How to Troubleshoot Oven Failure

Look at the heating element on the bottom of electric ovens to see whether it turns red during use to indicate proper function.

Ovens come with many options, from temperature sensors to convection cooking, from self-cleaning settings to specific preset modes for food such as pizza and chicken nuggets and even warming and broiling drawers. Because there are so many things that ovens can do, it can be baffling when the oven will not do the one thing that makes all other options possible -- work. Troubleshooting the failure of an oven to function may discover that the cause is simple or a more intensive repair is needed.

Instructions

1. Determine the source of the power to the oven. If there is a power cord, ensure that the cord is plugged in. If the unit is a built-in oven or if the power cord is connected but there is no power, reset or replace the corresponding fuse or circuit breaker.

2. Find the gas valve if it is a gas oven, and turn the gas valve on if the oven has power but is not heating.

3. Verify that the correct controls for the desired oven are used if the unit has double ovens.

4. Turn the oven on if there is power to the unit, and set the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Wait a few minutes, and then open the door and look inside at the heating element, which is a thin black tube in the bottom. If the heating element is not red or glowing, it needs to be replaced. This is specific to electric ovens.

5. Turn the oven on if there is power, and set it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for a gas oven. Open the oven door, and look toward the bottom rear of the oven for the burner and igniter. The igniter is about an inch in size, and a flame should be visible if the oven is heating. If there is no flame or the igniter is red but not lit, turn off the oven and contact a repair center, as the igniter will need to be replaced.

References

• Repair Clinic: Oven Troubleshooting
• Whirlpool: Oven Is Not Working
• GE Appliances: Range -- Oven Will Not Work, Will Not Light