Oven Not Working or Lighting: Possible Causes
Every household needs their oven to be working properly every day. Whether it’s for ourselves or our families or to host guests, we rely on this key kitchen appliance to keep our daily lives moving. When our ovens stop working, it’s important to quickly assess the problem and to fix it right away.
Oven repair is based on your type of oven and what fuel type it uses. These factors determine how you go about figuring out why your oven stopped working and what next steps you should take.
This article will review common issues such as the oven fan is not working, the oven temperature control is not working, the bottom element of the oven is not working and more.
Oven Repair: First Steps
If your gas or electric oven is not starting, you can begin by checking :
- The electrical supply. Double-check that the appliance is plugged into a grounded outlet with a dedicated circuit (240V receptacle for electric range). You also want to ensure that the outlet is working. Furthermore, check that a fuse hasn’t blown or that the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped.
- Do you see an error code? If an error code is displayed, try resetting the oven. This can often clear the error code.
- If your oven has a Control Lock function, check if it is turned to the off position. Look for "Control Lock" on the oven control console. Usually, you can reset it by pushing down and holding it for 3 seconds.
Refer to the table of contents in your owner’s manual to see if there is a Control Lock feature for your model, and to learn how to locate and reset it.
Resetting your appliance’s power can sometimes resolve the issue. To perform a power reset:
- Turn off the unit by powering off the circuit breaker(s) for at least one minute.
- Turn on the unit by powering the circuit breaker(s).
- Closely watch the oven/range for one minute to see if the error code returns, if the error code was initially displayed.
- Confirm that your oven now works properly.
Common Issues with Electric Ovens
Here are potential causes and solutions if your oven has stopped working.
Is the Control Displaying either of These Error Codes; F9 or F9 E0
For Whirlpool® ovens, power outages may result in an unexpected amount of power supply line "noise". The display may then read a F9 or F9 E0 error code meaning the control is detecting an incorrect amount of voltage. It’s also important to recognize if any keys were pressed before the 10-second delay interval on the power-up as this may cause a F9 or F9 E0.
If the control continues to display an “F9” or “F9, E0” error code, your home’s electrical outlet may be miswired. Try disconnecting the power and hire an electrician to assess the electrical supply.
No or Partial Display on Gas or Electric Ovens
You may need to reset the power using the steps already provided in this article.
Troubleshooting the More Common Issues With Electric Ovens
Nothing Will Work on an Electric Oven
Solutions vary based on the oven model. It’s recommended to always follow your appliance use and care instructions as this is your primary source of information.
| Possible Causes | Solutions |
|---|---|
| A fuse has blown or a circuit breaker has tripped. | Replace the fuse or reset the circuit breaker. If the issue persists, we recommend contacting an electrician. |
| The power supply cord is unplugged. | Insert the plug into a grounded outlet. |
| Are the Controls Set Correctly for the Cycle or Function | Consult the Owner's Manual to learn how to properly set your controls. |
| New Installation or Electrical Connection | If you recently installed an oven, you may have made a mistake which is preventing the appliance from working. Ensure that the following were done correctly:
Review the product’s installation instruction for the complete set of details. |
Nothing Will Operate
The below solutions will vary based on the oven model. Always refer to and follow your appliance use and care instructions prior to beginning. Remember that this is your primary source of information.
| Possible Causes | Solutions |
|---|---|
| Control lock is ON. | Press and hold CONTROL LOCK for about 3 seconds. This usually should unlock it. |
| Delay Start function is set. | If your model has a delay start function, check to see if the feature is activated.If it is then the oven will not work. Refer to the Use and Care guide to learn how to deactivate this feature. |
| Control is in Demo mode. | Check to see if the Demo mode is activated. If it is then the oven will not work. Refer to the Use and Care guide to learn how to deactivate demo mode |
Cooking Results Differ From What Was Expected
If what you’re cooking is coming out differently than expected, here are some of the more common causes plus a few solutions to consider trying.
The solutions provided might vary based on the oven model. Always check and follow your appliance use and care instructions before beginning any task, as it should be your primary source of information.
Flashing Oven Indicator Lights
The display may flash when powered up or after a power loss. Try pressing CANCEL to clear. The time is usually displayed when you are not using the oven.
| Possible Causes | Solutions |
|---|---|
| The temperature set was incorrect. | Double-check the recipe in your preferred cookbook or favourite recipe website. |
| Range is not level. | Level the range. See the Installation Instructions. |
| Oven temperature is not calibrated correctly. (Oven Temperature Too High or Too Low) | Avoid using a thermometer to measure the temperature inside the oven. The elements can cycle on and off as needed to provide a temperature that is consistent. This cycling typically causes the oven to run slightly hot or cool at any point. Most thermometers are slow to react to temperature changes and most likely will not provide an accurate reading. An oven may cook faster or slower than your previous one but you can adjust the temperature to personalize it to your cooking needs. Many ovens can be changed to operate and display either in Fahrenheit or Celsius degrees. Double check the Use & Care guide for specific instructions on how to calibrate your oven |
| Racks were positioned incorrectly. | Proper rack positioning depends on what you are baking and the number of racks you are using. Refer to the Use and Care guide for your oven model. |
| Not enough air circulation around bakeware. | To evenly cook food, hot air needs to circulate. Typically, allow 2" (5 cm) of space around bakeware and oven walls. Make sure that no bakeware piece is directly over another. |
| Oven was not preheated prior to cooking | When baking, preheat your oven to achieve the cooking results you want. When roasting, you don’t have to wait for the oven Preheat cycle to end before Inserting food inside the oven unless the recipe calls for it. |
| Unevenly distributed batter in a pan. | Check that the batter is level in the pan. |
| Darker browning of food caused by dull or dark bakeware. | Try lowering the oven temperature 25°F (15°C) or move the rack to a higher position in the oven. |
| Lighter browning of food caused by shiny or light-colored bakeware. | Move the rack to a lower position in the oven. |
| Incorrect length of cooking time was used. | You should adjust the cooking time. |
| Oven door was not closed. | Be sure that the bakeware isn’t preventing the door from closing. |
| Oven door was opened during cooking. | Peeking into the oven releases oven heat and can result in longer cooking times. |
| Oven door was open for too long. | Some models’ heating elements will shut off if the door is open for too long. |
| Rack is too close to the burner, making the bottom of the baked items too brown. | Move the rack up to a higher position in the oven. |
| Pie crusts browning too quickly. | Cover the edge of the crust with aluminum foil and/or reduce baking temperature. |
Common Issues with Gas and Dual Fuel Range
Cooktop Turns On - Clicking Sound or No Clicking Sound
The solutions provided vary based on the oven model. For more detailed information, refer to the Use and Care guide.
| Possible Causes | Solutions |
|---|---|
| Is a utensil in the storage drawer (if so equipped) causing a problem? | Remove items from the storage drawer and then test the oven operation. |
| Is the bottom of the oven lined with aluminum foil or an oven bottom liner? | Don’t cover the oven bottom with aluminum foil or an oven bottom liner. This can block the air or gas flow to the burner. |
| Is the gas Pressure Regulator Shut-Off Valve turned ON? | Typically, gas ranges have a shut-off valve located on the pressure regulator.
|
| Is the main gas valve turned on? | Make sure that the main gas valve is turned on. If the range is newly installed or has been re-connected to the gas supply, turn on any one of the surface burner knobs to release air from the gas line. Review the Installation Instructions for detailed information on the main gas valve. |
| Is the unit power cord connected to a grounded, operational outlet? | Proper operation of the surface burner and oven ignitors is based on the unit having a good ground path for the spark to travel to.
|
The above causes and solutions apply to this scenario but there are also a couple more to consider.
The Oven Won’t Work or Turn On - Gas and Dual Fuel Range
The solutions provided might vary based on the oven model. Always check and follow your appliance use and care instructions before starting, and remember that this is your primary source of information.
| Possible Causes | Solutions |
|---|---|
| Is the oven control correctly set? | Consult your Owner's Manual for more information. |
| Is the unit power cord connected to a grounded, operational outlet? | Correct operation of surface burner and oven ignitors is dependent on the unit having a good ground path for the spark to travel to.
|
| Is the main gas shut-off valve turned ON? | Verify the main gas valve is ON. |
| If your oven has an energy saving feature, is the display blank? | If the range is in Energy Save mode (available on select models ), the display will be blank when not operating. The Energy Save mode puts the range into sleep mode and reduces energy consumption. To deactivate this feature, refer to the Owner’s Manual. |
No or Partial Display - Gas and Dual Fuel Range
The solutions provided might vary based on the oven model. Always check and follow your appliance use and care instructions before beginning any task, as it should be your primary source of information.
| Possible Causes | Solutions |
|---|---|
| Reset the power. |
|
The Oven Will Not Operate
The solutions provided might vary based on the oven model. Carefully follow your appliance use and care instructions before beginning any task, as it is your primary source of information.
| Possible Causes | Solutions |
|---|---|
| A fuse is blown or a circuit breaker is tripped. | Replace the fuse or reset the circuit breaker. If the problem persists, contact an electrician. |
| Power supply cord is unplugged. | Plug into a grounded 3-prong outlet. |
| The range is improperly connected to the gas supply. | Contact a certified repair specialist. |
| Main or regulator gas shut-off valve is in the OFF position. | Consult the product Installation Instructions or Use and Care Guide. |
| Is there a demo mode? | If your oven has a demo mode feature, check if it is activated. If it is, the oven will likely not work. Refer to the Use and Care guide to learn how to deactivate demo mode. |
Oven Burner Flames Are Uneven, Yellow and/or Noisy
The solutions provided might vary based on the oven model. Always check and follow your appliance use and care instructions as it should be your primary source of information.
| Possible Causes | Solutions |
|---|---|
| Range converted improperly. | If propane gas is being used, contact a service technician. |
| Burner caps positioned incorrectly. | Inspect whether the flow of combustion and ventilation around the burner grate edges is unobstructed. Make sure you always keep the burner cap in place when using a surface burner. You want to align the gas tube opening in the burner base with the orifice holder on the cooktop and the igniter electrode with the notch in the burner base. Check if each round burner cap is usually marked with a letter indicating the burner size. |
| Clogged burner ports. | It is recommended that you regularly clean the burner ports. Prior to cleaning, make sure all the controls are off and that the cooktop is cool. Avoid using oven cleaners, bleach, or rust removers. Never wash in the dishwasher. A clean burner cap will help avoid poor ignition and flames that are uneven. Always clean the burner cap after a spillover, and routinely remove and clean the caps per the instructions in the Use & Care guide. |
Oven Temperature Too Low or Too High
The solutions provided might vary based on the oven model. Always follow your appliance use and care instructions before starting as it should be your main source of information.
| Possible Causes | Solutions |
|---|---|
| Oven temperature needs to be adjusted (Oven Temperature Too High or Too Low) | Do not measure the temperature in the oven with a thermometer. The elements can cycle on and off as needed to achieve a consistent temperature. This cycling typically causes the oven to run slightly hot or cool at any point. Also, most thermometers are slow to read to changes in temperatures and may not provide the most accurate reading. An oven may cook faster or slower than your previous oven. Remember that the temperature can be adjusted to personalize it to your cooking needs. Many ovens can be changed to operate and display either in Fahrenheit or Celsius degrees. Follow your appliance use and care instructions prior to starting.
|
Convection Fan Is Not Working
The solutions provided might vary based on the oven model. Follow your appliance use and care instructions prior to troubleshooting, as it should be your primary source of information.
| Possible Causes | Solutions |
|---|---|
| Oven door is open. | On many models, if the oven door is opened during convection cooking, the fan will immediately shut off. It generally will start again once the oven door is closed. |
| The convection cycle is in the first few minutes of operation. | Don’t worry as this is normal with many models. The convection fan will start running roughly 5 minutes into the cycle |
Removing and Replacing the Oven Light
To find the exact wattage of halogen bulbs for your model, refer to the owner's manual. You can view or download product literature for most appliances on the Manuals and Literature page.
How to Remove and Replace Standard Appliance Bulbs on Certain Models
Follow your appliance use and care instructions before beginning any task, as it should be your primary source of information.
If the standard 40-watt bulb in your oven isn’t working, then follow these steps to safely remove and replace it:
- Before replacing, ensure the oven (and cooktop, if you have one) isn’t hot or even warm and that all controls are switched off.
- Depending on the power source, disconnect the power from the appliance by turning off the circuit breaker(s) or removing the fuse(s).
- Typically, ranges will have a cover to protect the light bulb. Always refer to your appliance’s Use and Care guide for instructions on how to remove the protective light bulb cover. Once the protective cover has been removed, follow these steps to replace your light bulb.
- Remove from the socket by turning the bulb counterclockwise.
- Replace the bulb by turning it clockwise.
- Replace protective light bulb cover by following the instructions in your Use and Care guide.
- The last step is to reconnect the power to the appliance by turning on the circuit breaker(s) or by installing the fuse(s).
If this was the problem and the new bulb is functional, then your oven light should now work.
Try to only buy replacement bulbs from the manufacturer or a manufacturer-approved parts distributor.
How to Remove and Replace Halogen Bulbs
Follow your appliance use and care instructions before beginning any task. This is your primary source of information.
Refer to your owner's manual for information about the wattage of halogen bulbs for your specific model. Before replacing, check that your oven (and your cooktop, if you have one) is cool and that all the controls are off.
Follow these instructions to replace your halogen bulbs:
- Turning off the circuit breaker(s) or removing the fuse(s) to disconnect the power to your model.
- A halogen bulb typically has a glass light cover that can generally be removed by holding the front edge and pulling it away from the oven.
- Remove the bulb from its socket.
To replace:
- Replace the bulb by using a tissue or wearing cotton gloves.
- Replace the bulb cover l.
- Reconnect the power to your model by turning on the circuit breaker(s) or installing the fuse(s).
Avoid damage or decreasing the life of the new bulb, by not touching the bulb with your bare fingers.
If you still need help, check out our Product Help website for additional guidance on how to fix your oven or you can book a service appointment.
To download a manual for your Whirlpool® appliance, click here.
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