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Kenmore oven not heating

When you’re ready to prepare dinner, there’s nothing more frustrating than realizing your Kenmore oven is not heating. Whether it’s refusing to warm up at all or simply not reaching the right temperature, a non-heating oven can bring your entire kitchen routine to a halt. The good news? This is a common issue many homeowners face, and it’s often fixable.

In this guide, we’ll explore why your Kenmore oven may not be heating, walk through common DIY troubleshooting tips, and explain when it’s best to call in a professional.
 

Key reasons for the problem:

%

50% of reported issues are the

Faulty Bake Elementquestion

%

30% of reported issues are the

Defective Igniterquestion

%

15% of reported issues are the

Control Board Issuesquestion

%

5% of reported issues are the

All Other Causesquestion

Diagnostic and troubleshooting steps

Kenmore oven not heating? Follow the steps below to troubleshoot common problems like a faulty igniter, broken bake element, or malfunctioning thermostat.

Diagnostic & Troubleshooting
Inspect the Heating Elements

Step 1:

Inspect the Heating Elements

  • Look at the bake and broil elements for visible signs of damage. If they look cracked or blistered, they may need replacement.
     
Test the Igniter (For Gas Ovens)

Step 2:

Test the Igniter (For Gas Ovens)

  • Turn on your oven and listen. If the igniter clicks but there’s no flame, it may be faulty.
  • Replacing an igniter is a common fix and can often be done with basic tools.
     
Check the Oven Temperature Sensor

Step 3:

Check the Oven Temperature Sensor

  • Use a multimeter to test the resistance of the sensor. 
  • Typically, it should read about 1100 ohms at room temperature. If not, it might be time to replace it.
     
Reset the Power

Step 4:

Reset the Power

  • Unplug the oven or flip the breaker off and on again. Sometimes, a simple power reset can resolve software glitches in the control board.
Review Oven Settings

Step 5:

Review Oven Settings

  • It might sound simple, but double-check your settings. 
  • Make sure the oven isn’t set to "Delay Start" or "Sabbath Mode," which can prevent it from heating.
     

Key actions for homeowners:

  • Clean the oven regularly. Built-up grime or food debris can cause sensors and igniters to malfunction.
  • Avoid slamming the door as it can damage the control panel and sensor alignment.
  • Schedule routine maintenance.
     
Diagnostic & Troubleshooting
Diagnostic & Troubleshooting

Most common repairs needed to fix a kenmore oven

When your oven is not heating, certain repairs are more commonly required than others. Below are the most frequent fixes:
 

    • Reset the Oven’s Circuit Breaker: If your oven isn’t heating at all, a simple but often overlooked issue may be a tripped circuit breaker. Power surges or electrical issues can cause the breaker to trip, preventing your oven from turning on. Check the circuit breaker panel and flip the breaker off and then on again to reset it. If the breaker trips repeatedly, it could be a sign of an underlying electrical problem, which may require the help of a professional technician to resolve.
    • Verify the Oven’s Bake Mode Setting: If your Kenmore oven is still not heating, double-check the settings to make sure the oven is properly set to bake or broil mode. Sometimes the issue can be as simple as the oven being inadvertently set to a non-heating function, like "Delay Start" or "Sabbath Mode." Verify that the correct settings are selected and restart the oven to see if it heats up properly. This quick step can save you time before diving into more complex troubleshooting.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why is my Kenmore oven not heating, even though it’s getting power?

    If your Kenmore oven isn’t heating but is receiving power, there are several possible causes. For electric ovens, the heating element could be damaged, while gas ovens may have a faulty igniter. It could also be a malfunctioning temperature sensor, control board issue, or even a tripped circuit breaker. Start by checking the heating element or igniter, testing the temperature sensor, and resetting the circuit breaker. If these don’t solve the problem, it’s best to consult a technician.

  • How can I tell if the heating element in my electric Kenmore oven is faulty?

    A common sign of a faulty heating element in an electric oven is visible damage, like cracks or blisters on the surface. You can also use a multimeter to check for continuity; if the element shows no continuity, it needs to be replaced. If your oven isn't heating evenly or at all, this could be the culprit.

  • My Kenmore gas oven isn't heating. Could the igniter be the issue?

    Yes, a faulty igniter is a common reason why a gas oven doesn’t heat. The igniter’s role is to ignite the gas, and if it’s weak or worn out, your oven may not reach the proper temperature. You can inspect the igniter by turning on the oven and listening for a clicking sound. If you don’t hear a spark or smell gas without ignition, the igniter may need to be replaced.

  • Should I repair my Kenmore oven myself or hire a professional?

     While minor issues like inspecting and replacing a heating element or igniter can be tackled as DIY projects, more complex problems—such as a malfunctioning control board or wiring issues—are better handled by a professional. If you're uncomfortable working with electrical components or gas parts, it's safer to contact an appliance technician.

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