Oven Won't Heat but Burners and Broiler Work – What to Check and How to Fix It

Understanding the Problem

Brief explanation: If the cooktop burners and the broiler function but the oven (bake) won't heat, the problem is usually isolated to the oven bake circuit or control — not to the entire range. For electric ranges the bake element, oven thermostat/sensor, control board or a thermal fuse/selector may have failed. For gas ranges the igniter (or its circuit) or the safety/gas valve is often the cause. Step-by-step diagnostic & repair steps: 1) Confirm model type and power source - Find the model and serial number (usually on the oven frame or behind the drawer). Confirm whether your range is electric or gas — troubleshooting differs. 2) Gather basic tools & safety first - Tools: multimeter, non-contact voltage tester, screwdriver set, nut driver, flashlight, needle-nose pliers. - Safety: Shut off power at the breaker for electric ranges. For gas ovens, shut the gas supply and work in a ventilated area. Always disconnect power/gas before opening panels. 3) Visual inspection - Remove oven racks and look at the bake element (bottom) for blisters, breaks or burnt spots. Check wiring to the element and connectors for burns or loose terminals. For gas ovens inspect the igniter and burner tube for debris. 4) Test the bake element (electric ovens) - Remove access panel and disconnect the element. Use a multimeter set to ohms and check continuity across the element terminals. A healthy element typically shows low resistance (a few ohms to a few tens of ohms depending on model). An open circuit (OL) means the element is bad — replace it. - If the element has continuity, next test for voltage at the element terminals while the oven is set to bake (power ON, take extreme caution). You should see ~240VAC across the two element terminals. If voltage is present but no heat, the element is faulty even if it had continuity; if no voltage, the problem is upstream (control board, selector switch, or thermal fuse). 5) Test the thermostat/oven temperature sensor (electric) - Locate the sensor (thin probe inside the oven back wall). With oven cold, unplug sensor and test resistance with a multimeter (typical values around 1000–1100 ohms at 21°C but check your manual). Erratic or open values indicate a bad sensor — replace. 6) Check the thermal cutout / thermal fuse (if present) - Some models include a thermal fuse or cutout in the bake circuit. Test continuity. If open, replace the fuse and investigate overheating causes. 7) Test the control board or bake relay - If element and sensor check out but element never gets 240VAC when calling for heat, the control board or its bake relay can be faulty. Inspect for burnt components on the board. Replace the control board/clock/console if its relay is not closing. (If you’re not confident testing live circuits, get a technician.) 8) Gas oven specific checks - Watch the igniter when you select Bake. A working hot surface igniter should glow bright orange and then the gas valve opens. If the igniter glows weakly or never reaches full glow, it may not draw enough current to open the gas valve — replace igniter. - If igniter glows normally but no gas flow, the safety/gas valve could be faulty. Also check the spark module (if applicable) and wiring to the igniter. 9) Wiring and connectors - Inspect all wiring harnesses and terminal blocks for loose or burnt connections. Tighten and replace damaged wires/terminals as needed. 10) Final test after repair - Reassemble panels, restore power/gas, set oven to bake and verify oven heats and holds temperature. Use an oven thermometer to confirm actual temps. How to fix (common fixes): - Electric bake element: remove lower oven panel, unscrew element terminals, disconnect wires, install new element, reattach wires and panel. - Oven sensor: remove screws holding sensor through the back wall, unplug connector, install new sensor and test. - Thermal fuse: locate on control housing, replace with exact spec part. - Control board/relay: replace console or main board per model instructions (match part number). - Gas igniter: turn off gas, remove oven bottom plate, unplug igniter, unscrew mount, install new igniter, reconnect and test. Safety note: Always disconnect electrical power at the breaker and shut off gas before servicing. If you are uncomfortable testing live voltages or replacing gas components, hire a qualified appliance technician. Incorrect repairs on gas or high-voltage electric systems can cause fire, explosion, or electrocution.

Common Symptoms

Oven bake does not heat while burners and broiler work; oven may not reach set temperature, display may show normal clock, no error code, or ignition attempts (gas).

Common Causes

• Failed bake heating element (electric oven)
• Weak or failed igniter or gas safety valve (gas oven)
• Faulty oven temperature sensor / thermostat
• Open thermal fuse or blown internal fuse
• Failed control board or bake relay
• Loose or burnt wiring/terminal connections

Popular Parts That Fix This Problem

These are the most common replacement parts that fix this problem. When you're ready to order, click below to find the right part at ProsourceParts.com — just search by your appliance model number for a guaranteed fit.

Frequently Asked Questions