How to Troubleshoot a Whirlpool Electric Oven Not Heating

ID: 181740

Description: [youtubevideo|A3ERu94riUo]Use this guide to...

Steps:

  1. Confirm your oven uses an electric bake element, not a gas igniter.
  2. Gas ovens use different ignition and gas-flow diagnostics, so follow an electric-specific guide only on electric models.
  3. Make sure the range has power and the breaker is on.
  4. Turn on one or two cooktop elements to confirm the range is receiving power.
  5. If the cooktop does not heat, troubleshoot the power supply before moving on to the oven circuit.
  6. Disconnect power to the oven before inspecting the bake element.
  7. Examine the visible part of the element for blisters, cracks, or broken sections.
  8. Remove the oven racks if you need more room to reach the element screws.
  9. Unscrew the two mounting screws at the rear of the oven securing the element.
  10. Gently pull the element forward so the connector wires remain accessible.
  11. Use a clothespin or other clip to prevent wires from slipping behind the oven wall.
  12. Set the multimeter to measure resistance in ohms.
  13. Place one probe on each bake-element terminal and wait for the reading to stabilize.
  14. A healthy element typically measures 20 to 40 ohms.
  15. An open-line or OL reading means the bake element has failed and should be replaced.
  16. Reconnect the wires and reinstall the element if it tests good.
  17. Remove power from the stove and pull it away from the wall to access the rear panel.
  18. Unscrew and remove the cover plate to reveal the terminal block where the power cord connects.
  19. Look for any melting, burning, or looseness on the main voltage terminals.
  20. Replace the wiring or block if any terminal is destroyed or severely damaged.
  21. Only reconnect power for this step if you are comfortable testing live voltage.
  22. Measure from L1 to neutral and from L2 to neutral for about 120 VAC on each leg.
  23. Measure from L1 to L2 for about 240 VAC.
  24. If these readings are not present, inspect the power cord, outlet, and breaker.
  25. Remove the screws securing the large rear panel and lift it away.
  26. If your oven has a thermal fuse, test it for continuity.
  27. Check for a hidden bake element or a convection element if your model uses one.
  28. Reinstall the rear panel after the inspection is complete.
  29. Locate the oven sensor near the top or rear of the oven cavity.
  30. Disconnect the sensor wiring and set the multimeter to ohms.
  31. A typical sensor reads about 1050 to 1100 ohms at room temperature.
  32. Replace the sensor if the reading is far outside that range.
  33. Disconnect power and inspect the control board for burnt spots or cracked components.
  34. Restore power for output-voltage testing only if you can safely work around live circuits.
  35. During a bake call, measure for 208 to 240 VAC at the bake-element terminals.
  36. If the element, sensor, and power supply test good but the board does not send voltage, replace the control board.
  37. Keep the oven interior reasonably clean so spilled food does not stress the element or sensor.
  38. Avoid slamming the oven door, which can loosen internal connections.
  39. Inspect the power cord and outlet periodically for heat damage or loose connections.
  40. Recheck the element and sensor if the oven starts heating unevenly again.
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