WHY WONʼT MY OVEN TURN ON AND HOW DO I FIX IT?

TROUBLESHOOTING AN OVEN THAT WONʼT TURN ON

There are several troubleshooting steps you can take to potentially fix an oven that won’t turn on. Explore possible oven troubleshooting techniques to help you figure out why your oven wonʼt turn on.

1. DAMAGED BAKING OR BROILING ELEMENT

The baking or broiling element in your oven is responsible for generating heat to cook your food. In an electric oven, these metal coils heat the oven and are typically located at the top and bottom of the appliance. 

If these elements are damaged, your oven may heat up improperly or cook food unevenly. To check for this problem, turn off the oven, let the elements cool and inspect them for any visible signs of damage. 

Another way to know if your heating element is broken is whether it produces a red glow when the oven is turned on. If there is no red glow, there might be a problem. You can also use a multimeter to check if the elements are receiving power.

To resolve this issue, it is recommended to seek assistance from a licensed professional. If you own a Maytag^® oven, you can schedule a service appointment by contacting the help desk.

2. BLOWN FUSE

A blown fuse can cut off the power supply to the oven, causing it not to turn on. Test the oven thermal fuse with a multimeter to determine if it needs replacement. If the thermal fuse is damaged or broken, contact a professional technician to handle the repair.

3. ISSUE WITH THE CONTROL BOARD

The control board, also known as the clock or timer, is the part of an oven that regulates the ovenʼs temperature and settings. A faulty control board can prevent the oven from turning on.

To check for electronic board control damage on your own, start by inspecting the control panel for any visible signs of damage or burnt components. You can also try resetting the control board by turning off the ovenʼs power at the circuit breaker for a few minutes and then turning it back on.

4. IGNITER MALFUNCTION

For gas ovens, a broken or clogged gas igniter can prevent the oven from working. Check the igniter for visible damage or wear and tear. Turn on the oven and observe if the igniter glows orange or produces bright bluish-white sparks. 

If there is no spark or it fails to ignite the gas, the gas igniter likely needs replacement. If you notice smoke or suspect any issues with gas appliances, it is essential to prioritize safety and seek professional assistance.

5. INSUFFICIENT POWER SUPPLY

Electric ovens require a high amount of power to operate correctly. Check the circuit breaker for any tripped breakers and carefully inspect the outlet for visible damage such as discoloration or misshapen plastic. Reset the circuit breaker or contact an electrician if the outlet is not providing enough power.

If you have a gas oven, recent service interruptions or changes from your gas provider could disrupt your gas supply, resulting in the oven not turning on. Contact your gas provider to inquire about any recent service stops or starts that may have affected your gas supply to the oven. 

6. GAS PRESSURE SHUT-OFF VALVE

The gas pressure regulator shut-off valve is different from the main gas supply line connected to your home gas supply. By default, the gas pressure regulator is set to the "ON" position at the factory. However, during handling or transportation, it may have been inadvertently turned to the "OFF" position. 

When the shut-off valve is in the "OFF" position, gas will still flow to the cooktop burners but not to the oven. To address this issue, locate the gas pressure regulator shut-off valve and ensure it is in the "ON" position.

7. TEMPERATURE SENSOR NOT WORKING PROPERLY

The temperature sensor in your oven is a thin tube usually located near the back of the appliance. Any slight movements or misalignments of this sensor can affect the ovenʼs functionality. It should ideally be positioned at a 90° angle to ensure accurate temperature readings. If you continue to experience temperature-related issues, you may need to replace the sensor or check the calibration of your gas oven.

8. OVEN DOOR NOT FULLY SHUTTING

If the oven door is not fully closed or the door sensor is broken, the oven may not get up to temperature. Ensure the door is fully shut and check the sensorʼs functionality. Replace the sensor if necessary.

WHY IS MY BOTTOM OVEN NOT WORKING BUT THE TOP IS?

If your top oven is working but the bottom oven won’t turn on, there may be an issue with the bottom oven’s heating element, thermostat or temperature sensor. 

Wiring issues or a damaged door gasket may also contribute to the problem. Professional inspection and repair may be necessary to identify and resolve the specific cause of the malfunction.

WHY WONʼT MY ELECTRIC OVEN TURN ON BUT THE BURNERS WORK?

If your electric oven wonʼt turn on but the stovetop heating elements work, itʼs possible that the oven is on a separate circuit from the burners. Check if the circuit breaker for the oven has tripped. Resetting the breaker may resolve the issue. 

If the problem persists, itʼs advisable to consult a professional for further inspection and repair.

WHAT ARE SOME OVEN MAINTENANCE TIPS TO KEEP MY OVEN IN GOOD SHAPE?

Proper oven maintenance is essential to help ensure optimal performance. Follow these tips to help keep your oven in good shape for years to come.

• Clean your oven regularly to remove spills and residue.

• Inspect and replace oven door seals if they are worn or damaged.

• Check and calibrate the oven temperature periodically to help ensure accurate cooking.

• Use oven-safe cookware and avoid placing foil directly on the bottom of the oven, as this can restrict airflow.

• Avoid using abrasive cleaners that can damage the ovenʼs interior.

• Remove oven racks for easier cleaning and to help prevent warping.

• Keep the oven vent clear of obstructions for proper airflow.

• Avoid slamming the oven door, which may cause damage over time.

• Promptly address any issues or malfunctions by contacting a professional for repairs.