Common Oven and Stove Problems We Fix

Oven Is Not Heating

This is the most common issue we encounter. You turn the oven on but it never reaches the set temperature. This can happen in both gas and electric units and it completely prevents you from baking or roasting.

Likely causes:

• Broken igniter (gas models)
• Burned out bake element (electric models)
• Tripped thermal fuse
• Control board failure
• Loose or burnt wire connection
• Incoming power issue (240V line)

How we diagnose it:

For gas ovens we observe the igniter glow time. If it glows but does not open the gas valve it is weak and needs replacement. For electric ovens we test the element for continuity using a multimeter. We also check the voltage arriving at the terminal block to ensure the house breaker is supplying full power.

What you can do right now:

Check your home circuit breaker. Electric ovens run on a double breaker and sometimes only one side trips leaving the lights on but the heat off. If it is a gas oven listen for the click of the igniter or look for a glow at the bottom.

Gas Burner Will Not Light

You turn the knob and hear a clicking sound but the flame never appears. This is frustrating and can be dangerous if gas is released without igniting. It often forces you to use a lighter or matches which is not a long term solution.

Likely causes:

• Clogged burner ports from food spills
• Cracked or wet ceramic spark electrode
• Faulty spark module
• Defective burner switch
• Moisture in the burner assembly

How we diagnose it:

We check if all burners are failing or just one. If all fail it is likely the module or power source. If only one fails we inspect the specific electrode and the burner cap alignment. We test the spark strength to see if it is jumping to the metal burner cap correctly.

What you can do right now:

Remove the burner cap and clean the metal base with a toothbrush. Ensure the small slots where the gas comes out are not blocked by grease. If you recently cleaned the stove let it dry out for a few hours as moisture often inhibits the spark.

Electric Cooktop Element Not Working

On a glass top stove one burner might stop glowing red or heat intermittently. This reduces your cooking capacity and can make meal preparation difficult. This can be caused by the element itself or the switch that controls it.

Likely causes:

• Burned out radiant element ribbon
• Faulty infinite switch
• Loose wire connection under the glass
• Surface element limiter failure

How we diagnose it:

We lift the glass top to access the elements. We test the resistance of the heating coil. If the coil is open it must be replaced. We also test the switch contacts to ensure they are sending voltage when the knob is turned.

What you can do right now:

Try to wiggle the knob gently to see if the contact is just loose. Do not try to open the glass top yourself as it is heavy and easily broken. Contact us for a safe repair.

Oven Temperature Is inaccurate

If your cookies are burning on the bottom or your roasts are taking twice as long as the recipe says your oven temperature is likely drifting. Precise temperature is critical for baking.

Likely causes:

• Thermostat calibration drift
• Weak igniter (gas) taking too long to cycle
• Failing temperature sensor probe
• Blocked airflow in the oven cavity
• Control board relay sticking

How we diagnose it:

We use a digital thermocouple to measure the actual temperature swing inside the oven over several cycles. We compare this to the resistance reading of the oven sensor. We check the placement of the sensor to ensure it is not touching the oven wall.

What you can do right now:

Buy a cheap oven thermometer to hang on the rack and compare it to your display. Make sure you are not covering the oven bottom with foil which disrupts airflow and heat distribution.

Oven Door Is Locked Shut

Sometimes the self clean latch engages and will not release leaving your dinner trapped inside or preventing you from using the oven at all. This is often a mechanical failure or a sensor error.

Likely causes:

• Defective door lock motor assembly
• Bent door hook
• Control board thinks the oven is too hot
• Self clean cycle interrupted

How we diagnose it:

We access the lock mechanism usually from the back or top of the unit. We test the motor that drives the latch. We check the temperature sensor to ensure it is not sending a false “overheat” signal that triggers the safety lock.

What you can do right now:

If you recently ran a self clean cycle wait at least one hour for the unit to cool down. Try to set a new self clean cycle for one minute and then cancel it to force the motor to reset.

Gas Smell When Using Oven

Smelling gas is a serious safety concern. While a faint whiff upon initial ignition can be normal a persistent smell indicates unburned gas is escaping into your kitchen.

Likely causes:

• Weak igniter (delayed ignition)
• Leaking gas valve
• Blocked burner tube
• Pressure regulator issue

How we diagnose it:

We use an electronic gas leak detector to sniff around the valves and connections. We time the ignition process. If the gas valve opens but the gas does not light for 30 to 60 seconds that creates a gas cloud that eventually ignites with a “whoosh” sound. This usually points to a weak igniter.

What you can do right now:

If the smell is strong turn off the gas supply to the appliance and open windows. Do not use the appliance. Contact us immediately for service.

Glass Cooktop Is Cracked

A heavy pot dropped on a ceramic cooktop can cause a crack. This is not just cosmetic; it is a safety hazard. Moisture can get through the crack and short out the high voltage electrical components below.

Likely causes:

• Impact from heavy cookware
• Thermal shock from cold water on hot glass
• Overtightened mounting screws

How we diagnose it:

Visual inspection is usually sufficient. We check if the crack extends through the element area.

What you can do right now:

Stop using the stove immediately. Do not cook on a cracked surface. Tape over the crack to prevent liquid entry if you must wait for service but ideally shut off the breaker.

Control Panel Is Blank or Beeping

Modern ranges have computers that control everything. If the display is dark or the oven beeps randomly it indicates an electronic failure. This renders the appliance useless even if the mechanical parts are fine.

Likely causes:

• Control board capacitor failure
• Stuck button on the touchpad
• Ribbon cable corrosion
• Overheating electronics

How we diagnose it:

We check for input voltage to the board. If power is present but the display is dead the board has failed. If buttons are pressing themselves we test the ribbon cable for shorts.

What you can do right now:

Flip the breaker off for 5 minutes to reset the computer. Sometimes this clears a temporary glitch. If the problem returns the board likely needs replacement.