How to Troubleshoot a Kenmore Gas Range

Gas ranges have a proven track record for being energy efficient and cost effective due to their limited reliance on electricity. They offer better temperature control and more versatility in cooking thanks to their open flame and a higher level of operator safety. Gas appliances are easy to use and almost maintenance free. In the rare instance when your Kenmore gas range starts acting up, a little troubleshooting may be all that is needed to rectify the problem.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Set of screwdrivers Wrenches Straight pin or sewing needle Nut driver Oven thermometer Owner/instruction manual

1. Locate your gas range's model number in case you need to order parts. The number can be found between the door hinges, on the frame's inner left side, on the frame in back of the door or inside the drawer.

2. Unplug the appliance or shut down the power supply before troubleshooting. This is done by removing the appropriate fuse or tripping the circuit breaker. Disengage any grounding wire and turn the range's gas supply valve to the shutoff position if necessary.

3. Understand how your Kenmore gas range works. Some models are equipped with a pilot light that stays on all the time and lights the burners on demand. Modern ranges ignite the gas using spark emitters or electrically heated coils.

4. Unclog the burners if the flames burn unevenly. With the electricity and gas turned off, detach the burners. Bathe them in mild detergent and water and wipe with a soft rag. Insert a sewing needle or straight pin into the gas "port" and rinse the burners. Once they are dry reattach them and reactivate the power supply.

5. Look for a weak or burned out bake igniter if the oven is malfunctioning. Usually it is attached to the oven burner. When functioning properly the igniter will emit a white or bright yellow glow. A red glow indicates a weak part. A defective thermostat, selector switches or gas safety valve also may be responsible for this problem. The same holds true if the range's broiler is not working properly.

6. Check the thermostat to see if it is giving an accurate reading. Pre-heat the oven to 325 degrees. Place an oven thermometer on the center rack for roughly 15 minutes. If the oven thermometer displays a different temperature then the problem is with the thermostat. Take off the oven knob and rotate the exposed screw one-quarter turn counterclockwise. This lowers the oven temperature by 25 degrees. One-quarter turn clockwise raises the temperature 25 degrees.

7. Search the Internet or your Yellow Pages to find out where you can buy replacement parts for Kenmore gas ranges. Appliance repair guides are available (see resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• Keep children and pets away from disassembled appliances. Practice workplace safety.
• Never use a wooden toothpick or match stick to unclog burners. Evacuate the premises if you smell gas. Notify the gas company or fire department right away.

References

• Tips for troubleshooting a gas range
• Repair manuals for gas ranges