First thing’s first – an oven that won’t heat throws a wrench in dinner plans, but most of the time the fix is simpler than you think. Before you book a technician, run through these quick checks. They’ll tell you if the problem is something you can solve in 15 minutes or if it’s time to call a professional.
1. Blown thermal fuse or circuit breaker – The oven’s safety fuse protects against overheating. If it trips, the heating elements go dead. Locate the fuse in the back panel or inside the main control board and test it with a multimeter. If it’s broken, replace it – they’re cheap and a quick swap.
2. Faulty heating elements – Both bake and broil elements can burn out over time. Look for visible cracks or dark spots. Turn the oven on low and watch for any glow. No glow means the element is likely dead and needs replacement.
3. Bad oven thermostat or temperature sensor – The sensor tells the control board when the oven is hot enough. A faulty sensor can keep the oven from ever reaching temperature. Unplug the oven, locate the sensor (usually a thin metal rod inside the cavity), and test its resistance. If the reading is out of the 1,050‑1,100 Ω range at room temperature, swap it out.
4. Loose wiring or damaged power cord – Over time, the plug or internal wires can loosen, especially if the oven was moved. Check the cord for frayed sections and tighten any loose connections inside the back panel. Always disconnect power before poking around.
5. Control board failure – The digital panel talks to the heating elements. If the board is burnt or has bad solder joints, the oven stays cold. Look for scorch marks or bulging capacitors. This is usually a job for a qualified electrician.
Step 1: Reset the power – Turn off the oven at the wall, wait 30 seconds, then turn it back on. Some models have a reset button inside the door frame. A simple reset can clear error codes.
Step 2: Test the elements – With the oven unplugged, remove the back panel and use a multimeter set to continuity. Touch the probes to each terminal; a steady beep means the element is good. If not, order the exact replacement part using your oven’s model number.
Step 3: Check the thermal fuse – Locate the fuse near the heating elements or on the control board. Test for continuity; no beep means it’s blown. Replace it with a fuse that matches the amperage rating.
Step 4: Inspect the sensor – Pull the sensor gently out of its slot, test resistance, and compare it to the spec sheet (usually in the user manual). A sensor out of spec will need a new one.
Step 5: Look for error codes – Modern ovens flash codes on the display. Write down the code and glance at the manual; many codes point straight to the failed component.
If any of these steps feel risky or you hit a dead end, it’s smart to call a local repair service. Nuneaton Appliance Repair Experts can diagnose and fix the issue quickly, often within a same‑day slot. Their technicians are fully qualified, carry common parts, and know the safety rules for working with high‑voltage appliances.
Remember, safety first – never work on a live oven, and always wear insulated gloves. A few simple checks can save you a call‑out fee, but when the problem involves the control board or wiring, let the pros handle it. With the right approach, you’ll be back to baking, roasting, and broiling in no time.
Dead electric oven? Here’s how to diagnose power issues, blown fuses, bad elements, and more. Safe DIY steps, costs, when to call a pro, and prevention.