9 possible reasons why your oven is not turning on

The baking or broiling element in your oven is one of the components responsible for generating heat to cook your food. In an electric oven, these components are metal coils that heat the oven and are positioned at the top and the bottom of the appliance. When electricity passes through these coils, they get hot and produce the necessary heat for cooking. 

If these elements are broken or damaged, your oven may not heat up at all or may heat unevenly, leading to under or overcooked food. To check whether the baking or broiling element is the culprit, start by turning off the oven, allowing the elements to completely cool, and then carefully inspecting them for any signs of damage, such as blisters or holes in the metal. 

You can also turn on the oven and observe if the element has a red glow. Additionally, you can use a multimeter tool to help confirm whether the elements are receiving power or not. If the bake or broil element is not functioning correctly, this could be the reason for your oven malfunction.

To fix the issue, you'll need the help of a licensed professional. If you have a Whirlpool® oven, visit the help desk to schedule a service appointment. 

If you have a gas oven, a broken or clogged gas igniter could be one of the reasons for the oven not working. You can check if the igniter is faulty by turning the power off and looking for any visible damage or wear and tear. You can then turn it back on and observe if the igniter glows orange. If there’s an orange glow or bright bluish-white sparks coming from the igniter, but the gas does not ignite, it’s a clear indication that the gas igniter is broken and needs replacement.

It's essential to exercise caution while handling gas appliances and it's recommended to seek professional assistance to ensure safety.

If the oven is not turning on, it could be due to a blown fuse. A blown fuse will cut off the power supply and the oven won’t turn on. To help determine if the thermal fuse is the culprit, you can use a multimeter to test it. If it is faulty, it will also cut off power to the oven and cause it to not turn on. 

Testing the thermal fuse with a multimeter can help you identify if it needs replacing. If this is the case, it's recommended to contact a professional technician to handle the repair.

The control board, also known as the clock or timer, regulates the oven’s temperature and settings. If the control board is faulty, the oven may not turn on. Your oven’s owner’s manual can be a helpful resource when dealing with issues with the control board. It can guide you on how to access the control panel and identify the components that control the oven. Always consult a professional if in doubt.

An electric oven requires a high amount of power to operate correctly. It needs 240 volts of alternating electrical current, while a gas oven only needs 120 volts. Usually, the outlet should provide enough power if the oven's display or sensors are working correctly. 

If you find that your oven display is not working, one possible cause could be a tripped circuit breaker. Another potential issue could be a faulty outlet. Signs of a faulty outlet may include discoloration, such as black spots or misshapen plastic. To troubleshoot the issue, you can start by checking the circuit breaker and inspecting the outlet for any visible damage.

If the outlet is not providing enough power, the electric oven won’t turn on. In this case, you may need to reset the circuit breaker or contact an electrician to fix the issue.

In gas ovens, a safety valve helps regulate the flow of gas. If the safety valve is faulty or not opening, the gas won’t ignite and the oven won’t turn on. To help fix the issue, you may need to replace the safety valve. As always with gas appliances, it’s best to call a professional for assistance.

The temperature sensor tracks the temperature of the oven and helps ensure that it stays at the desired setting. If the temperature sensor is faulty, it may not be able to read the temperature correctly. This could be the reason for the oven not turning on. To fix the issue, you may need to have the temperature sensor replaced by a professional.

If the oven door is not fully shut or the door sensor is broken, the oven may not turn on. To help troubleshoot the issue, check if the door is fully closed. If the sensor is broken, it may need to be replaced.

Other possible issues may include a faulty infinite switch, a burnt wire connection or a defective control thermostat. If none of the above issues seems to be the problem, it’s best to call a professional for assistance in diagnosing and fixing the issue.