How to Solve Common Oven Problems

Can't get your oven door to close or light to turn on? Here are easy fixes for DIYers, along with signs when to call in the pros. 

Your oven might have seen some heavy usage during the holiday season, so it’s common for homeowners to encounter issues with their oven’s performance this time of year. Before seeking professional help, check out these tips on how to solve common oven problems. There are some things you can do to see if the problems you have can be fixed with a few DIY tricks.

Here are a couple of common oven problems you might come across, along with steps to fix them. Also, a quick note to rookies and pros alike, before starting any repair, make sure the oven is unplugged.

Problem: Oven door not closing

Solution: If you’re getting a door latch error message, the problem might be with the sensor and not the door. Before disassembling the door, reboot the oven control board to rule out any issues with the sensor.

Most times the oven door doesn’t close because of an issue with the door hinge. Check the hinges to see if they’re bent or damaged in any way. If they are,credir

1. Bring the door to a 45-degree angle and wriggle it to pull it out. Place it on a flat surface.
2. Unscrew all the screws that keep the inner door in place.
3. Push the hinges up to pull the inner door up.
4. Lift the inner panel up to remove the hinges.
5. Lift the metal plate and set the new hinge in the channel.
6. Put the door on the steel tabs in the bottom corners and slide it on top of the door hinge and pull the hinge down.
7. Put in the screws to secure the inner door.
8. Tuck in the side trim that came out when you removed the inner door.
9. Line up the screw holes. Put the screws in their respective holes. Press the trims in. Once the upper trim and handle assembly is in place, put the screws in to secure it all in place.
10. Push the hinge on the oven door assembly into the pocket at the bottom and pull the lock back. 

Problem: Oven lights not working

Solution: Check your manual for the type of bulb (halogen or standard).

To replace a standard bulb:

1. Remove all the trays in the oven.
2. Unscrew the protective covering and the bulb.
3. Take the new bulb and screw it back on. Carry out the same procedure for all the bulbs that need to be replaced.

To replace a halogen bulb, the only step that’s different is the last one. Instead of unscrewing and screwing in the bulb, you pull out the old bulb and push the new one in.

Problem: Oven Not Heating

Solution: If your gas or electric oven doesn't seem to be working, get the obvious out of the way first and make sure that the oven is switched on. Once you've made sure the oven's on, it’s time to check the oven's heating elements. 

If a gas oven is not heating, you’ll need to make sure that your gas line is working. You can quickly test this by trying to turn on the hot water in your sink. If you can’t get hot water, then it’s time to call your gas company and report an issue.

If the gas itself isn’t the issue, it’s possible that there’s an ignition problem, which most likely needs to be addressed by a professional.

If your oven is electric, it’s possible that the plug has become loose and needs to be plugged back into the wall. Check to see if the display is working, which indicates whether or not you have power. If you do have power, turn off the electricity to the oven via your breaker box and pull the oven out from the wall to inspect the back. Look for any damaged wires, burns or tears. If you're able to replace an element on your own, proceed carefully. If not, save this job for a professional.

Problem: Self-Cleaning Setting Won't Heat

Solution:Your oven uses different processes for heating food and for the heating function of the self-cleaning oven feature. It’s completely possible for your oven to work, but for the self-cleaning feature to be broken. According to Repair Clinic, this problem is most likely lies with the oven thermostat. If that's the case, it will need to be replaced, most likely by a professional.

A home warranty plan protects you from any unforeseen expenses by covering the repair and replacement of your appliances against normal wear and tear. All parts and components of your oven should be covered in the American Home Shield Appliance Plan. If you’re a homeowner and want to find out more about our different plans and coverage, click here to learn what is covered in an American Home Shield Home Warranty®.

For more information on troubleshooting ovens (both gas and electric), take a look at our guide on oven repair. It includes solutions to common problems such as when a gas oven is not heating or when an electric oven stops working.