Oven Issues: Common Problems and Easy Fixes

Got an oven that won’t heat, makes weird clicks, or flashes error codes? You’re not alone. Most oven hiccups come from a few simple parts that can be checked before you call a pro. Below we break down the usual suspects and give you quick steps to try at home.

Typical Oven Problems

1. Heating element not working. If the oven stays cold while the broiler works, the lower heating element is probably burnt out. A visual check for a broken coil or a quick continuity test with a multimeter will tell you if it’s dead.

2. Faulty thermostat or temperature sensor. The oven may heat but never reach the set temperature. This usually means the sensor is sending the wrong signal to the control board. You can test it by measuring resistance at room temperature – it should be around 1,100 Ω.

3. Power supply issues. Tripped breakers or a loose plug can stop the oven altogether. Reset the circuit breaker, make sure the plug is snug, and check the outlet with a voltage tester.

4. Control board glitches. Modern ovens run on digital boards that can freeze or develop bad connections. If you see random error codes, power the oven off for five minutes, then restart it. If the problem repeats, the board may need replacement.

5. Door latch problems. A door that won’t lock properly can keep the oven from heating. Inspect the latch and the safety switch; a broken latch often just needs a new clip.

Quick DIY Troubleshooting Steps

Before you grab a screwdriver, try these three checks:

Step 1: Reset the oven. Turn off the oven, wait a minute, then turn it back on. Many electronic glitches clear themselves with a simple power cycle.

Step 2: Look for obvious damage. Pull the oven off the wall (or open the back panel) and see if any wires are loose, burnt, or corroded. Tighten any loose connections and replace any burnt wires.

Step 3: Test the heating element. Remove the element, disconnect it, and use a multimeter on the ohmmeter setting. A reading of infinity means the element is broken and needs swapping.

If these steps don’t fix the issue, it’s time to call the experts. At Bridgewater Appliance Fixers we handle all oven repairs – from simple element swaps to full control board replacements – with fast turnaround and a friendly service guarantee.

Remember, safety first: always unplug the oven before working on internal parts. If you’re unsure about any step, let a qualified technician take over. A properly repaired oven not only cooks your meals right but also saves you money on energy bills.

Got a stubborn oven problem that still won’t quit? Give Bridgewater Appliance Fixers a call today and get your kitchen back in action.