Oven Not Heating? Gas and Electric Causes
An oven that stays cold usually has one failed part. Which part depends on whether yours is gas or electric.
On an electric oven, check the double breaker, then look at the bake element for breaks or blisters. On a gas oven, watch the igniter. A dim glow with no flame usually means it's weak. If the temperature is just off, test with an oven thermometer. If you smell gas, leave the house and call 911 or the gas company from outside.
Electric oven not heating
- Check the double breaker. One side can trip, which lets the lights and clock work but stops the oven from heating.
- Look at the bake element on the oven floor. A break, blister or burned spot means it needs replacing.
- If the broiler works but bake doesn't, the bake element is the likely culprit. If neither works, look at the sensor, the control or the wiring.
- Check that the oven isn't in a lock, delay or demo mode.
Gas oven not heating
- Make sure the gas is on. If the cooktop burners light, gas is reaching the range.
- Watch the igniter. In many ovens it should glow brightly and the burner should light within a minute or two. A dim glow and no flame usually means a weak igniter.
- If you smell gas, stop. Leave the house and call 911 or the gas company from outside.
Oven heats but the temperature is wrong
Check it with an oven thermometer. If it's off by a lot, the temperature sensor may be failing. If it's off by a little, many ovens let you adjust the offset from the control panel, so check the manual.
When to call a technician
Call if the breaker is fine and the element or igniter looks bad, if the oven heats on its own, or if there's any sparking or burning smell. See oven and stove repair in Brandon.
Common questions
Why does my oven work on broil but not bake?
The bake element (electric) or bake igniter (gas) has probably failed. They're separate parts from the broiler's.
My oven stopped working after self-clean. Why?
Self-clean runs very hot, and a weak part, like a thermal fuse, control board, element or door lock, can fail during it.
Is it safe to use my gas oven if it lights slowly?
A slow light is usually a weak igniter, which is a normal wear part. If you ever smell gas, though, stop using it and leave the house.
Related help
Still not working?
If the checks above didn't fix it, an independent technician who covers Brandon can diagnose it.