Troubleshooting the Gas Oven When It Doesn’t Heat

Checking Circuit Breakers

You may find the fault is a circuit breaker tripping the stove’s electrical supply. The gas-powered oven requires electrical power for the timers and other components. If a circuit breaker has been tripped by accident, the furnace will not heat. The gas oven is connected to a circuit using a 15 or 20-amp breaker. It’s not a double pole (usually 50amp) breaker like the ones used on electric ovens. Your oven might have its breaker or be tied to a circuit for kitchen outlets or small appliances. If the breaker servicing the stove does not trip, then the next thing you should check is the ignition and gas supply.

Check Gas Supply

It is possible, but rare, that you have been unable to get your natural or propane gas for some reason. This happens often when the main gas supply valve is shut off for repair or replacement and not turned back on. Make sure the foremost gas and any branch line valves are turned ON. It’s possible that your gas valve has yet to be switched back on if you’ve just repaired or replaced your oven. The gas supply should be working correctly. If it is, check the gas igniter in the oven.

Check out the Igniter

The igniter in your oven may have gone wrong. When the oven is set to bake, in regular operation, the igniter will turn on and glow orange. Once the igniter is hot, the valve opens to send gas through the burner. The igniter turns on the gas from the burner, and the oven heats up. The stove will only light if the igniter is glowing hot enough. You’ll also likely smell some gas. Gas valves have safety mechanisms to shut off gas flow if the ignition system is not working. Turn off the circuit breakers for the oven, and then make sure that the clock, oven light, and other electrical features aren’t working. Remove the oven racks and the large metal plates (there could be more than one). The gas burner and ignition should be exposed. Check the igniter to see if the coil or other element is discolored. It can be a sign that the igniter is failing or has failed. You can observe the igniter when the oven is heating up if the igniter appears to be in good condition. Within a few moments, it should glow bright orange. If not, or if the gas doesn’t ignite quickly, you can turn off the oven and stop the ignition. If the igniter fails to pass the test, it will need replacing.

Check the temperature sensor

The temperature sensor in your oven thermostat may not be working correctly. The sensor measures the temperature inside the oven. The sensor is connected to a temperature control. When the resistance changes in the sensor, the temperature control turns the heating element on or off. It can cause several problems, including an uneven temperature in the oven or faulty readings. Remove the oven’s plug to check the sensor. Remove the thermostat from the stove. A multimeter is set to measure resistance with the lowest ohm value. A multimeter should be placed on the thermostat. The thermostat should be read. The temperature sensor will work if the reading is near zero or zero. The sensor may be better if the multimeter shows a reading.

Check the oven-safe valve

Gas valves or safety valves can fail if your oven is not heating. This part ensures gas is delivered only when the igniter heats up enough to ignite gas. A multimeter can be used for testing the electrical flow. Cut off the power source to the oven. Disconnect the safety valve wiring from the terminals. Touch the multimeter probes on one terminal and then on the other terminal. Multimeter readings between 0-5 ohms are acceptable. This is a sign that the safety device is in operation. Multimeter needles should remain still or show no change in digital reading. This means that the valve has a defect and needs to be changed.

How to Know When to Call A Professional

Hiring a professional to fix your gas stove is a good idea. Although you can troubleshoot the problem yourself, leaving it to a pro is best. If you suspect your gas oven is leaking, it’s essential to call an expert immediately. Gas leaks can lead to both fire and severe health issues.