How to find out if your Samsung range oven sensor is bad (& how to replace it)


Steven E / Monday November 11, 2024


If your Samsung electric range isn’t heating correctly or maintaining the right temperature, the oven sensor might be to blame. The sensor monitors the oven’s internal temperature and communicates with the control board to regulate the heating elements. A faulty sensor can lead to inaccurate temperature readings, resulting in uneven cooking or baking issues. We’ll walk you through how to test the oven sensor and, if needed, replace it to get your oven back to working properly.

If you find out that you need any replacement parts for your appliance while you’re troubleshooting, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.

Important: The error code information provided in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. The disassembly information is based on models starting with FTQ387LWGX. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.

Safety precautions

When working on any appliance, remember to keep safety first. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before attempting any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of injury from electric shock.
  • Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts, pinching hazards and debris.
  • Take your time and don’t rush while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries.
  • Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access the interior parts.
  • Clear your workspace of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
  • Never work on internal parts with bare wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
  • Check your user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions for your part or appliance.
  • Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause injury.
  • Wear safety glasses when working with chemicals, dust or cleaning large debris to prevent injury.
  • If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time for any heating parts to cool down before working on it.
  • Take pictures or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting to prevent any problems with reassembly.
  • When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.

Read more: Electric Range Heating Coil Cleaning & Upkeep

Tools and materials needed

  • Phillips head screwdriver

Important: The specific tools required may vary depending on the model of your appliance and the type of fasteners used on it. Always consult the user manual or refer to any specific instructions provided by the manufacturer for the recommended tools for your appliance model.

Read more: Electric Range Little to No Heat When Baking: Top 5 Reasons and Fixes

Troubleshooting steps

Step 1: Access the oven sensor

  1. Unplug the range or turn off the breaker to disconnect the power supply.
  2. Slide the range out from the wall to access the back.
  3. Use a screwdriver to remove the rear lower cover on the back of the range, which will expose the oven sensor.

Step 2: Test the oven sensor

  1. Locate the oven sensor on the right side of the back of the range.
  2. Disconnect the harness attached to the sensor.
  3. Set your multimeter to measure resistance in Ohms.
  4. Place one multimeter lead on one terminal of the sensor and the other lead on the second terminal.
  5. Check the reading. The resistance should be approximately 1080 ohms at room temperature.

If the reading is far from 1080 ohms, the sensor is faulty and needs to be replaced.

Step 3: Replace the oven sensor

  1. Unplug the range or ensure the power is turned off before removing the sensor.
  2. Disconnect the sensor wires at the back of the range.
  3. Use a screwdriver to remove the two screws securing the sensor in place.
  4. Gently slide the sensor out of its position.
  5. Slide the new oven sensor into the same position as the old one.
  6. Reinstall the screws to secure the new sensor in place.
  7. Reconnect the wiring harness to the sensor.
  8. Reattach the rear cover of the range.
  9. Plug the range back in or turn the breaker back on.
  10. Test the oven to ensure the new sensor is working correctly.

Read more:  Electric Range Element Won’t Heat: Top 7 Reasons & Fixes

Additional information

Thank you for reading! We hope this guide helped you get your range working again.

If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, don’t hesitate to explore our other troubleshooting guides and videos.

If you need replacement parts or some extra help with ordering them, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com, where you can chat with a pro, read our DIY blog and more.

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