If your electric oven, the one you use for cooking suddenly isn’t working, there could be various reasons for it. You’re probably thinking about getting it fixed, but you might be able to do it yourself.
Many common problems with electric ovens are quite simple to repair. So before you stress out about buying a brand-new oven, check out this guide on fixing common electric oven issues. You might just be able to solve the problem on your own or ask the professionals from ABV oven repair service in Boston for help.
What Can Go Wrong With an Electric Oven?
Common Electric Oven Problems:
- Burnt-Out Oven Elements: Sometimes, one or both of the oven elements can stop working.
- Temperature Control Issues: Your oven’s temperature control might act up, making it hard to set the right heat.
- Oven Selector Switch Problems: The switch that changes your oven’s settings may not work properly.
- Capillary Tube Adjustment: The tube attached to your oven’s wall, responsible for sensing and adjusting the temperature, might need realignment.
- Temperature Accuracy: Your oven’s temperature control might not be accurate, causing uneven cooking.
- Door Closure Problems: The oven door may not close correctly.
Remember to consult your owner’s manual and avoid actions that could void your warranty or your oven repair Boston service.
What Are the Steps to Fixing an Electric Oven?
How to Test and Replace an Electric Oven Element:
- Safety First: Unplug the oven from the power or switch it off at the electrical service panel.
- Element Removal: Locate and remove the screws or nuts that secure the element to the back of the oven.
- Expose Wiring: If there are support brackets, unscrew them, and gently pull the element forward to access the wiring.
- Disconnect Wires: Carefully detach the wires from the element terminals, being cautious not to bend the terminals or let the wires slip back through the opening.
- Remove the Element: Take out the old element from the oven.
- Inspect Terminals: Check the wire terminals for any signs of burns or damage. If you spot any issues, replace them.
- Test for Continuity: Set a multimeter to the RX1 (resistance times 1) range and touch the probes to each of the terminals. The meter should display continuity. If it doesn’t, it’s time to replace the element.
- Check for Grounding: Still using the RX1 range, test for continuity to the ground by placing one probe on a terminal and the other on the element itself. If the meter needle moves, there’s a grounding problem, and the element should be replaced.
- Replacement Element: If you decide to replace the element, ensure it matches the size, shape, and resistance recommended by the manufacturer.
- Reinstall: Put the new element back in place following the reverse order of removal.
Always prioritize safety when working with electrical appliances, and consult your owner’s manual or seek professional oven repair Boston company if needed.
How to Test and Replace an Electric Oven Temperature Control:
- Unplug the oven or switch off the power at the electrical service panel.
- Access the Control Panel: Open the oven’s control panel by removing fasteners or clips around its edges. If any terminals look discolored or burnt, you should replace the temperature control (follow steps 7 to 9 below).
- Identify Terminals: If the control has more than two terminals, locate the ones you need to test using a diagram usually found on the rear panel, inside the storage drawer, control panel, or in the owner’s manual.
- Multimeter Setup: Set a multimeter to the RX1 (resistance times 1) setting. Disconnect one wire from the terminals you want to test and attach the tester probes. Set the oven temperature dial to 300°F.
- Check for Continuity: If the multimeter doesn’t show continuity, it’s time to replace the control (proceed with steps 7 to 9 below).
- Remove Capillary Tube: Take the capillary tube out of its supports inside the oven and push it through the rear wall. Pull the tube out of the oven from the back of the range.
- Remove the Old Control: Unscrew the two screws holding the temperature control in the front and take it out from the back of the range.
- Label and Disconnect Wires: Label and disconnect the wires from the old control. Replace any burned wire connectors.
- Install the New Control: Connect the new control and secure it in place with screws. Push the capillary tube through the back and into the oven, then clip it to its supports.
How to Test and Replace an Electric Oven Selector Switch:
- Unplug the oven or switch off the power at the electrical service panel.
- Access the Control Panel: Open the control panel as described earlier.
- Multimeter Setup: Set a multimeter to the RX1 (resistance times 1) setting. Disconnect one wire from each pair of terminals you’re testing and check for continuity in each position.
- Identify Faulty Switch: If you find no continuity in any position, the selector switch may be faulty and should be replaced.
- Remove the Old Switch: To replace the switch, remove any screws from the front of the control panel and carefully pull the switch out from the back.
- Label and Disconnect Wires: Label and disconnect the wires from the old selector switch.
- Install the New Switch: Replace the old switch with an exact replacement part.
Remember to prioritize safety when working with electrical appliances, and if you’re unsure about any part of the process, consult your owner’s manual or consider seeking professional oven repair services.
How to Replace Electric Oven Gaskets:
- Unplug the oven or turn off the power at the electrical service panel. Then, carefully pull the oven away from the wall.
- Remove the Old Gaskets: Unscrew or unclip any retainers holding the old gaskets in place.
- Loosen Oven Liner Bolts: Find and loosen the bolts holding the oven liner in place from the back of the unit.
- Partially Remove the Oven Liner: Carefully rock the oven liner back and forth to partially remove it. This will expose the old gasket, which is located between the liner and the cabinet.
- Place the New Gasket: Insert the new gasket behind the rim of the oven liner.
- Reinstall the Oven Liner: Carefully put the oven liner back in its original position and reattach it to the back of the oven.
How to Service an Electric Oven Door:
Fixing a Misaligned Door:
- Open the oven door.
- Loosen the screws that secure the inner panel.
- Hold the door at the top and gently twist it from side to side until it sits securely on its hinges.
- Partially tighten the door screws; be cautious not to over-tighten them, especially if the door has a porcelain surface, as it may chip.
Testing the Seal:
Check the door seal by inserting a piece of paper between the seal and the top corners of the oven. The seal should hold the paper tightly.
Replacing Cabinet-Mounted Springs:
- Start by removing the storage drawer and the oven door.
- Unhook and replace the springs. Even if only one spring is broken, it’s recommended to replace both to maintain balance and performance.
Fixing your oven issue could be a challenging task. In some cases, you could do all the work by yourself, and some demand professional assistance. You could always consult with experts from ABV Boston appliance repair service, and their professionals will always help you with your appliance repair.
