Diagnosing & Fixing Electric or Gas Oven & Range Problems*
A kitchen range has electric elements or gas burners that provide heat
to the cooktop and oven. Most gas ranges also have some electric features,
such as a clock and lights, and sometimes an electric pilot. Here are
some maintenance and repair tips from the experts at
American Home Shield.
Key Maintenance Tips
- If your electric range or the electrical parts of your gas range don't
work, first check the fuse or circuit breaker.
- Be sure the power cord and terminal block on a freestanding range
aren't defective. Replace them if necessary.
Troubleshooting Electrical Oven & Range Problems
| Problem |
Possible solutions |
| Your oven temperature is unreliable. |
- The problem could be a faulty oven thermometer or loose calibration
screw. Place an accurate oven thermometer in the center of a 350
degree oven. After 20 minutes, check the reading. If it's more
than 100 degrees too high or too low, replace the control.
- If the difference is less than 100 degrees, pull the oven control
knob off and locate the calibration screw – either inside the hollow
control shaft or on a moveable disc on the back of the knob. Tighten
or loosen the screw; keep testing until the temperature is correct.
|
| Your range is not working at all, and no power reaches the range. |
- Check the fuse box/circuit breaker. If you don't find a problem
there, seek professional advice.
|
| One of the top elements doesn't heat. |
- Could be a defective element, wiring, terminal block or switch.
Check each part for continuity and replace one if necessary.
|
| One of the top elements doesn't cook well. |
- You may be using the wrong sized pan. Use flat-bottomed pans
that just cover the element.
- Could be a damaged or defective element, wiring, thermostat
or selector switch. Replace the defective parts.
- The timer may be defective. If so, replace the timer.
|
| Your oven doesn't hold the temperature you set. |
- Could be a damaged door gasket. Replace the gasket.
- The thermostat may not be calibrated correctly.
|
| Your oven lamp doesn't work. |
- The bulb may be burned out. Replace the bulb with the same type of oven bulb.
- Could be a defective switch or wiring to the bulb socket. Test the wiring and switch and replace defective parts.
|
| Your oven timer doesn't work. |
- Check the user manual to make sure the timer was set correctly.
- The time fuse may be blown. Check the 15-amp fuse in the timer circuit.
- Could be loose connections. Turn the power off and check the other connections for continuity.
- The timer may be damaged. Replace the timer.
|
| Your oven door won't stay shut. |
- Could be a defective hinge or spring. Replace the defective pan.
|
| Condensation forms inside your oven. |
- Could be a clogged vent. Clean the vent. If there is an air filter, clean or replace it.
- If the door doesn't close properly, check the gasket and door hinge springs.
- If the oven doesn't preheat properly. Preheat the oven with the door ajar.
|
| Your oven stops self-cleaning. |
- The door may be unlocked. Try starting over again.
- Finally, it could be a defective door switch, wiring or thermostat.
|
Gas Ranges
Whether on the cooktop or in the oven, a gas burner that doesn't work
may lead you to a pilot that has gone out. Pilots may be gas or electric
(in the latter, a spark ignites the gas). Both types are easily relighted
(see your owner's manual). A gas pilot that continually goes out calls
for cleaning and adjusting and perhaps gas company help.
Keeping the Right Flame
The cooktop or oven burner flame should be a bright, steady blue. If
it's not you'll need to change the air-gas ratio by adjusting the burner's
air shutter.
- To reach the shutter for a cooktop burner, lift off the cooktop.
- You can adjust an oven burner's shutter from the compartment under the oven.
- If the flame is jumpy, loosen the screw securing the shutter and gradually close it until the flame burns properly.
- If the flame is a mixture of blue, yellow, and white, increase the air supply by gradually opening the shutter.
- When the flame is properly adjusted, tighten the screw.
- CAUTION: If you smell gas and the pilots are lighted, get out of the house immediately and call the gas company from a neighbor's house.
- Be sure to turn off the power to a gas range if you'll be working on its electrical parts.
Troubleshooting Gas Oven & Range Problems
| Problem |
Possible solutions |
| Your surface burner doesn't light. |
- The pilot light is out. Follow the instructions for relighting the pilot on your particular range.
- The gas isn't on. Call the gas company.
|
| Your pilot flame doesn't remain lighted. |
- The pilot port is clogged. Use a small wire to clean the port.
- The range is in a drafty place. Try to prevent drafts under the range.
|
| A burner is burning erratically. |
- The burner is clogged. Clean the burner ports.
- There is an incorrect mixture of gas and air. Call the gas company.
|
| Your oven stops lighting. |
- The oven pilot light is out. Follow the instructions for relighting
the oven pilot on your particular range.
- Could be a defective thermocouple. Replace the thermocouple.
- The gas isn't on. Call the gas company.
|
| Your oven heats poorly. |
- Could be an incorrect mixture of gas and air. Call the gas company.
- Could be a defective safety thermocouple. Replace the thermocouple.
|
| Things bake unevenly in the oven. |
- Could be a damaged door gasket. Replace the gasket.
- Check for a clogged exhaust vent. Clean the vent.
- Finally, the thermostat may be defective. Call the gas company.
|
| Your burners are producing soot. |
- Could be an incorrect mixture of gas and air. Call the gas company.
|
| Your oven door won't stay shut. |
- Could be a defective hinge or spring. Replace the defective pan.
|
| You smell gas. |
- The pilot is out. Ventilate the room and relight the pilot.
- The gas line is leaking. Call the gas company. Ventilate the
room, extinguish all flames and don't turn on any electric switches.
|
To
learn about the benefits of a home warranty plan,
schedule an appointment with the experts at American Home Shield.
*Please note, the knowledge skill and experience
level required to follow these tips varies. If you are in doubt as to
your ability to properly and safely implement these suggestions, contact
a professional. Every home, home appliance and system are different as
are the problems that can affect them. Accordingly, the tips referenced
above are meant only as suggestions to be considered for the listed problems.
American Home Shield
can not be responsible for any damages arising from any actions or inactions
taken pursuant to tips provided herein.
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