oven light isn’t working, then you should check the light bulbs to see if they need replacing. If they are still good, then there may be an issue with the wiring or the switch itself. A qualified technician should be called to check the wiring and switch and determine the best solution.
Door seals not working properly
If the door seals on your oven are not working properly, they either need replacing or adjusting. First, inspect the seals to see what condition they are in. If they are in good condition, you can adjust the height of the door with a screwdriver. If the seals are worn out, you will need to replace them.
Oven overheating
Ovens can overheat for a number of reasons. First, check to make sure the temperature setting is correct. If that is not the cause, then it is possible that the heating elements are not working properly. Check each element for discoloration or burned marks. If there is any damage, they will need to be replaced.
Oven making unusual noises
If your oven is making a strange noise when it is running, the culprit could be the fan motor or the fan blades. Disconnect the power to the oven and then open up the appliance. Inspect the fan motor for any loose wires or connections. If everything looks ok, inspect the fan blades for any damage. If any of these components need replacing, it is best to consult a professional technician.
Faulty bake element
If your bake element is not heating up, it may be time to replace it. The element has to be disconnected from its power source before attempting any repairs. Once disconnected, use a multimeter to check the element for any current flow. If there is no current, the element needs to be replaced.
Baking problems
Often times, when an oven is not able to properly bake food, it could be a sign of incorrect temperature settings or a faulty thermostat. Check the temperature setting to make sure it is accurate, and use an oven thermometer to take readings inside the oven. If the actual reading is different from the setting, you may need to adjust the thermostat. Additionally, you may need to replace the thermal fuse as well.
Smoke coming from oven
Finally, if smoke is coming from the oven when it is running, it could be caused by a few different issues. Make sure the oven racks are clean and free from any debris. Additionally, check if there is any food that is dripping down into the bottom of the oven. If this is the case, you may need to replace any damaged parts or clean the oven thoroughly.
