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Oven Not Heating: Complete Troubleshooting Guide

Diagnose why your electric or gas oven won't heat properly and learn about common solutions.

Safety Warnings

  • Turn off power at the breaker before testing electric components
  • For gas ovens, if you smell gas, leave the area and call your gas company
  • Oven elements remain hot after use - allow cooling before touching

Tools Needed

MultimeterOven thermometerScrewdriver

Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Check Power Supply

Verify the oven is receiving power. Check your circuit breaker, and for electric ovens, ensure both legs of the 240V circuit are working. The clock/display working doesn't mean heating circuits have power.

Try resetting the breaker fully off then on again.
2

Check Oven Settings

Verify the oven is set to bake (not broil, warm, or other modes) and the temperature is set correctly. Also check if any timer or delay start features are engaged.

Some ovens have a Sabbath mode that affects normal operation.
3

Test with an Oven Thermometer

Place an oven thermometer inside and set the oven to 350°F. After preheating, compare the thermometer reading to the set temperature. A variance over 25°F indicates calibration or element issues.

All ovens vary somewhat from the set temperature - up to 25°F is normal.
4

Inspect Bake Element (Electric)

Turn on the bake setting and look at the bake element (bottom of oven). It should glow red within a few minutes. If it doesn't glow or only glows partially, it may need replacement.

A bake element with visible breaks, blisters, or burn spots needs replacement.
5

Inspect Igniter (Gas)

For gas ovens, the igniter should glow bright orange/white when the oven calls for heat, then gas should ignite. If it glows weakly or gas doesn't ignite, the igniter needs replacement.

A weak igniter is the #1 cause of gas ovens not heating.
6

Check the Temperature Sensor

The temperature sensor (a thin probe usually at the back of the oven) monitors oven temperature. Use a multimeter to test resistance - it should read around 1080-1100 ohms at room temperature.

A faulty sensor can cause the oven not to heat or to overheat.
7

Test the Control Board Relay

The control board sends power to heating elements. If elements and sensors test OK, the control board relay that sends power may have failed.

Control board diagnosis often requires professional equipment.

When to Call a Professional

  • Gas oven igniter or safety valve needs replacement
  • Control board suspected of failure
  • Electric element replacement you're not comfortable with
  • Hidden element behind oven liner needs replacement
  • Wiring issues inside the oven
Call +16173963696

Still Having Issues?

Our experienced technicians have the expertise and parts to fix your appliance right the first time. Same-day service available.

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