Electric Range FAQs

Q - What does an oven temp sensor look like?

Q - My range has a fault code flashing in the display, what does it mean?

Q - How can I test what might be wrong when my range flashed F1

Q - My surface element has to be "jiggled" or pushed in to make it work....what may be wrong?

Q - My electric oven is dead, is there anything that I could check?

Q - Except for the lights my entire range is out....what can I check?

Q - My oven temp is out...is there any way of adjusting it?

Q - My surface element will not lower down and stay on high heat only?

Q - My range has a fault code flashing in the display, what does it mean?

A - Please see the common fault codes linked here.

Q - My surface element has to be "jiggled" or pushed in to make it work....what may be wrong ?

A - Modern surface elements are plug in....the element plugs into a receptacle. The connection between the element ends and the receptacle can become loose or burnt. Remove the element and check out the end connectors, and with a flashlight look at the receptacle condition. If the ends of the element or the receptacle look pitted or burnt = replace them. Picture help below.

element ends Sample Recepticals

Q - My electric oven is dead, is there anything that I could check ?

A - Yes, if both elements, the bake and broil are not working...some simple things to check before calling for service.

  1. oven fuses - if your range has screw in type fuses, replace the two 30 amp fuses...if one of these two fuses lets go, your oven elements would not heat up.
  2. clock settings ( analog clock ) .... make sure your settings are on manual and not auto...manual use is required for everyday use and auto is for time cooking while you are not home. Some clock buttons will need to be pushed in and some turn to the manual operation mode.
  3. If you feel brave - remove power and pull out the range. Remove back panel(s) and check for any burnt wires.

Q - Except for the lights my entire range is out....what can I check ?

A - This normally means you have lost something in the main power...check -

  1. The fuses for the range in the your main house fuse box or the breaker for the range in your house fuse box.
  2. If you feel brave - remove power and pull out the range and look at the wires where the main power comes into your range....this connection block sometimes gets loose and burns.
    3. t-block
  3. Check the range plug cord and wall receptacle, they as well can become loose and heat up giving a poor connection.
  4. Check for power at the range with a volt meter set on the 250 or 500 volt settings...If the house fuses ( breakers ) are ok, but you do not have correct power at the range you may have a broken or open wire in your house wiring. Power readings should be 220 volts between black and red...120 volts Between black and white and 120 volts between red and white

Q - My oven temp is out...is there any way of adjusting it ?

A - Yes, please see the oven temp section for some common ways to adjust your range temp on an electronic controlled oven.

For a standard controlled oven please see this oven temp section.

Q - My surface element will not lower down and stay on high heat only?

A - The switch control is bad and needs to be replaced.


Range / Cooktop / Oven Parts


Related Links:

  1. Range / Cooktop / Oven Heating Element
  2. Range / Cooktop / Oven Fuse or Sensor Parts
  3. Range / Cooktop / Oven Oven Control or Thermostat
  4. Range / Cooktop / Oven Accessories