Kenmore Oven: not functioning properly

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Kenmore oven not functioning properly? This can manifest as the oven not heating, not starting, or failing to cook food adequately. Understanding the potential causes, such as a faulty heating element or igniter, can help you identify the issue and take appropriate action.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Kenmore Models

  • Some older Kenmore electric ranges were subject to recalls for erratic heating and control issues; check model-specific safety notices.

Possible Causes

Faulty heating element (electric models)

How to Identify: Oven powers on but does not heat; visible damage (blisters/cracks on element; element does not glow red when heating.

Part: Oven bake element / heating element

Weak or failed igniter (gas models)

How to Identify: Igniter not glowing at all or glowing weakly; no gas ignition; persistent lack of heat even with correct settings.

Part: Gas oven igniter

Temperature sensor malfunction

How to Identify: Oven runs but does not reach or maintain set temperature; inaccurate cooking results.

Part: Temperature sensor / thermostat

Control board or wiring issues

How to Identify: Oven does not respond to controls, inconsistent function, or no heat despite expected behavior from other components.

Part: Oven control board / internal wiring

Power supply or breaker issues

How to Identify: Oven does not turn on at all; breaker is tripped or no power at outlet.

Part: Power connection / circuit breaker

DIY Solutions

Inspect and replace a faulty bake/heating element (electric)

Moderate 30–60 minutes
Tools Needed: Screwdriver, multimeter
  1. Disconnect power at breaker and unplug oven.
  2. Open oven interior and visually inspect the heating element for damage.
  3. Test continuity with a multimeter; if no continuity, remove and replace the element.
  4. Install new element by securing screws and reconnecting wires then restore power.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power is off before internal inspection to avoid shocks

Check and replace the igniter (gas models)

Advanced 30–90 minutes
Tools Needed: Screwdriver, multimeter
  1. Turn off gas supply and disconnect power.
  2. Access the oven burner area and observe the igniter when oven is turned on; check if it glows.
  3. Test igniter’s continuity with a multimeter.
  4. If igniter fails tests, replace with a compatible part and reassemble.
⚠️ Safety First: Turn off both power and gas before beginning work

Test temperature sensor and replace if faulty

Moderate 30–60 minutes
Tools Needed: Multimeter, screwdriver
  1. Disconnect power and access temperature sensor.
  2. Use a multimeter to check resistance against manufacturer specification.
  3. If readings are outside range, replace sensor.
  4. Reassemble and test oven operation.
⚠️ Safety First: Power must be disconnected before handling internal components

Professional Repairs

Control board diagnosis and replacement

Estimated Cost: $150 - $400

Internal wiring inspection and repair

Estimated Cost: $100 - $300

When to Call a Professional

If the oven still does not heat after checking/replacing expected parts
If you are uncomfortable with electrical or gas component work
If control board or internal wiring issues are suspected

Preventive Maintenance

  • Regularly inspect and clean heating elements or burners: Build-up or early failure of heating components
    Frequency: annually
  • Ensure proper oven calibration: Inaccurate temperature regulation
    Frequency: annually

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Kenmore Oven not functioning properly?
Common causes include a faulty heating element, weak igniter, or temperature sensor issues.
How do I fix Kenmore Oven not functioning properly myself?
Inspect and replace the heating element or igniter; test the temperature sensor with a multimeter.
How much does it cost to fix not functioning properly?
Professional repairs can range from $150 to $400 for control board replacement.
When should I call a technician for not functioning properly?
If DIY solutions don't resolve the issue or if there are complex wiring problems.

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

100%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Control board issues (1 mentions)
  • Analog board errors (1 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Check for bad solder joints on the bottom of the control board.

    Success rate: 50.0%
Analysis based on 2 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. Fixing my Kenmore oven control board
  2. Kenmore Pro Oven won't stop beeping & having "errors"/shuts ...

Community Discussions

control board issues

Check for bad solder joints on the bottom of the control board.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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