General Electric Oven temperature not accurate: Common Causes & How to Fix

Repair Instructions:

The control board in an oven typically sends electricity to the bake and broil elements or the igniters to heat the oven to the set temperature. When the temperature sensor detects the right heat, the control board should cut off the electricity to the heating part. If the control board is broken, it might cut off the electricity too early or not at all, causing the oven temperature to be off. Before you think about replacing the control board, you should test the temperature sensor and other parts. If those parts are working fine, you can check the board for any damage or a part that's shorted out. You can also use a multimeter to test if electricity is getting to the bake or broil elements or igniters, after you've looked at the wiring diagram for the appliance.

How to Replace Range/Stove/Oven Oven Control Board

1. Shut off power to the range by locating the circuit breaker and shutting it off. This prevents electric shock.

2. Remove the control knobs by gently pulling straight up and off of the stems they attach to. Set aside.

3. Remove the control panel of the oven by locating mounting screws around the edges and carefully removing them.

4. Disconnect the wire connectors attached to the control board by squeezing release tabs and gently pulling wires free.

5. Remove mounting screws or other hardware securing the board in place. Lift out the old board.

6. Install the new control board and attach with original mounting screws or hardware.

7. Reconnect wire connectors to matching terminals, ensuring colors or locations match up properly.

8. Replace the control panel and mounting screws around the edges.

9. Reattach control knobs by pushing them back onto the stems.

10. Restore power and test ovent functions like bake, broil, temperature controls.

Repair Instructions:

When the bake element in the oven is heating up right, it turns red hot. If it's not turning red, that means it's not heating up. Many times, if the heating element is broken, you'll be able to see damage. Look at the heating element for any holes or blisters. To check if the bake element is broken, use a multimeter to test if electricity can flow through it, a property known as continuity. If the bake element doesn't have continuity, you should replace it.

How to Replace Range/Stove/Oven Bake Element

1. Disconnect power supply - Locate the circuit breaker for the oven and switch it off before starting work. This prevents electric shock.

2. Remove oven racks - Take out all racks and accessories to clear the way to the bake element.

3. Locate mounting screws - The bake element is held in place by mounting screws accessible from the rear. Remove these screws.

4. Disconnect wires - Detach the electrical connectors from the terminals on the ends of the bake element. Make note of wire positions.

5. Extract old element - Gently slide out the old bake element, being careful not to damage the ceramic insulation.

6. Install new element - Carefully insert the replacement bake element into the oven cavity along the same path as the old one.

7. Reconnect wires - Attach element connector wires according to notes from disassembly to match original configuration.

8. Remount element - Insert mounting screws to securely fasten the new bake element into place.

9. Replace oven racks - Return all racks and accessories to their original positions within the oven.

10. Restore power & test - Turn circuit breaker back on. Turn on oven to verify proper heating operation.

Repair Instructions:

The igniter uses electricity to open the gas valve. Over time, the igniter can get weaker and take more time to open the gas valve. Because of this, the oven temperature might get too low before the burner lights up again. Ideally, the oven temperature shouldn't drop more than 40 degrees Fahrenheit before the burner is reignited by the igniter.

How to Replace Range/Stove/Oven Igniter

1. Shut off power. Locate the circuit breaker for the range and shut it off to cut power to the appliance.

2. Remove oven door. Most ranges have hinges that allow the door to be lifted off. Support the door and disengage it from the hinges. Set it aside.
3. Remove back panel. Look inside the oven cavity for screws or clips holding a rear access panel in place. Remove the screws or clips and take off the panel to access wiring and components.
4. Disconnect wires. The igniter will have two wires, one power supply and one ground, connected to it. Carefully disconnect the wires by twisting or squeezing release tabs to pull them free.
5. Remove old igniter. The igniter is normally held in place with one or two mounting screws. Remove the screws to take out the old igniter.
6. Install new igniter. Line up the mounting holes of the replacement igniter and secure it with the original screws. Reconnect the wires by pushing them firmly into the terminals.
7. Replace back panel and door. Reattach any panels or covers removed during disassembly and remount the oven door on its hinges.
8. Restore power. Go to the circuit breaker and restore power to the range. Test that the igniter sparks and the range functions properly.

Repair Instructions:

The broil element in the oven might be broken. When it's working right, it turns red hot. If it's not turning red, that means it's not heating up. Many times, if the element is broken, you'll see visible damage. Look at the broil element for any holes or blisters. To check if the broil element is broken, use a multimeter to test if electricity can flow through it, a property known as continuity. If the broil element doesn't have continuity, you should replace it.

How to Replace Range/Stove/Oven Broil Element

1. Disconnect power supply to the range at the main circuit breaker for safety.

2. Remove broiler/top oven panels by lifting out mounting clips or screws.

3. Carefully pull broil element shelf out to fully access element wires.

4. Detach wire leads from element by loosening screwdriver terminal screws.

5. Slide old broil element out of mounting slots at rear of broiler box.

6. Insert replacement element leads first through access hole before sliding into slots.

7. Tighten terminal screws to securely connect wires to new element.

8. Slide shelf back into position below element and replace panels.

9. Reconnect power supply at main breaker and test broiler function.

10. Replace any insulation blankets or heat shields removed during replacement.

Repair Instructions:

The main control board of a range typically sends electricity to the bake and broil elements or the igniters to heat the oven to the chosen temperature. When the temperature sensor detects the right heat, the control board should stop the electricity to the heating part. If the control board is broken, it might stop the electricity too early or not at all, causing the oven temperature to be off. Before you think about replacing the control board, you should check the temperature sensor and other parts. If those parts are working fine, you can look at the board for any damage or a part that's burnt out. You can also use a multimeter to check if electricity is getting to the bake or broil elements or igniters, after you've looked at the wiring diagram for the appliance.

How to Replace Range/Stove/Oven Main Control Board

1. Shut off power to the range at the circuit breaker. Turning off power prevents electric shock during the repair.

2. Remove any knobs or control panels by gently lifting straight up. Set hardware aside in a safe place.

3. Locate the control board, usually mounted under or behind the front control area.

4. Disconnect all wire connectors attached to the board by squeezing locking tabs and pulling wires free.

5. Remove mounting screws or brackets securing the board in place. Lift out carefully.

6. Insert the new control board into position and secure with original fasteners.

7. Reconnect all wire harnesses by firmly pushing connectors onto matching terminals.

8. Replace control knobs and panels by pushing or screwing items back into position.

9. Restore power and test features such as bake, broil, timers to ensure proper functioning.

10. Control board replacement is complete. Return range to normal operation.

Repair Instructions:

The temperature control thermostat in an oven keeps track of the heat inside and turns on the heat when the temperature drops too low. If the thermostat isn't adjusted right, it might not turn on the heat at the right time. This can make the oven temperature too high or too low. You can test the thermostat for the proper resisitance with a multimeter. Consult with your owner manual for your unit's specific resistance.

How to Replace Range/Stove/Oven Temperature Control Thermostat

1. Disconnect power supply - Locate the circuit breaker for the oven and switch it off before starting work. This prevents electric shock.

2. Remove control knobs - The knobs on the stovetop need to be removed to access the thermostat. Gently pull them straight off the stems.

3. Take off backguard - Unscrew any screws or brackets on the backguard and remove it to access the rear of the thermostat.

4. Disconnect wiring - Identify each thermostat wire connection and remove them. Tape wires to keep organized for reassembly.

5. Unmount old thermostat - Remove mounting screws to detach the old thermostat from the oven. Be careful not to lose any parts.

6. Install new thermostat - Secure the new thermostat in place with mounting screws. Make connections to match old wiring.

7. Replace backguard - Carefully reattach the backguard with the screws and brackets. Make sure wires are secure.

8. Reattach knobs - Line up the knobs and gently push back onto the control stems until fully seated.

9. Restore power - Return to the circuit breaker and switch the oven power back on.

10. Test operation - Set oven to various temperatures and verify accurate readings. Calibrate if needed per manufacturer instructions.

Repair Instructions:

The oven sensor and the control board work together to control the oven temperature. The sensor changes its resistance to electricity as the oven temperature changes. When the oven gets hotter, the sensor increases its resistance. If the sensor doesn't provide the right resistance, the oven might not bake evenly. On some oven models, you can adjust the oven control up to 35 degrees Fahrenheit higher or lower. Check your owner's manual for instructions on how to make this adjustment.

How to Replace Range/Stove/Oven Temperature Sensor

1. Shut off power to the range by flipping the circuit breaker or unplugging the appliance. This ensures safety during repair work.

2. Remove the oven control knobs by gently pulling them straight up off of their stems. Set aside.

3. Remove the oven control panel by locating the mounting screws around the perimeter and carefully removing them.

4. Disconnect the wires attached to the temperature sensor by squeezing locking tabs and pulling wires free. Note positions or take photos for reference.

5. Remove any mounting screws or hardware securing the sensor in place inside the oven cavity.

6. Carefully withdraw the old sensor. Avoid damaging its wire leads or silicon insulation.

7. Insert the new temperature sensor in the same location, feeding wires through access route.

8. Reattach wires by securely pushing leads into their original connector positions on the sensor.

9. Replace control panel and securing screws around its edges.

10. Test the oven's functions like baking and temperature readout to ensure proper operation.

Repair Instructions:

The oven control board and the oven sensor work together to control the oven temperature. The sensor changes its resistance to electricity as the oven temperature changes. As the oven gets hotter, the sensor increases its resistance. If the sensor doesn't provide the right resistance, or if the control board doesn't read the sensor's resistance correctly, the oven might not bake evenly, and the temperature could be off. On some oven models, you can adjust the oven control up to 35 degrees Fahrenheit higher or lower. Check your owner's manual for instructions on how to make this adjustment.

How to Replace Range/Stove/Oven Oven Control Board

1. Shut off power to the range by locating the circuit breaker and shutting it off. This prevents electric shock.

2. Remove the control knobs by gently pulling straight up and off of the stems they attach to. Set aside.

3. Remove the control panel of the oven by locating mounting screws around the edges and carefully removing them.

4. Disconnect the wire connectors attached to the control board by squeezing release tabs and gently pulling wires free.

5. Remove mounting screws or other hardware securing the board in place. Lift out the old board.

6. Install the new control board and attach with original mounting screws or hardware.

7. Reconnect wire connectors to matching terminals, ensuring colors or locations match up properly.

8. Replace the control panel and mounting screws around the edges.

9. Reattach control knobs by pushing them back onto the stems.

10. Restore power and test ovent functions like bake, broil, temperature controls.

Repair Instructions:

In a convection oven, the convection element helps the other heating elements warm up the air that circulates inside the oven. If the convection element is broken, the oven might not heat up evenly. You can use a multimeter to check if the convection element is broken by testing for continuity, which is the ability of electricity to flow through it. If the convection element doesn't have continuity, you should replace it.

How to Replace Range/Stove/Oven Convection Element

1. Disconnect power supply - Locate the circuit breaker for the oven and switch it off before starting work. This prevents electric shock.

2. Remove oven racks - Take out all racks and accessories to clear access to the convection element.

3. Remove cover panel - The convection element is usually behind a removable cover panel in the rear of the oven. Unscrew this panel.

4. Disconnect wires - Detach the electrical connectors from the terminals on the ends of the convection element. Note wire positions.

5. Extract old element - Carefully slide out the old convection element without damaging the ceramic insulation.

6. Install new element - Slowly insert the replacement convection element along the same path as the old one.

7. Reconnect wires - Reattach the connector wires according to notes from disassembly to match original configuration.

8. Replace cover panel - Remount the rear cover panel with the original screws. Make sure wires are secure.

9. Return oven racks - Replace all racks and accessories to their original positions.

10. Restore power & test - Turn circuit breaker back on. Verify proper convection operation by turning oven on.

Repair Instructions:

In a convection oven, the convection motor powers the fan that moves air around inside the oven. If the fan isn't moving the air, the oven might not bake evenly. Try spinning the fan blade with your hand. If it's hard to spin, the motor bearings might be worn out. If they are, you'll need to replace the convection motor. You can use a multimeter to check if the motor is broken by testing for continuity, which is the ability of electricity to flow through it. If the motor doesn't have continuity, you should replace it.

How to Replace Range/Stove/Oven Convection Motor

1. Disconnect power. Turn off power to the range at the main circuit breaker before working on any electrical components.

2. Remove fan housing cover. Unfasten screws or tabs to remove the oven's convection fan housing cover.

3. Disconnect wires. Unplug the electrical wires attached to the existing convection motor. Note wire positions.

4. Remove mounting screws. Use a nut driver or screwdriver to detach the screws or bolts securing the motor in place.

5. Extract old motor. Pull out the worn convection motor from the rear of the oven fan housing compartment.

6. Install new motor. Seat the replacement convection motor where the other was located and fasten securely using the mounting screws.

7. Reconnect wires. Plug the electrical wires back into the corresponding ports on the new motor as noted earlier.

8. Replace fan housing cover. Secure the convection fan housing cover with its retaining screws or tabs.

9. Energize system. Restore power at the main breaker and check that the new convection motor turns on as intended.

10. Test functionality. Operate the oven in convection mode to verify proper airflow from the replacement motor.

Repair Instructions:

Remember, it's normal for oven temperatures to change a bit during cooking. To check the oven temperature, it's best to use a digital thermometer. Place the wire end on a cast iron skillet for a steady temperature reading. Dial thermometers can be used too, but they're slower and not as precise. Set the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, then let it heat up and cool down for at least 20 minutes. Check the temperature. If it's more than 35 degrees Fahrenheit above or below the set temperature, the oven thermostat, sensor, or control might be broken, depending on your oven model. If it's within 35 degrees of the set temperature, you can probably recalibrate it. Check your owner's manual for more instructions.