Troubleshooting an Electric Range

Repair Stove Cooktops and Ovens: Viking, Jenn Air, Maytag, Thermador

© Kelly Smith

Mar 13, 2008

Troubleshooting an Electric Range

Although there are many gas ranges out on the market, the electric range (or electric stove) continues to lead in sales. Virtually every home has one – everybody eats. Competition among manufacturers is fierce; Maytag against General Electric, Hotpoint VS Viking, and so on; the list goes on and on. Troubleshooting an electric range isn't too difficult.

Most of the tests are simply continuity tests with a Fluke digital multimeter or a similar electrical multitester. A basic understanding of home wiring is also recommended.

Although electric ranges may seem complicated, they really aren't. There are minor differences between brands and models, but they're basically the same, so troubleshooting is rather generic. They operate on a 240/120 volt circuit – 240 V drives the heating elements and 120 V drives everything else: the inevitable clock, lights, and everything else.

Because of the dual voltage requirements, there will be two breakers or fuses. This implies that there are two places to check if power isn't evident and two places to isolate power when doing maintenance or replacing electric stove replacement parts.

Electric Range/Stove Troubleshooting Guide

No Power Anywhere

• No power to the unit? Not plugged in or the circuit breaker is tripped.
• Bad power cord? Test and replace as needed.

Oven Door Won't Close as Expected

• The hinge is broken? Replace or call service.
• Oven door mis-aligned? Adjust the door.
• Door springs loosened or broken? Adjust or replace.

The Stove Surface Heating Element only Provides High Heat

• Bad burner switch? Replace the range burner switch

Oven Light not Operating

• Is the bulb loose or burned out? Replace oven light bulb.
• Bad light socket? Replace the socket.
• Is the light switch malfunctioning? Find out by testing; replace if needed.

All Heating Elements don't Heat at all, or Heat Partially

• Bad power cord or terminal block has a bad connection? Test and replace as needed.
• The range is only getting partial power? Check circuit breaker or fuse.

Oven won't Self-Clean Properly

• Smoke eliminator bad? Call service.
• Broil or bake element bad? Find out by testing; replace if needed.
• Temperature control gone bad? Find out by testing; replace if needed.
• The oven door is unlocked? Ensure the door is locked and try again.
• Clock timer bad? Check the clock timer fuses – replace as needed.
• The oven selector switch is bad? Find out by testing; replace if needed.

Range Surface Elements Don't Heat at All

• Element terminals have loose connections? Reposition the element.
• Range element shorted out? Find out by testing; replace if needed.
• Burner switch is bad? Find out by testing; replace if needed.
• Element receptacle bad? Find out by testing; replace if needed.

Running the Electrical Oven Produces Excess Condensation

• Oven vent has becomed clogged? Clean out the vent and the duct.

The Conclusion...

These diagnostic tests should cover most of your electric stove troubleshooting situations. For a more detailed explanation, always look to the model-specific literature.