Whether you’ve got entertaining to do or just dinner to whip up, the last thing you need is a malfunctioning range. At G&G Appliance Service, we know just how inconvenient appliance issues can be, especially in the dead of winter when all you want is a warm meal. If you’re struggling with an electric range that’s decided to go on the fritz, we’re here to help. Below, we’ve put together a brief list of some of the most frequent electric range issues we diagnose and the most common culprits behind them. Keep in mind, though, even if you’re able to diagnose the problem, it’s best to leave the repair process in the hands of trained professionals.
The Burners Don’t Heat Up
If your burners don’t heat up when activated, your range is likely suffering one of the following issues:
● Failed or damaged burner connection
● Failed burner
● Bad infinite control switch
First things first, if you only have one faulty burner, try switching that burner with another coil from a different burner. If the burner operates properly after you’ve switched it out, you have a faulty burner, which is easy to replace. If, however, the burner fails to operate even after you’ve swapped it out, the burner’s socket may be damaged. Inspect the socket for signs of damage and replace it, if necessary. If all else fails, the infinite control switch is the last thing you should test. You’ll require a multimeter for this task, so if you don’t have one, you’ll need to contact a range repair company to test the unit for you.
Burner Temperature Doesn’t Adjust
If your range’s burners don’t adjust when you alter their temperature settings, the unit may have a continuity problem with its surface element switch wiring. This issue is not easy to diagnose, and unless you have significant electrical knowledge, it’s best left to the professionals. Contact a range repair specialist who can perform the necessary testing on the wiring’s contacts and terminals.
Inaccurate Oven Temperature
Does your oven turn on but fail to heat to the correct temperature? If you suspect your oven is generating a temperature other than the one you set,
● Temperature control thermostat. The thermostat controls the voltage to the heating element while the oven is on. After preheating, if your oven varies more than 40°F from the temperature you set, there’s a high chance the thermostat requires recalibration, or it’s defective and must be replaced.
● Temperature sensor. If your oven doesn’t have a thermostat, it has a temperature sensor that monitors and adjusts voltage during operation. If the sensor is faulty, it may be cutting off voltage to the heating element prematurely, which will cause the temperature variance. If you have a multimeter, measure the sensor’s electrical resistance while it’s at room temperature to determine if it has adequate electrical flow. If not, you’ll need a range repairman to replace the sensor.
● Thermostat sensor bulb. The thermostat sensor bulb senses the temperature of the air inside your oven, which allows the oven thermostat to adjust the on/off cycling of the heating elements. If the bulb shifts from its normal placement, it may sense the temperature of the surrounding metal rather than the air. Examine the bulb to determine if its mounting clips have loosened, and tighten them if necessary.
Oven Doesn’t Heat
If your oven refuses to heat up when you turn it on, in most cases, the malfunction is due to an electrical problem within the unit. Another common issue homeowners frequently overlook is a deactivated breaker switch in the electrical panel. Issues to look for include:
● Clock malfunction. If you’ve set your range to automatically time cooking, its clock must be fully functional for the automatic feature to operate. Inside the oven, the clock typically has a timer unit featuring electrical contacts that switch the power on at the desired time. Sometimes, the clock may revert to auto after an oven cleaning, so try resetting the clock before calling an appliance repair technician.
● Electronic Control Malfunction. The majority of new ranges feature an internal electronic control system that regulates oven operation. If you suspect this is the issue, you’ll need to contact a range repair specialist to remove the oven’s panel and diagnose the problem.
● Thermostat Failure. If the thermostat fails, it cannot activate the oven’s heating elements. Since this issue is a complicated fix requiring in-depth knowledge of oven wiring, it’s best to seek out professional appliance repair.
G&G Appliance Service: Prompt, Professional Appliance Repair
At G&G Appliance, we’ve been serving residents across New York State with prompt, professional appliance repair for over 20 years. As a result of our superior service, we’ve grown to become one of the highest-volume appliance repair companies in the NYC metro area. Our highly trained technicians, convenient scheduling options, and advanced repair practices make us the obvious choice for all your appliance repair needs. To learn more about our repair process or to schedule your appointment, give our team a call at 718-848-2100. Or, feel free to schedule your repair online or request a diagnostic quote.