Troubleshooting an Electric Oven That Won’t Heat Up

Troubleshooting an Electric Oven That Won’t Heat Up

When your electric oven refuses to heat, it can disrupt your cooking plans and leave you frustrated. Fortunately, many common issues can be diagnosed and fixed without professional assistance. Here's a guide to help you troubleshoot an electric oven that won’t heat up.

Step 1: Check the Basics

1. Ensure the Oven is Plugged In

  • Make sure the oven is securely plugged into a functioning power outlet. Electric ovens require a 240-volt power supply, and a loose plug can cause intermittent operation.
  • Tip: Test the outlet with another appliance to confirm it’s working.

2. Inspect the Circuit Breaker

  • An electric oven may trip the circuit breaker if there’s an electrical issue. Check your home’s breaker box and reset the breaker if needed.
  • If the breaker trips repeatedly, there may be a deeper electrical issue requiring professional attention.

Step 2: Check the Heating Elements

1. Inspect the Bake and Broil Elements

  • Open the oven and visually inspect the heating elements (usually located at the top and bottom of the oven).
  • Look for signs of damage, such as:
    • Breaks or cracks in the element.
    • Blistering or discoloration.
  • Solution: If the element is visibly damaged, it will need to be replaced.

2. Test the Heating Elements

  • If the elements appear intact but don’t heat up, they may be faulty. Use a multimeter to check for continuity:
    • Disconnect power to the oven.
    • Remove the element and test it with the multimeter.
    • A reading of "infinity" indicates the element is defective.

Step 3: Examine the Temperature Sensor

  • Modern ovens have a temperature sensor that monitors internal heat.
  • Check for Issues:
    • If the sensor is damaged or misaligned, it can prevent the oven from heating properly.
    • A working sensor typically has a resistance reading of about 1,080 ohms at room temperature.
  • Solution: If the sensor is faulty, replace it with a compatible part.

Step 4: Verify the Oven’s Control Board

  • The oven control board regulates the temperature and other functions. If it malfunctions, the oven may fail to heat.
  • Signs of a Faulty Control Board:
    • The display doesn’t work, or error codes are shown.
    • The oven doesn’t respond to input.
  • Solution: If the control board is defective, it may need to be repaired or replaced.

Step 5: Test the Thermostat and Selector Switch

  • Some ovens have a thermostat and selector switch to control temperature and settings. Faulty components can disrupt heating.
  • Solution: Use a multimeter to test for continuity. Replace the defective parts as needed.

Step 6: Inspect the Power Supply

  • Electric ovens require a 240-volt supply to heat effectively.
  • Check for Issues:
    • A faulty power cord or loose connections may limit the power.
  • Solution: Replace damaged cords or tighten loose connections.

Step 7: Calibrate the Oven’s Temperature

  • If the oven heats but doesn’t reach the desired temperature, it may need recalibration.
  • How to Calibrate:
    • Refer to the owner’s manual for calibration instructions.
    • Most ovens allow adjustment through the control panel.

Step 8: Clean the Oven

  • A dirty oven can sometimes interfere with proper heating.
  • Solution: Clean the interior of the oven, paying special attention to vents and the heating elements.

When to Call a Professional

If you’ve tried all the steps above and your oven still won’t heat, it may be time to call a professional technician. Complex issues such as wiring problems, relay board failures, or faulty internal components require specialized tools and expertise.

For replacement parts or professional advice, visit a reliable parts supplier like PRS Parts Inc. in Honolulu, Hawaii. They carry a wide selection of high-quality appliance parts and can help you find the components you need to get your oven back in working order.

Conclusion

Troubleshooting an electric oven that won’t heat up can often be done with a little patience and the right tools. By systematically checking the power supply, heating elements, sensors, and other components, you can diagnose and resolve most common issues. Proper maintenance and regular cleaning can also help prevent problems and extend the life of your oven.

Image courtesy of Reviewed.com.

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