Whirlpool Oven Not Cooking? Try These Troubleshooting Steps

Is your Whirlpool oven refusing to heat up properly no matter what you try? Few things are more frustrating than an oven that won't get up to the right cooking temperature or heats unevenly. But before you call an expensive appliance repair technician, there are several DIY troubleshooting steps you can take to get your oven heating properly again.

With a few simple tools and safety checks, you can have your oven back to baking, broiling, and roasting in no time.

Check the Electrical Supply to the Oven

First, we need to make sure the oven is actually getting power. Start by unplugging the oven or turning off the circuit breaker for the oven. This gives you a safe workspace for the next steps. Check your electrical panel for any tripped breakers or blown fuses related to the oven circuit. If you find any issues, reset the breaker or replace the fuse.

Next, confirm the outlet itself has power by plugging in a small appliance like a lamp. If the outlet doesn't have power, you'll need to troubleshoot the electrical issue before going any further with oven repairs.

If the outlet checks out, plug the oven back in fully and turn the power back on. Check for signs of life like the control display illuminating or the interior oven light turning on. If you don't see these indicators, there still may be a problem with the electrical supply.

Inspect the Oven Door Gasket Seal

If the oven has electrical power but still isn't heating up, another likely culprit is a damaged door gasket. This rubber seal circles the perimeter of the oven door, preventing hot air from escaping. If the gasket is torn or otherwise compromised, it can't maintain the proper air temperature inside the oven.

To check the door gasket, close the oven door and press firmly all the way around the door edges. You shouldn't notice any air leakage. If you do feel air escaping from any point around the door, that indicates a failure of the gasket seal.

Replacing a faulty oven door gasket is a straightforward repair. Carefully detach the old gasket from the door groove and discard it. Measure the length of the old gasket, then purchase a new one of the same size. Carefully press the new gasket into place in the door groove, forming a consistent seal all the way around.

Adjust the Oven Door Hinges if Needed

In some cases, a door gasket leak can result from misaligned oven door hinges. If simply replacing the gasket doesn't solve the issue, try adjusting the door hinges to help the door form a tighter seal. Loosen the hinge screws, reposition the door, then retighten the hinges.

Test the Bake Element in Electric Ovens

Electric ovens rely on heating elements to create the high temperatures needed for baking and roasting. The bake element is located at the bottom of the oven, while the broil element is at the top. Issues with either of these can prevent proper heating.

To check your bake element, set your oven to 300degF and allow it to preheat for 10 minutes. Carefully peer inside the oven - you should see the element glowing red when functioning correctly. If the element remains dark, it likely needs to be replaced.

Replacing an oven bake element is a more involved but still doable DIY repair. Start by unplugging the oven and removing the rear access panel. Locate the electrical terminals for the element and detach the wiring. Remove the retaining screws to fully remove the element.

Install the new replacement bake element, secure it with the retaining screws, and reattach the wiring. Replace the back panel, plug in the oven, and confirm it heats up properly. Be sure to use extreme caution when working with electrical components.

Inspect the Broil Element in Electric Ovens

You'll want to conduct a similar test of the top oven broil element. Set the oven to broil and let it preheat for a few minutes. The broil element should glow red just like the bake element. If it doesn't, turning on the broiler may not generate enough heat for proper searing and browning.

Replacing a faulty broil element follows the same process, except you'll access the element from inside the oven instead of the back panel. With the element wiring detached, you should be able to maneuver the element out for replacement.

Examine the Igniter in Gas Ovens

Gas ovens don't rely on electric elements for heat, but instead utilize gas burners that require ignition. At the base of each burner is an igniter that sparks to light the gas. If this igniter component fails, the oven won't be able to generate any flame.

Start by removing the bottom oven panel to visually inspect the bake burner igniter. Turn the oven on and carefully observe whether the igniter is sparking as it should. No visible spark likely means the igniter needs replacing.

Use care when handling a gas oven igniter, as it contains fragile parts. Detach the wiring from the igniter assembly and remove the retaining screws. Install the new igniter, reconnect the wiring, and test it to confirm normal sparking function.

Check Gas Valves and Supply

If the igniter is working but the gas burners fail to ignite, there may be an issue with the gas valves or supply lines. Ensure the shut-off valve is open and supply hoses are intact. Clogged valves may need cleaning. Call a technician for gas-related repairs.

Adjust the Oven Temperature Sensor

The interior oven temperature sensor measures air temp and communicates this to the control board. If the sensor is positioned incorrectly, your oven may struggle to maintain the right heat.

To test for a sensor issue, set your oven to 350degF and allow it to preheat fully. Place an independent oven-safe thermometer inside and compare its reading to the oven display. Consistent temperature discrepancies indicate the sensor needs repositioning.

Locate the sensor probe, typically on the top rear oven wall. Carefully detach the probe and use aluminum tape to reposition it away from the walls, securing it in the center of the cavity. Test your thermometer vs. display readings again, and repeat adjustment if still needed.

Replace a Faulty Temperature Sensor

If the oven thermometer varies widely from the display even after repositioning the sensor, the sensor itself may be defective. Removing and replacing the sensor requires wiring disconnection and reattachment. Refer to your model's service manual for full sensor replacement instructions.

Check for Error Codes

Many modern Whirlpool oven models feature an electronic control board that can diagnose issues and display error codes. Consult your owner's manual for specific instructions on reading error codes.

While codes vary by model, common alerts include F1 for a faulty touchpad, F3 for a stuck key, and F4 for an open oven sensor circuit. Error codes can help you pinpoint the issue when basic troubleshooting steps don't solve it.

Reset the Oven's Computer

In some cases, turning the oven circuit breaker off for 30 seconds can reset the computer and clear any lingering error codes preventing operation. This allows you to restart the troubleshooting process from scratch.

Inspect the Internal Fuse

Your oven may have an additional fuse connected to the control board that could blow and stop power. Locate this fuse housing on the back of the range, unscrew the cover, and check if the small wire inside is broken.

If the internal fuse appears blown, turn the breaker off and replace the fuse with a new one of the same size and amperage. Get the specific replacement part number from your oven's model tag.

When to Call an Appliance Repair Technician

While the steps above can address the most common DIY Whirlpool oven problems, some issues require a professional repair technician if you can't resolve them yourself. Calling in an expert is wise if:

• The oven issue persists after trying all applicable troubleshooting
• The repair involves accessing dangerous electrical components
• You don't have the technical skill for complex repairs
• Error codes indicate parts needing replacement you can't source
• You want an expert diagnosis of intermittent oven problems

Whirlpool oven repairs like replacing touchpad assemblies or damaged relays are often best left to those with electrical appliance repair expertise. Technicians also have the tools and know-how to get your oven back up and running quickly and safely.

While oven repairs are sometimes unavoidable, keeping up with basic maintenance can maximize the lifespan of your Whirlpool appliance and avoid breakdowns.

Here are some oven maintenance tips to try:

• Self-clean the oven regularly to burn off grease and grime
• Use a mild detergent and soft brush to clean door gaskets
• Visually inspect elements, igniters and fans for damage
• Keep oven exterior and interior surfaces clean
• Have a technician inspect gas fittings and supply lines annually

You can get many years of reliable service with proper care. We hope these troubleshooting tips help get your oven heating properly again without breaking the bank on repairs.