Oven meat thermometer not working: Common Causes & How to Fix
1Range/Stove/Oven Meat Probe
Most Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
The meat probe's resistance, or how it resists electricity, changes depending on its temperature. If you use a multimeter, a tool for testing electrical properties, and it shows an open circuit, or broken path for electricity, this means the probe is faulty and you'll need a new one.
How to Replace Range/Stove/Oven Meat Probe
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Disconnect power to oven. Switch off the breaker to power the entire range.
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Remove control knobs if needed. Take off control knobs to access mounting screws underneath.
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Loosen mounting bracket. Use a screwdriver to detach the screws holding the probe bracket in place.
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Disconnect probe wires. Unplug the electrical leads attached to the existing meat probe. Note wire positions.
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Withdraw old probe. Carefully extract the worn meat probe from the mounting bracket opening.
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Install new probe. Insert the replacement probe into the mounting bracket hole.
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Secure mounting bracket. Attach the bracket and probe securely with the original screws.
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Reconnect probe wires. Plug the electrical leads back into the new probe as previously noted.
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Replace control knobs if removed. Screw the knobs back onto the temperature controls.
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Restore power to oven. Switch on the breaker to supply electricity to the range.
2Range/Stove/Oven Control Board
Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
When you plug the probe into the jack, the control board keeps track of the food's temperature through the probe. If the temperature probe and jack are working well, but the control board isn't reacting as it should, it's likely that the control board is broken.
How to Replace Range/Stove/Oven Oven Control Board
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Shut off power to the range by locating the circuit breaker and shutting it off. This prevents electric shock.
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Remove the control knobs by gently pulling straight up and off of the stems they attach to. Set aside.
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Remove the control panel of the oven by locating mounting screws around the edges and carefully removing them.
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Disconnect the wire connectors attached to the control board by squeezing release tabs and gently pulling wires free.
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Remove mounting screws or other hardware securing the board in place. Lift out the old board.
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Install the new control board and attach with original mounting screws or hardware.
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Reconnect wire connectors to matching terminals, ensuring colors or locations match up properly.
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Replace the control panel and mounting screws around the edges.
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Reattach control knobs by pushing them back onto the stems.
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Restore power and test ovent functions like bake, broil, temperature controls.
3Range/Stove/Oven Receptacle
Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
The meat probe jack, or the place where you plug in the probe, needs to be clean and should connect well with the meat probe. If the jack looks rusted or broken, you'll need to replace it.
How to Replace Range/Stove/Oven Receptacle
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Disconnect power at the breaker. Locate the circuit breaker and shut off power to the oven branch circuit.
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Remove receptacle faceplate. Use a screwdriver to detach the fastening screws on the receptacle cover plate.
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Disconnect wires. Gently pull the electrical wire leads attached to the old receptacle terminals. Note wire positions.
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Remove mounting screws. Use a screwdriver to detach the screws securing the receptacle to the electrical box.
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Extract old receptacle. Carefully withdraw the worn receptacle from the outlet box opening.
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Install new receptacle. Align the replacement receptacle within the box opening.
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Attach mounting screws. Fasten the new receptacle securely with the original screws.
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Reconnect wires. Plug the wire leads back into the proper terminals per your notes.
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Replace faceplate. Position and secure the faceplate with the cover plate screws.
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Restore power. Switch the branch circuit breaker back to the ON position.
4Range/Stove/Oven Oven Control Board
Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
When you connect the probe into the jack, the oven's control board keeps an eye on the food's temperature through the probe. If the temperature probe and the jack are working properly, but the control board isn't reacting like it should, it's probably that the control board is faulty.
How to Replace Range/Stove/Oven Oven Control Board
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Shut off power to the range by locating the circuit breaker and shutting it off. This prevents electric shock.
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Remove the control knobs by gently pulling straight up and off of the stems they attach to. Set aside.
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Remove the control panel of the oven by locating mounting screws around the edges and carefully removing them.
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Disconnect the wire connectors attached to the control board by squeezing release tabs and gently pulling wires free.
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Remove mounting screws or other hardware securing the board in place. Lift out the old board.
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Install the new control board and attach with original mounting screws or hardware.
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Reconnect wire connectors to matching terminals, ensuring colors or locations match up properly.
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Replace the control panel and mounting screws around the edges.
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Reattach control knobs by pushing them back onto the stems.
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Restore power and test ovent functions like bake, broil, temperature controls.
5Range/Stove/Oven Door Switch
Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
The door switch in your oven might seem unrelated, but it can affect the accuracy of your oven's meat thermometer. Here's how: The door switch helps regulate the oven's temperature, making sure it's safe to use. When you open the oven door, the switch usually tells the oven to stop heating to prevent accidents. Now, the meat thermometer works by measuring the temperature inside the oven to gauge when your food is done. However, it depends on the oven keeping a steady and accurate temperature. If the door switch isn't working correctly and makes the oven think the door is open, even when it's closed, the oven's temperature control can go haywire. This means that the meat thermometer won't get an accurate reading, and your food might not cook properly. Making sure the door switch is in good shape is vital for getting dependable results from your meat thermometer and cooking your meals safely and correctly.
How to Replace Range/Stove/Oven Door Switch
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Turn off power. Disconnect the power supply to the range at the main circuit breaker to avoid electric shock.
- Remove control knobs. Take off any oven control knobs to expose the mounting screws beneath.
- Unfasten mounting screws. Use a Phillips head screwdriver to loosen the mounting screws securing the oven control console cover. Lift off the cover to access interior components.
- Disconnect wires. Unplug the electrical wires connected to the old door switch. Note wire positions to ensure correct reconnection.
- Remove mounting screws. Unscrew the screws or bolts holding the door switch in place.
- Install new switch. Insert the new door switch and fasten it securely using the same mounting screws.
- Reconnect wires. Plug the electrical wires back into their proper positions on the new switch following your notes. Double check wire connections.
- Replace control console cover. Position the cover back on and tighten its mounting screws to secure.
- Replace control knobs. Snap the oven control knobs back onto their stems.
- Restore power and test. Switch the power back on at the main breaker and test that the new door switch is working properly.