5 Common Oven Problems and How to Fix Them

Ovens take a beating from high temperatures and the steam during cooking. Oven maintenance tips can keep problems at bay, but it’s usually only a matter of time before an internal component burns out or a connection between parts breaks.

In this article, we’ll cover the most common oven repair problems that homeowners encounter. We’ll also explain how to fix some problems that don’t necessarily require the help of a professional repairperson. If your oven stopped working recently—or if you’re afraid it might conk out in the near future—read on!

Common Oven Problems and How to Fix Them

1. Oven temperature is too high or low.

An oven that gets excessively hot and one that doesn’t get hot enough are each frustrating in their own way. If you have noticed that your oven doesn’t heat properly, it may need to be recalibrated. There could also be a problem with the temperature sensor or a heating element. 

Refer to your oven’s user manual for calibration information. Follow the manual’s instructions to properly calibrate the temperature. You may need to take manual temperature readings with your own thermometer.

If recalibration doesn’t solve your problem, check the temperature sensor. Look inside the oven and make sure the sensor is hanging free. It should not be touching a heating element or the side of the oven. You can also use an ohmmeter to confirm the sensor is working properly. If the resistance doesn’t increase as the temperature of the oven goes up, you’ll need to replace the sensor.

Finally, determine if faulty heating elements are the reason for your oven not heating properly. If one or more heating elements has failed and is not getting hot, you’ll likely need the help of a professional to replace it.

If your oven stopped heating entirely, that’s another issue. More on that below.

2. Oven won’t ignite or draw power.

An oven that won’t turn on at all is usually afflicted by a faulty ignitor or electrical problem. If you have a gas oven, determine if the stovetop burners likewise do not ignite. If neither your oven nor range ignite, there is probably a problem with the gas line that will require professional help. If your range works fine but the oven does not, consider replacing the ignitor. Refer to your oven’s owner’s manual for directions.

If you have an electric oven, check that the unit is drawing power. If the digital display or LEDs are dark, reset the circuit at the breaker. If lights do come on but the oven does not heat up, there is likely an issue with the heating elements or internal wiring. In this case, it’s best to contact an electrician or other repairperson who knows how to fix an electric oven.

3. Oven door is jammed or won’t latch.

If your oven door jams after a cleaning cycle, allow the oven to power down and cool off. Consider unplugging the unit or turning off power at the breaker. After letting it alone for several minutes, restore power and try the door again.

Another solution to a jammed door is to remove the door from the hinges. With the door removed, check the hinges and springs for bends or other damage. Replace these parts if necessary.

If your oven door won’t latch, inspect the hinges, springs, gaskets, and latch for any damage.  

4. Oven light fails to turn on.

A dark oven is usually easy to fix. Simply replace the bulb as you would in any household lamp. If the light still fails to turn on, there is probably an internal wiring break or a problem with the lamp switch on the front of the oven. 

5. Oven won’t cook food evenly.

Often, an oven that appears to cook unevenly is actually the cook’s error. The placement of food in the oven has a significant effect on cooking. Consider experimenting with the placement of your oven’s racks. You may find the top zone of the oven is hotter than the bottom, or vice versa.

Also pay attention to the placement and shape of your oven’s heating elements. You may need to push food a little farther back in the oven to have it fully beneath your oven’s broiler, for instance.

If positioning isn’t the cause of your cooking troubles, check your oven’s temperature sensor or consider recalibrating your oven. See section one above for more details.

Home Appliance Warranty Coverage

For those oven woes you can’t fix yourself, home oven warranty coverage is a lifesaver. Liberty Home Guard provides a variety of warranty plans to help you maintain and repair your oven and other kitchen appliances. Simply submit a claim, and we’ll take care of the rest.

Use our website for a free quote or call (866)-225-7958 to learn more.