There are no ifs, ands, or buts about it, oven repair problems are frustrating! Unfortunately, sometimes they are inevitable, so you might as well be prepared for them. By knowing the most common oven repair problems and their likely causes, you’ll be able to diagnose a problem you’re currently having or identify one in the future. Without further ado, here they are:
Most Common Oven Repair Problems
- Oven not heating/Oven doesn’t bake evenly
These complaints are certainly the most common ones we hear in regards to oven repair, and the cause(s) are often instigated by the same part(s). A faulty oven igniter is frequently the cause of your oven not heating or baking evenly. The job of the igniter is two-fold: draw electrical current through the safety valve to open it, then get hot enough to glow and ignite the gas. When the igniter gets weak, it’s not able to open the safety valve correctly, causing those temperatures issues (or no heat at all). Another possibility is a failed bake element. If it’s not glowing red, or shows visible signs of damage, it is likely in need of repair. This will cause the oven to not bake evenly because the oven is only being heated by the broiler.
- Oven broiler not working
Oven broilers use direct, high heat to cook food quickly (ideal for meats in particular) and give it a browned crust. So if your oven is failing to do this properly while the setting is turned on, there are a few common reasons for this. One possibility is the igniter, but the broil element or spark electrode are worth examining as well. Like the bake element, the broil element should glow red hot when functioning properly. The broiler spark electrode sits right next to the broil burner, functioning like a spark plug. When it gets worn out/broken, the broiler won’t get ignited.
- Oven not self-cleaning
When your oven is not self-cleaning, the most common faulty parts are:
- Door Switch. The oven self-cleaning process requires the oven door be locked. If not, the cycle will not initiate.
- Temperature Control Thermostat. It’s possible for the thermostat to be working fine for baking and broiling, but not for the self-cleaning cycle. That makes this part hard to test on your own. A repair technician will likely need to help you determine if it needs to be replaced.
- Thermal Fuse. Thermal fuses are installed to prevent your oven from overheating. So if the fuse gets tripped (shutting power down to the oven), the fuse will need to be replaced. A thermal fuse can’t be reset after its tripped.
If you live in the Charleston, SC area and are in need of oven repair, contact Aviv Service Today for prompt service!
