Whirlpool Oven: not heating properly

Possible Causes

Faulty heating element (electric ovens)

How to Identify: Visible damage on element, element not glowing red when heating, no continuity measured with multimeter

Part: Bake / broil heating element

Faulty temperature sensor or thermostat

How to Identify: Incorrect temperature readings, oven not reaching set temperature despite element heating, thermostat fails continuity test

Part: Oven temperature sensor / thermostat

Control board malfunction

How to Identify: Unresponsive controls, intermittent heating, display errors, no heat despite good element and sensor

Part: Oven electronic control board

Faulty wiring or loose connections

How to Identify: Burnt/melted insulation, loose or disconnected wires behind back panel, intermittent heating

Part: Internal wiring harness

Gas oven igniter failure (gas models)

How to Identify: Igniter fails to glow or ignite gas, slow heat buildup, no sustained flame

Part: Igniter

DIY Solutions

Inspect and Replace Heating Element

Moderate 30-60 minutes

Tools Needed: screwdriver, multimeter

1. Disconnect power at breaker.
2. Remove back or bottom panel to access heating element.
3. Visually inspect for breaks or burn marks and test continuity with multimeter.
4. If no continuity, disconnect wires and replace with correct Whirlpool element.
5. Reassemble and restore power, test oven heating.

⚠️ Safety First: Always disconnect power before servicing.

Test and Replace Temperature Sensor or Thermostat

Moderate 30-60 minutes

Tools Needed: screwdriver, multimeter

1. Turn off power at breaker.
2. Access and remove thermostat/sensor from oven interior.
3. Test with multimeter for resistance outside normal range.
4. Replace with correct Whirlpool sensor if faulty.
5. Reassemble and restore power to test oven heating.

⚠️ Safety First: Disconnect power before work.

Reset Oven Control Board

Easy 5 minutes

1. Turn off oven breaker for one minute.
2. Turn breaker back on.
3. Press Cancel to reset controls then set desired temperature.

⚠️ Safety First: Simple reset; doesn’t fix hardware failure.

Professional Repairs

Replace Oven Control Board

Estimated Cost: $150 - $400

Professional Inspection and Repair of Gas Igniter

Estimated Cost: $120 - $300

Internal Wiring Repair

Estimated Cost: $100 - $300

When to Call a Professional

Gas smell or suspected gas leak

Electrical arcing, burnt wiring smell

Multiple component failures suspected or safety concerns

Preventive Maintenance

• Regularly inspect oven heating elements: Avoid sudden failures due to wear
  Frequency: annually
• Clean oven interior and door seals: Improves heat retention and consistent temperature
  Frequency: monthly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Whirlpool Oven not heating properly?

Common causes include a faulty heating element, temperature sensor, or gas igniter failure.

How do I fix Whirlpool Oven not heating properly myself?

Inspect and replace the heating element or temperature sensor, or reset the oven control board.

How much does it cost to fix not heating properly?

Professional repairs can range from $100 to $400 depending on the issue.

When should I call a technician for not heating properly?

If DIY solutions fail or if the issue involves complex parts like the control board.

References & Sources

• Why is my oven not heating up? - Whirlpool Official

Can I Fix This Myself?

33%

DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Professional

Common Issues Reported by Users

• Temperature sensor malfunction (2 mentions)
• Control board issues (2 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

1. Replace the stuck control module for the burner.

   Success rate: 25.0%

Community Discussions

oven top runs full all the time

Replace the stuck control module for the burner.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair