Oven Not Working or Lighting: Common Causes
What household doesn’t rely on their oven to be working properly every day? Even if you’re just making a casserole for dinner, you need your oven.
If your oven isn’t working or even lighting, you need to quickly figure out what the problem is and work to immediately fix it. When it comes to oven repair, your specific model should dictate potential issues and what solutions you should consider.
This article will look at ways you can handle common issues such as the oven temperature control is not working, the oven fan is not working, the bottom element of the oven is not working, and more.
Oven Repair: Getting Started
If you find that your gas or electric oven isn’t starting, we recommend:
- Checking the electrical supply. Ensure that the appliance is fully plugged into a grounded outlet with a dedicated circuit (240V receptacle for electric range). You also want to make sure that the outlet is functioning and that the circuit breaker has not tripped or that a fuse hasn’t blown.
- Checking if there is an error code. If an error code is being displayed, try resetting the kitchen appliance. Something as simple as this may be enough to clear the error code.
- Check if your oven has a Control Lock function, check if it is turned off or proceed to turn it off. The "Control Lock" should be located on the oven control console. Pushing and holding it for 3 seconds is usually enough to reset it.
Consult the table of contents in your owner’s manual to see if there is a Control Lock feature for your particular model and to find instructions on how to locate and reset it.
Try resolving the issue by resetting the power to your appliance. To do so:
- Power the unit off by turning off the circuit breaker(s) for one minute.
- Power the unit on by turning on the circuit breaker(s).
- Monitor for one minute to see if the error code returns to the oven/range, if the error code was displayed to begin with.
- Verify that your oven is now working as it should.
Common Issues with Electric Ovens
Here are potential causes and some recommendations for solutions if your oven has stopped working.
Is the Control Displaying F9 or F9 E0 Error Code?
For Maytag® ovens, power outages can cause an unexpected surge of power supply line "noise". As a result, the control may detect the wrong voltage amount and display a F9 or F9 E0 error code. Also, if the keys were pressed prior to the 10-second delay interval on the power-up, this could result in the F9 or F9 E0 to appear.
If the range control continues to show an “F9” or “F9, E0” error code, the electrical outlet in your home may be miswired. You can try disconnecting the power and then hire an electrician to verify the electrical supply.
No or Partial Display on Gas or Electric Ovens
This may require you to reset the power using the steps outlined earlier in this article.
Troubleshooting Steps for More Common Issues With Electric Ovens
Nothing Will Operate on an Electric Oven
These solutions tend to vary based on the oven model. Prior to trying out any solution, you should consult your appliance use and care instructions. This is your main source of information.
| Possible Causes | Solutions |
|---|---|
| Are the Controls Set Correctly for the Cycle or Function. | To properly set your controls, consult the Owner's Manual. |
| A fuse in the household has blown or a circuit breaker has tripped. | Replace the fuse or reset the circuit breaker. If the issue persists, contact an electrician. |
| The power supply cord is unplugged. | Insert the plug into a grounded outlet. |
| Electrical Connection or New Installation | If your oven was recently installed, a common mistake may have been made and is preventing your oven from working. Review that the following were done correctly:
|
Oven Will Not Operate
The solutions provided might vary based on the oven model. Always check and follow your appliance use and care instructions before beginning any task, as it should be your primary source of information.
| Possible Causes | Solutions |
|---|---|
| Delay Start function is set. | If your model has a delay start function, check to see if the feature is activated.If it is then the oven will not work. Refer to the Use and Care guide to learn how to deactivate this feature. |
| Control is in demo mode. | Check to see if the demo mode is activated. If it is then the oven will not work. Refer to the Use and Care guide to learn how to deactivate demo mode. |
| Control lock is ON. | Press and hold CONTROL LOCK for about 3 seconds. This usually should unlock it. |
Oven is Producing Cooking Results Not as Expected
If your oven is producing results that differ from your expectations, check to see if some of these common causes might be at fault and, if you’re comfortable, you can try out some solutions.
These solutions tend to vary based on the oven model. Prior to trying out any solution, you should consult your appliance’s use and care instructions. This is your main source of information.
Oven Indicator Lights Flash
The display may flash after a power loss or when powered up. You can usually just press CANCEL to clear. When the oven is not in use, the time will typically be displayed.
| Possible Causes | Solutions |
|---|---|
| Range is not level. | See the installation Instructions and level the range. |
| Oven temperature is calibrated incorrectly. (Oven Temperature Too High or Too Low) | Do not use a thermometer to measure the temperature in the oven. The elements can cycle on and off as needed to provide a consistent temperature. This cycling typically causes the oven to run slightly hot or cool at any point. Most thermometers are slow to react to changes in temperature and will be unable to provide an accurate reading. An oven may cook faster or slower than your previous oven, so the temperature can be adjusted to meet your cooking needs. Many ovens can be changed to operate and display in either Fahrenheit or Celsius degrees. Refer to the Use & Care guide for detailed instructions on how to calibrate your oven |
| The temperature set was incorrect. | Make sure you are using the correct temperature by consulting the recipe in your preferred cookbook or favourite recipe website. |
| Oven was not preheated. | When baking, it is recommended to preheat your oven to achieve expected cooking results. Roasting may be a bit different as it is not necessary to wait for the oven Preheat cycle to be completed before putting food in unless the recipe recommends it. |
| Insufficient air circulation around bakeware. | To evenly cook food, hot air must be able to circulate. You should typically allow 2" (5 cm) of space around bakeware and oven walls. Make sure that no bakeware piece is directly over another. |
| Batter distributed unevenly in the pan. | Ensure that the batter is level in the pan. |
| Racks were positioned improperly. | Proper rack positioning depends on what you are baking and how many racks you are using. Review the Use and Care guide for your oven model. |
| Darker browning of food caused by dull or dark bakeware. | Generally, move the rack to a higher position in the oven or lower the oven temperature 25°F (15°C). |
| Lighter browning of food caused by shiny or light-colored bakeware. | Move the rack to a lower position in the oven. |
| Incorrect length of cooking time was used. | Adjust the cooking time. |
| Oven door was not closed. | Make sure that the bakeware is not keeping the door from fully closing. |
| Oven door was opened during cooking. | Peeking into the oven releases oven heat and can result in longer cooking times. If available, try using the oven light to see what’s happening inside your oven. |
| Pie crusts browning too quickly. | Use aluminum foil to cover the edge of the crust and/or reduce baking temperature. |
| Oven door was open for too long. | Some models’ heating elements will shut off if the door is open for too long. |
| Rack is too close to the back burner, making baked items too brown on bottom. | Move the rack to a higher position in the oven. |
Common Issues with Gas and Dual Fuel Range
Cooktop Turns On - Clicking Sound or No Clicking Sound
These solutions tend to vary based on the oven model. Prior to trying out any solution, you should consult your appliance’s use and care instructions. This is your main source of information.
| Possible Causes | Solutions |
|---|---|
| Is an item in the storage drawer (if so equipped) causing an issue? | Remove everything from the storage drawer and then test if the oven works. |
| Is the oven bottom lined with aluminum foil or an oven bottom liner? | Do not cover the oven bottom with aluminum foil or an oven bottom liner, as this may block air or gas flow to the burner. |
| Is the gas Pressure Regulator Shut-Off Valve turned ON? | Gas ranges generally have a shut-off valve located on the pressure regulator.
|
| Is the main gas valve turned on? | Check to make sure that the main gas valve is turned on. If the range is newly installed or has recently been re-connected to the gas supply, turn on one of the surface burner knobs to release air from the gas line. Review the installation instructions to learn detailed information on the main gas valve. |
| Is the unit power cord connected to a grounded, operational outlet? | Correct operation of the surface burner and oven ignitors is dependent on the unit having a good ground path for the spark to travel to.
|
Nothing on the Oven Will Work - Gas and Dual Fuel Range
These solutions tend to vary based on the oven model. Prior to trying out any solution, you should consult your appliance’s use and care instructions. This is your main source of information.
| Possible Causes | Solutions |
|---|---|
| Is the unit power cord connected to an outlet that is operational and grounded? | Correct operation of surface burner and oven ignitors depends on the unit having a good ground path for the spark to travel to.
|
| For units with an energy saving feature, is the display blank? | If your oven is in Energy Save mode (available on select models ), the display will be blank when not in operation. The Energy Save mode puts the range into sleep mode to reduce energy consumption. Refer to the Owner’s Manual to deactivate the Energy Save Mode. |
| Has a household circuit breaker tripped or fuse blown? |
|
| Is the main gas shut-off valve turned on? | The main gas valve must be turned on. |
| Is the oven control set correctly? | Refer to your Owner's Manual for more information. |
No or Partial Display - Gas and Dual Fuel Range
These solutions tend to vary based on the oven model. Prior to trying out any solution, you should consult your appliance’s use and care instructions. This is your main source of information.
| Possible Causes | Solutions |
|---|---|
| Reset power to the appliance. |
|
Nothing Will Operate
These solutions tend to vary based on the oven model. Prior to trying out any solution, you should consult your appliance’s use and care instructions. This is your main source of information.
| Possible Causes | Solutions |
|---|---|
| Is there a demo mode? | If your oven has a demo mode feature, look to see if it is activated. If it is, then the oven will most likely not work. Refer to the Use and Care guide to learn how to deactivate demo mode. |
| Household fuse is blown or a circuit breaker is tripped. | Replace the fuse or reset the circuit breaker. If the problem continues, call an electrician. |
| The range is not properly connected to the gas supply. | Hire a trained repair specialist. |
| Main or regulator gas shut-off valve is in the OFF position. | Refer to the product installation instructions or the Use and Care Guide. |
| Power supply cord is not plugged in. | Plug into a grounded 3-prong outlet. |
Oven Burner Flames Are Uneven, Yellow and/or Noisy
These solutions tend to vary based on the oven model. Prior to trying out any solution, you should consult your appliance’s use and care instructions. This is your main source of information.
| Possible Causes | Solutions |
|---|---|
| Burner caps are improperly positioned. | Check that the flow of combustion and ventilation around the burner grate edges is unobstructed. Also, ensure that you always keep the burner cap in place when using a surface burner. Align the gas tube opening in the burner base with the orifice holder on the cooktop and the igniter electrode with the notch in the burner base. Remember that each round burner cap is usually marked with a letter indicating the burner size. |
| Range converted improperly. | Speak to a service technician if propane gas is being used. |
| Clogged burner ports. | You should regularly and consistently clean the burner ports. Before you start cleaning, make sure all the controls are off and that the cooktop is cool. Never clean with oven cleaners, bleach, or rust removers, and do not wash in the dishwasher. A clean burner cap may help avoid poor ignition and uneven flames. Make sure you always clean the burner cap after a spillover, and regularly remove and clean the caps according to the instructions in the Use & Care guide. |
Oven Temperature Too High or Too Low
These solutions tend to vary based on the oven model. Prior to trying out any solution, you should consult your appliance’s use and care instructions. This is your main source of information.
| Possible Causes | Solutions |
|---|---|
| Oven temperature needs to be adjusted (Oven Temperature Too High or Too Low) | You should not use a thermometer to measure the temperature in the oven. The elements tend to cycle on and off to provide a consistent temperature. This cycling often causes the oven to run slightly hot or cool at any point. Most thermometers slowly react to changes in temperature and will be unable to provide an accurate reading. Your new oven may cook faster or slower than your previous one, so the temperature can be personalized to your cooking needs. Many ovens can be changed to operate and display either in Fahrenheit or Celsius degrees. Check and adhere to your appliance use and care instructions before beginning any task, as it should be your primary source of information. |
Convection Fan Not Working
These solutions tend to vary based on the oven model. Prior to trying out any solution, you should consult your appliance use and care instructions. This is your main source of information.
| Possible Causes | Solutions |
|---|---|
| Oven door is open. | On several models, if the oven door is opened during convection cooking, the fan will automatically shut off. Generally, it will restart once the oven door is closed. |
| The convection cycle is in the first few minutes of operation. | This is normal with many models. The convection fan will start running roughly 5 minutes into the cycle |
Removing and Replacing the Oven Light
Looking for the wattage of halogen bulbs for your specific model? Try checking the owner's manual.
View or download product literature for most appliances by visiting the Manuals and Literature page.
Removing and Replacing Standard Appliance Bulbs on Some Models
These solutions tend to vary based on the oven model. Prior to trying out any solution, you should consult your appliance’s use and care instructions. This is your main source of information.
Follow these steps to safely remove and replace a standard 40-watt bulb that is no longer working:
- Before replacing, make sure the oven (and also the cooktop, if you have one) is cool and that all controls are turned off.
- Disconnect the power from the appliance by turning off the circuit breaker(s) or removing the fuse(s).
- Most ranges feature a cover for the light bulb. It’s recommended to always refer to your appliance’s Use and Care guide for specific instructions on how to remove this cover. Once the cover has been removed, use these steps to replace your light bulb.
- Remove from the socket by turning the bulb counterclockwise.
- Replace the bulb by turning it clockwise.
- Replace light bulb cover by following the instructions in your use and care guide.
- Reconnect the power to the appliance by turning on the circuit breaker(s) or by installing the fuse(s).
Consider only buying your replacement bulbs from the manufacturer or a manufacturer-approved parts distributor.
Removing and Replacing Halogen Bulbs
These solutions tend to vary based on the oven model. Prior to trying out any solution, you should consult your appliance’s use and care instructions. This is your main source of information.
Your owner's manual contains information regarding the wattage of halogen bulbs for your specific model. Prior to replacing, verify that your oven (and your cooktop, if you have one) is cool and that all the controls are off.
Follow these instructions to replace your halogen bulbs
- Disconnect the power to your model by removing the fuse(s) or by turning off the circuit breaker(s).
- A halogen bulb typically has a glass light cover that can generally be removed by holding the front edge and pulling it away from the oven.
- Remove the bulb from its socket.
To replace:
- Protect yourself by using a tissue or wearing cotton gloves, replace the bulb.
- Replace the bulb cover l.
- Reconnect the power to your model by turning on the circuit breaker(s) or installing the fuse(s).
To avoid damage or decreasing the life of the new bulb, avoid touching the bulb with your bare fingers.
If you require more help, check out our Product Help website to find additional guidance on how to fix your oven or you can book a service appointment.
To download a manual for your Maytag® appliance, click here.
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