Dealing with an electric oven that won’t turn off can be really frustrating. This appliance is important in our kitchens, and when it stops working right, it can mess up our cooking plans. Knowing what usually causes this problem to your Viking oven or a different brand can help you figure out what to do next. There are several oven components that might be the issue, such as broken thermostats or faulty control boards. Let’s look at the possible reasons why electric ovens won’t turn off.
7 Common Reasons Your Electric Oven Remains On
Dealing with an electric oven that won’t turn off can be a hassle and a safety issue. This problem can come from different reasons, so it’s important to check your oven’s parts and how they work. Stay safe and be careful before doing any fixes. Always unplug the oven from the circuit breaker first.
While some problems may need a skilled technician, knowing common reasons can help you handle the situation better. Let’s look at seven usual causes for your electric oven not shutting down.
1. Malfunctioning temperature sensor
The temperature sensor is very important for controlling your electric oven’s heating system. This small part checks the oven’s internal temperature and sends this information to the oven control board. If the temperature sensor fails, it might give wrong readings to the control board. This could cause the oven to overheat and keep running. The oven might not reach the right temperature or realize when it does, which leads to nonstop heating.
Replacing a broken temperature sensor is usually not something you can do by yourself; it often needs a professional like us at Viking Appliance Repair Pros. A skilled technician can find the problem, get the right replacement part, and install it properly. If you ignore a faulty temperature sensor, the issue can get worse. This could damage other oven components and create safety risks.
2. Faulty control board or thermostat
The control board is the main part of your electric oven. It is often called the “brain” of the appliance. This electronic piece controls different oven functions, like setting temperatures and heating cycles. If the control board stops working, your oven may not turn off properly.
A bad thermostat can cause issues too. The thermostat keeps the oven at the right temperature. If it gets stuck or damaged, it may not know when to stop heating. Fixing a broken control board or thermostat usually needs a professional. These parts have complex wiring, so it’s important to hire a skilled technician for safe and proper repairs.
3. Broken door switch or latch
The door switch is an important safety part in electric ovens. It stops power to the heating elements when the door is open. If this switch does not work, it may not tell the oven to stop heating, even if the door isn’t closed right. This can cause the oven to keep heating, which may damage it and create safety risks.
A broken or misplaced door latch can cause the same problem. If the latch does not hold the door tightly, the oven may think it is still open. This stops the door switch from working, leading to heating that won’t stop. You should check the door switch and latch for any signs of damage or if they are out of place. If you find a problem, it is best to get help from a professional for repair or replacement.
4. Stuck relay or contactor
Relays and contactors are electrical switches that control the electricity flowing to the heating parts in your electric oven. They are important for turning the heating elements on and off, based on commands from the control board. Over time, relays and contactors can wear out, get jammed, or have electrical problems. This can cause the oven to heat without stopping.
If a relay or contactor is stuck, it may still let electricity flow even when the oven is turned off. This means the oven will keep heating. Finding and fixing stuck relays or contactors need special skills and tools. If you think you have this issue, it’s important to talk to a qualified electrician or appliance repair expert. They can safely check these parts and do any necessary repairs or replacements.
5. Dirty or damaged oven seal
The oven seal is a gasket-like part that goes around the oven door. It is very important for keeping the door closed tightly. When the seal is tight, it holds heat inside. This helps cook food well and stops heat from escaping. If the oven seal gets dirty or damaged, it won’t work as it should.
If the oven door doesn’t close properly, it can mess up how the oven heats. This can even cause the oven to not turn off as needed. The oven control board might think the door is still open because of the bad seal. This stops it from turning off the heating parts. To keep your oven working well and using energy smartly, check the seal often. Look for wear, dirt, or damage.
6. Power supply issues
Sometimes, there can be issues with the oven’s power supply that make it hard to shut off. Problems like electrical surges, bad wiring, or a broken power cord can stop electricity from flowing to the oven. These problems can lead to changing power levels, which can also affect the bake element and broil element. This can mess with the oven control board and stop it from working properly to turn off the heating elements.
If you think there’s a power supply issue, it’s important to talk to a qualified electrician. They can check your home’s electrical system and the oven’s wiring. You should also look at the circuit breaker for your oven. If the breaker has tripped, it can cut off power. Resetting it might fix the problem.
7. User error or incorrect settings
In today’s world of digital tools and complex appliance settings, mistakes can happen. Sometimes, an oven might not turn off as it should. Before thinking there’s a big problem, check the oven’s settings and controls. It might just be an easy mistake.
New electric ovens often have different cooking modes, timers, and delay-start options. Make sure the oven isn’t set for a delayed start or for a certain cooking time. Also, check if the timer is accidentally turned on, which can keep the oven running when it should shut off. Getting to know your oven’s user manual can help you understand its features and settings better. This knowledge can help avoid these kinds of problems.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is very important to understand why electric ovens won’t turn off. Knowing the reasons can help keep you safe and make your kitchen work better. The problem can be due to broken sensors or mistakes made by the user. Finding the issue quickly can stop more damage from happening. If this problem keeps happening, it’s a good idea to get help from Viking Appliance Repair Pros. We can find and fix what’s wrong. A well-cared-for oven helps you cook efficiently and keeps your home safe. For more tips on appliance care, visit our blog on Why Your Oven Won’t Preheat & How to Fix It.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Do If My Electric Oven Won’t Turn Off?
If your electric oven does not turn off, quickly turn off the power at the circuit breaker. After that, unplug the appliance. Do not use the oven. Instead, reach out to a qualified technician to check the problem and make any needed repairs.
Can a Stuck Oven Button Cause the Oven to Stay On?
A stuck oven button can make the oven stay on. This occurs when the button doesn’t work right and keeps telling the control board that it’s pressed. You can usually see a stuck button by looking at the control panel. It’s important to fix or change it.
How Can I Prevent Future Issues with My Electric Oven Not Turning Off?
Taking care of your electric oven is important. It can stop problems from happening later on. Clean the oven regularly and check the door seal for any damage. Also, make sure to have a trained technician inspect it now and then. This way, you can spot any issues early.