Troubleshooting Common Oven Issues

Modern households have a host of kitchen appliances that save time and make our everyday lives more convenient. One of the most common and essential appliances that almost all homes have is an oven, which aids in cooking, baking, or reheating food items. However, ovens don't last forever, and like all other major home appliances that see frequent use, they can break down or experience issues sooner or later. 

Oven parts can become loose or fail over time, leading to frustration and inconvenience. If you are facing problems with the oven, there are some fixes you can try before calling in an appliance repair company.

Please keep reading to discover the most common oven issues homeowners encounter and ways to troubleshoot them to get the oven back and running.

The oven does not heat up

The primary function of an oven is to provide sufficient heat for cooking. The unit that fails to heat provides no utility and indicates an underlying issue. A faulty ignition system in a gas oven or a damaged heating element in the electric oven is the most likely culprit. Turn off the power and unplug the appliance before replacing the faulty parts. Unscrew the broken igniter placed underneath the unit or heating element inside the oven and remove it. Attach the new components and screw them properly in place. Always call a professional if your gas line needs repair or there is a need to replace the wires.

Oven not heating to the correct temperature

The oven is experiencing issues if it fails to remain at the temperature set by the user. Undercooked or overcooked food is usually the indicator that the temperature controls need recalibration. Follow the manufacturer's manual to calibrate the oven. A bad temperature sensor can also cause the problem. Ensure that the sensor is not touching the oven wall, and replace the sensor if it is not working correctly. Consult a professional if you are unsure about how to replace the sensor.

Failure to turn on

When the oven fails to power on, the simplest solution is to ensure that the power cord is not unplugged. If it does not fix the issue, examine the breaker box for the tripped circuit breaker. If turning the breaker switch on does not restore the power, call a professional to look for possible electrical issues or worn-out components and conduct required repairs.

Light not working

Replace the oven light bulb to get the light functioning again. If changing the bulb does not help, the issues might lie with the light switch, electronic control system, or connecting wires. Homeowners should avoid troubleshooting all electrical problems and call an appliance repair service for assistance.

Malfunctioning self-clean function

A faulty door switch lock system can restrict the oven from self-cleaning as the cycle does not begin if the door switch does not lock the appliance properly. Other common causes include issues with the wiring, thermal fuse, thermostat, or oven control board that requires an appliance repair specialist.

Keep your oven operating at peak performance

An efficiently working oven is a necessity in every kitchen. Schedule an appointment with a professional appliance repair company if the above solutions fail to fix the problem.


Freedom Appliance of Tampa Bay has 13 years experience in professional repair and installation of all laundry and kitchen appliances and dryer duct cleaning. Call 813-302-7672 today!