Whirlpool Oven: not holding temperature

Possible Causes

Faulty temperature sensor

How to Identify: Temperature fluctuates widely despite calibration; multimeter resistance test outside expected range; inaccurate sensor readings.

Part: Oven temperature sensor/thermistor

Igniter weakness (gas ovens)

How to Identify: Weak or slow glowing igniter; oven struggles to maintain heat; temperature drop >40°F before reignition.

Part: Gas oven igniter

Incorrect oven calibration

How to Identify: Accurate sensor and elements but oven reads consistently high/low; adjusting calibration settings improves performance.

Part: Control panel calibration settings

Door seal/gasket failure

How to Identify: Heat escaping around door edges; visible cracks or gaps in seal; uneven heating near seals.

Part: Oven door gasket/seal

DIY Solutions

Test and Replace Temperature Sensor

Moderate 30–60 minutes

Tools Needed: multimeter, screwdriver

1. Disconnect power to oven.
2. Locate temperature sensor (usually rear of oven interior).
3. Test sensor resistance with multimeter; compare to expected range.
4. Replace sensor if out of range and reassemble.

⚠️ Safety First: Disconnect power before working on electrical components.

Inspect and Replace Heating Element (Electric)

Moderate 30–60 minutes

Tools Needed: multimeter, screwdriver

1. Disconnect power and remove oven racks.
2. Visually inspect heating element for damage.
3. Test continuity with multimeter.
4. Replace element if no continuity, then reconnect and test oven.

⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power is off to avoid shock.

Adjust Temperature Calibration

Easy 10–20 minutes

1. Refer to Whirlpool manual for your model’s calibration procedure.
2. Enter calibration mode via control panel.
3. Adjust temperature offset up or down in small increments.
4. Save settings and test oven temperature.

⚠️ Safety First: Follow model-specific calibration instructions.

Professional Repairs

Replace Oven Igniter (Gas Models)

Estimated Cost: $50–$150 (part) plus labor

Control Board Diagnosis and Replacement

Estimated Cost: $150–$400

Door Gasket/Seal Replacement

Estimated Cost: $20–$60

When to Call a Professional

Gas leak smell or suspected gas component issues

Error codes on control panel related to temperature regulation

After DIY tests parts are functional but issue persists

Preventive Maintenance

• Check door gasket condition: Heat loss and temperature fluctuation
  Frequency: annually
• Clean interior and sensor: Sensor reading errors due to buildup
  Frequency: monthly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Whirlpool Oven not holding temperature?

Common causes include a faulty temperature sensor, weak igniter in gas ovens, and incorrect calibration.

How do I fix Whirlpool Oven not holding temperature myself?

You can test and replace the temperature sensor, inspect the heating element, or adjust the temperature calibration.

How much does it cost to fix not holding temperature?

Professional repairs can cost between $50–$400 depending on the issue, like igniter replacement or control board diagnosis.

When should I call a technician for not holding temperature?

If DIY fixes are unsuccessful or the issue involves complex components like the control board, it's best to consult a professional.

References & Sources

• Oven Temperature Incorrect (Too Hot or Too Cold) - Whirlpool Official

Can I Fix This Myself?

50%

DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

• Oven sensor issue (2 mentions)
• Control board malfunction (1 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

1. Test the oven sensor resistance

   Success rate: 50.0%

2. Replace igniter or gas valve if necessary

   Success rate: 0.0%

Community Discussions

Oven gets up to set temperature but doesn't hold temperature

Test the oven sensor resistance; if good, it's a control issue; if not, the sensor is the problem.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair