General Electric Oven not self-cleaning: Common Causes & How to Fix
1Range/Stove/Oven Door Latch
Most Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
For safety reasons, the self-clean cycle can't start unless the oven door is locked. If the door latch is damaged and can't lock the door, the self-clean cycle won't start. Check the latch to see if it's damaged. If there's a microswitch in the latch assembly, you can use a multimeter to test if electricity can flow through it, a property known as continuity. If the latch is damaged or the microswitch doesn't have continuity, you need to replace the door latch.
How to Replace Range/Stove/Oven Door Latch
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Turn off power to range. Switch off the power supply at the main circuit breaker to avoid electric shock while working.
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Open oven door fully. Make sure the door is fully opened to access the interior side of the latch.
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Remove mounting screws. Use a Phillips head screwdriver to unfasten the screws or bolts securing the door latch in place.
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Detach old latch. Carefully detach the old latch from the oven door frame by wiggling it free.
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Install new latch. Position the replacement latch where the old one was located and use the mounting screws to securely fasten it back in place.
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Check functionality. Close the oven door while applying moderate pressure to test that the new latch securely engages and holds the door shut. The door should not open on its own.
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Replace power. Switch the electricity back on at the main circuit breaker once the replacement is complete.
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Conduct final check. Test that the oven door latch is functioning properly by opening and closing the door a few times before using the range.
2Range/Stove/Oven Door Lock Motor and Switch Assembly
Most Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
When the oven is in the self-cleaning cycle, the door lock switch turns on the door lock motor to stop the oven door from opening. If the door lock motor and switch assembly isn't working right, the oven door won't unlock after the self-cleaning cycle ends. On most ovens, you can open the door by taking out some screws or panels. Look at your owner's manual for more detailed steps.
How to Replace Range/Stove/Oven Door Lock Motor and Switch Assembly
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Turn off power. Disconnect power to the range at the circuit breaker or fuse box to avoid electric shock.
- Remove door. Open the oven door fully and detach any screws holding the door hinges in place. Lift off the door and set it aside.
- Disconnect wires. Unplug the wires connected to the old door lock motor and switch assembly. Note their positions so you can reconnect them properly.
- Remove mounting screws. Use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the screws securing the door lock motor and switch assembly to the range frame.
- Install new part. Position the new door lock motor and switch assembly where the old one was located and use the retained screws to fasten it securely in place.
- Reconnect wires. Plug the wires back into their correct positions on the new assembly. Double check wire connections against your notes to ensure proper reconnection.
- Reinstall door. Fit the oven door back onto its hinges and replace any screws to hold it securely.
- Test functionality. Turn power back on at the breaker and test that the oven door lock engages and disengages properly when opening and closing the door. The replacement is now complete.
3Range/Stove/Oven Temperature Control Thermostat
Most Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
The oven thermostat regulates the oven's temperature during the self-cleaning cycle by sending electricity to the heating circuit. It's possible for the thermostat to work fine for baking and broiling, but not for cleaning. The oven thermostat is a complex part, so it's hard to test. If you think the oven thermostat might be the problem, it's best to replace it.
How to Replace Range/Stove/Oven Temperature Control Thermostat
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Disconnect power supply - Locate the circuit breaker for the oven and switch it off before starting work. This prevents electric shock.
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Remove control knobs - The knobs on the stovetop need to be removed to access the thermostat. Gently pull them straight off the stems.
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Take off backguard - Unscrew any screws or brackets on the backguard and remove it to access the rear of the thermostat.
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Disconnect wiring - Identify each thermostat wire connection and remove them. Tape wires to keep organized for reassembly.
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Unmount old thermostat - Remove mounting screws to detach the old thermostat from the oven. Be careful not to lose any parts.
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Install new thermostat - Secure the new thermostat in place with mounting screws. Make connections to match old wiring.
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Replace backguard - Carefully reattach the backguard with the screws and brackets. Make sure wires are secure.
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Reattach knobs - Line up the knobs and gently push back onto the control stems until fully seated.
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Restore power - Return to the circuit breaker and switch the oven power back on.
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Test operation - Set oven to various temperatures and verify accurate readings. Calibrate if needed per manufacturer instructions.
4Range/Stove/Oven Touchpad
Most Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
When you press the self-clean button on your oven, the door lock indicator light should turn on, and you should hear the sound of the lock motor working. If the light doesn't turn on and you don't hear a low humming sound that indicates the door is being locked, it's possible that the oven's touchpad is broken and needs to be replaced.
How to Replace Range/Stove/Oven Touchpad
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Shut off power to the range by flipping the circuit breaker to avoid electric shock during repair.
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Remove any knobs/bezels covering the front of the touchpad by lifting straight up.
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Look for mounting screws around the perimeter of the touchpad underside.
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Remove the mounting screws using a Phillips head screwdriver.
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Carefully detach any wire harnesses connected to the touchpad back. Note positions.
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Lift out the old touchpad panel being careful not to strain or break wire connections.
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Connect wire harnesses to the matching terminals on the new touchpad back.
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Mount the new touchpad to the control panel using original screws.
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Replace knobs or bezels if removed earlier.
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Restore power and test all touch controls and range functions for proper replacement.
5Range/Stove/Oven Oven Control Board
Most Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
The oven control board uses relays to send electricity to the bake and broil circuits. This is based on the settings chosen by the user and feedback from sensors. If the control board is broken, it might not send electricity to the parts that heat the oven.
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.
6Range/Stove/Oven Control Board
Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
The control board uses relays to send electricity to the bake and broil circuits. This depends on the settings chosen by the user and feedback from sensors. If the control board is broken, it might not send electricity to the parts of the oven that generate heat.
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.
7Range/Stove/Oven Relay Board
Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
The relay board in your oven might not seem like a big deal, but it plays a vital role in your oven's self-cleaning function. Here's how: The relay board, makes sure all the parts work together during self-cleaning. When you start a self-cleaning cycle, it's the relay board that tells the oven to get super hot and lock the door for safety. However, if the relay board isn't working properly, it can mess up this process. It might not let the oven get hot enough, or it could fail to lock the door correctly. This means your self-cleaning cycle won't do its job, and your oven won't get as clean as it should. So, ensuring your relay board is in good shape is essential for a successful self-cleaning oven and keeping your appliance in top condition.
How to Replace Range/Stove/Oven Relay Board
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Disconnect power to the oven at the main circuit breaker for safety.
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Remove oven control knobs, bezels and back panels to access relay board.
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Identify wire harness connectors attached to the original relay board.
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Disconnect wire harness connectors by depressing locking tabs and pulling apart.
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Remove mounting screws or clips securing relay board in the oven cavity.
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Carefully lift out old relay board assembly. Check for fit issues with replacement.
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Position new relay board assembly and start any mounting screws or clips.
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Reconnect all wire harness connectors firmly until locked in place.
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Fully secure relay board mounting and replace removed panels/knobs.
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Restore power and test all oven functions before use.
8Range/Stove/Oven Thermostat
Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
When you decide to self-clean your oven, the thermostat's job is to make sure the oven gets really hot, around 900°F (482°C). This extreme heat burns off food residues and grease. But before it starts, the thermostat checks to ensure the oven has reached that high temperature, which is a safety measure. It also prevents the oven from getting too hot by managing the heating elements. Now, if the thermostat isn't working correctly, it can mess up this temperature control. Your self-cleaning cycle might not get hot enough to do the job, leaving you with a still dirty oven. Plus, there's a safety concern because the thermostat might let the oven get too hot, which can be a problem. So, making sure your oven's thermostat is in good shape is essential for successful and safe self-cleaning.
How to Replace Range/Stove/Oven Thermostat
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Disconnect power to range. Turn off power at the main circuit breaker before servicing any electrical components.
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Remove control knobs. Take off any temperature control knobs to access mounting screws.
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Remove control panel. Unfasten retaining screws to lift off the oven control console panel or trim ring.
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Locate old thermostat. Identify the current thermostat near the temperature control stem or wiring bundle.
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Disconnect wires. Unplug the electrical leads attached to the thermostat. Note wire positions.
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Remove mounting hardware. Use a screwdriver to detach any clip or screws securing the thermostat.
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Extract old thermostat. Carefully withdraw the thermostat from its mounting location in the control stem area.
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Install new thermostat. Attach the replacement thermostat where the old one sat using the proper mounting clips or screws.
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Reconnect wire leads. Plug the electrical connections back into the new thermostat following your notes.
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Replace control panel. Reposition and secure the oven control console or trim ring with its mounting screws.
9Range/Stove/Oven Switch
Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
When you want to start the self-cleaning cycle, the temperature switch is the one that gets everything going, like turning on the oven's super-hot cleaning mode. It also manages important safety features, such as making sure the oven door locks so that you can't accidentally open it while it's scorching inside. Now, if this switch isn't working properly, it can mess up the whole self-cleaning process. It might not kickstart the extreme heat needed for cleaning, or it could fail to lock the oven door securely. So, your self-cleaning might not do its job, and it might even be unsafe if the door doesn't lock as it should. Making sure your oven's switch is in good shape is crucial for a successful and safe self-cleaning cycle.
How to Replace Range/Stove/Oven Switch
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Disconnect power to the appliance by switching off the circuit breaker.
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Expose switch housing by removing any access panels or fasteners covering the area.
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Locate retaining screws holding the switch assembly to the appliance frame.
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Remove retaining screws and set aside where they won't get lost.
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Disconnect wires from the old faulty switch terminals by removing connectors.
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Detach old switch assembly once fully unsecured from housing.
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Clean mounting surfaces where new switch will attach using a rag or brush.
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Mount replacement switch into position on clean mounting points.
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Reconnect wire connectors to the matching terminals on the new switch.
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Restore power and test operation to ensure switch is functioning properly.
10Range/Stove/Oven Door Switch
Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
If the oven door switch is broken, it might stop the door from locking. This switch is usually part of the system that locks the oven door during the self-cleaning cycle. If the door can't lock, the self-cleaning cycle won't begin. To check if the door switch is broken, you can use a multimeter to test if electricity can flow through it, a property called continuity. If the door switch doesn't have continuity, it needs to be replaced.
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.
11Range/Stove/Oven Main Control Board
Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
The main control board is the brain of the oven. It controls all the oven's functions, including the self-cleaning cycle. During self-cleaning, the oven gets very hot to burn off baked-on grease and food. To do this safely, the control board regulates the temperature and locks the oven door. If the main control board is broken, it may not be able to start or run the high heat self-cleaning properly. Some common control board problems that could stop self-cleaning are a faulty temperature sensor so the board can't tell how hot the oven is, error codes that stop functions like self-clean as a safety measure, electrical issues like power surges that lead to malfunctions, and locking problems that prevent the door from locking during self-cleaning. Any issues with the main control board can result in problems starting and running the self-cleaning mode.
How to Replace Range/Stove/Oven Main Control Board
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Shut off power to the range at the circuit breaker. Turning off power prevents electric shock during the repair.
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Remove any knobs or control panels by gently lifting straight up. Set hardware aside in a safe place.
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Locate the control board, usually mounted under or behind the front control area.
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Disconnect all wire connectors attached to the board by squeezing locking tabs and pulling wires free.
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Remove mounting screws or brackets securing the board in place. Lift out carefully.
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Insert the new control board into position and secure with original fasteners.
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Reconnect all wire harnesses by firmly pushing connectors onto matching terminals.
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Replace control knobs and panels by pushing or screwing items back into position.
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Restore power and test features such as bake, broil, timers to ensure proper functioning.
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Control board replacement is complete. Return range to normal operation.
12Range/Stove/Oven Temperature Sensor
Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
The temperature sensor in an oven keeps track of the heat inside the oven to make sure the temperature stays accurate. Sometimes, the sensor might lose its accuracy or stop working correctly after it gets hot. You can test the sensor using a multimeter to check its ohm reading at a certain temperature. This can help you figure out if the sensor is broken.
How to Replace Range/Stove/Oven Temperature Sensor
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Shut off power to the range by flipping the circuit breaker or unplugging the appliance. This ensures safety during repair work.
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Remove the oven control knobs by gently pulling them straight up off of their stems. Set aside.
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Remove the oven control panel by locating the mounting screws around the perimeter and carefully removing them.
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Disconnect the wires attached to the temperature sensor by squeezing locking tabs and pulling wires free. Note positions or take photos for reference.
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Remove any mounting screws or hardware securing the sensor in place inside the oven cavity.
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Carefully withdraw the old sensor. Avoid damaging its wire leads or silicon insulation.
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Insert the new temperature sensor in the same location, feeding wires through access route.
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Reattach wires by securely pushing leads into their original connector positions on the sensor.
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Replace control panel and securing screws around its edges.
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Test the oven's functions like baking and temperature readout to ensure proper operation.