What do I do if my oven won't turn on?

Author: Myriam Stark DVM  |  Last update: Tuesday, September 16, 2025

If your oven won't turn on but the stove works, it could be due to issues with the heating element, the thermostat, or electrical connections specific to the oven. It's best to check if the oven's circuit breaker hasn't tripped and to inspect the heating element for any signs of damage.

What would cause an oven to not turn on?

Possible reasons for an oven not working
  • Broken baking or broiling element. ...
  • Broken gas igniter. ...
  • Blown fuse. ...
  • Issue with the control board. ...
  • Outlets not providing enough power to the oven. ...
  • Safety valve not opening. ...
  • Temperature sensor not working properly. ...
  • Oven door not fully shutting or door sensor being broken.

How do you manually start an oven?

Use a grill lighter or long match to light the pilot light valve at the bottom of the oven. Some ovens are designed to be manually lit at each use. In this case, slowly turn the temperature knob while holding the flame to the pilot light valve. Close the oven door after the pilot light ignites.

Why is my oven not working but the stove top is electric?

In an electric range, the cause is either the thermostat/electronic range control or the bake (bottom) element or a broken wire. In a gas range, it is either the oven control or the ignitor or safety valve or a broken wire.

How do I reset an oven?

Turn the circuit breaker to the OFF position or remove the fuse. Wait one minute, then turn the circuit breaker back to the ON position or install the fuse to reset power to the appliance. This should reset the electronic controls on the Range or Wall Oven.

Top Reasons Oven Won't Turn On — Electric Oven Troubleshooting

Where is the fuse in my oven?

Inside the oven, look to the back to spot the fuse assembly. If the unit has this additional fuse or breaker system, components such as the oven light, the range heating elements, the timer, and a self-cleaning feature may be separately fused.

How do I get my oven to turn on?

Common reasons your oven is not turning on
  1. The main oven switch is on at the wall.
  2. Check that the oven is plugged in.
  3. Is the gas or electricity supply to your home intact?
  4. Check the fuse in the plug and your circuit breaker.

How to bake without electric oven?

Baking on a stove involves using a heavy-bottomed pan with a lid to create an oven-like temperature. Here's how you can do it: To follow this method, just use a thick-bottomed pan like a heavy skillet with a tight-fitting lid. Before baking the delicacies, place the pan on the stovetop over medium-low heat to preheat.

How can I get my oven to work?

Troubleshoot an oven that's not heating up
  1. Inspect circuit breaker. If your oven is not heating, it could be the result of a tripped circuit breaker. ...
  2. Check outlet. ...
  3. Inspect heating element (electric oven only) ...
  4. Check oven door seal. ...
  5. Locate temperature sensor. ...
  6. Examine igniter.

Why has my oven suddenly stopped working?

One of the most common causes of an oven not working is that the bake or broil elements have burned out, which causes the oven not to heat. The bake element is located at the bottom of the oven, while the broil element is located at the top. Both elements should glow bright red when working correctly.

How do I test if my oven is working?

Place a small amount of granulated sugar in an oven-proof dish or on a cookie sheet lined with aluminum foil. Place in oven for 15 minutes. If your oven is calibrated correctly, the sugar will melt. If your oven is running cold, the sugar will not melt.

Why is my oven display not turning on?

The most common reasons your oven display is not working are a defective electronic control board, defective control panel or a dead power supply.

How much to replace an oven igniter?

Igniter. You'll pay $150 to $250 to repair the igniter. Igniters are crucial parts of gas ovens, as they are responsible for igniting the gas to give heat and cook your food.

How do you fix an oven power failure?

For most electric ovens, you can try a general reset by disconnecting the oven from power for a few minutes and then reconnecting it. This simple trick can often resolve any issues caused by the power outage. Give it a try and see if your oven springs back to life!

Can you turn on an oven without electricity?

In the case of a power outage, you can light the surface burners on an Electric Ignition Gas Cooktop or Gas/Dual Fuel Range using a match. While the surface burners may be lit using a match, the oven cannot be manually lit when there is a power outage.

How to bake when your oven is broken?

Here are the three most popular methods of baking with a stove.
  1. Skillet. The almighty skillet is a multifaceted piece of hardware that can lend its cast-iron credentials to a variety of baked delights. ...
  2. Steaming. ...
  3. Dutch Oven.

How to cook with no power?

Here are 8 alternative ways you can cook without electricity:
  1. Solar Cooker. What better way to cook in nature than utilizing the power of the sun? ...
  2. Rocket Stoves. ...
  3. Open Fire. ...
  4. Folding Steel Stove. ...
  5. Kelly Kettle. ...
  6. Portable Butane Stoves. ...
  7. Volcano Stoves. ...
  8. Car Engine.

What to do when your oven won't turn on?

If your oven won't turn on but the stove works, it could be due to issues with the heating element, the thermostat, or electrical connections specific to the oven. It's best to check if the oven's circuit breaker hasn't tripped and to inspect the heating element for any signs of damage.

How long do ovens last?

The life expectancy of an electric oven is around 13 - 15 years. The life expectancy of a gas oven is around 15 years. The life expectancy of a dual-fuel oven is also around 15 years. However, the lifespan of these kitchen appliances depends on how frequently you use them.

How do you reset oven?

In summary, the steps to reset your electric oven include:
  1. Turn off the oven and cancel any active cycles.
  2. Locate the circuit breaker that controls the oven.
  3. Flip the breaker off to cut the power.
  4. Wait for 1 to 5 minutes to allow the system to reset.
  5. Flip the breaker back on and check the oven's functionality.

How do I know if a fuse is blown in my oven?

If the fuse is blown, the metal link under the glass surface is going to be blackened and broken. If you can't see this, then a multimeter can be used to test if the fuse is still working. The meter can be set to the continuity test and place the leads on the fuse's base and metal tip.

Do electric stoves have a reset button?

Reset Digital Displays: If your stove has a digital display, there may be a specific combination of buttons to press to reset the stove or clear any error codes. Check Circuit Breakers: Sometimes, a power outage can trip a circuit breaker.

Why won't my oven heat up?

If your oven isn't heating up, it may be because the igniter or heating element is damaged or isn't working properly. Make sure to inspect the temperature sensor for any visible damage and the gas line for any leaks or defects, as an unobstructed gas supply is essential for your oven to heat up effectively.

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