If your oven is not turning on, it can quickly disrupt your daily routine — especially when you’re preparing a meal. At Appliance Forever, we help homeowners diagnose common oven problems and determine whether a simple fix or professional repair is required.
Below are the most common causes of an oven not powering on and practical troubleshooting steps to restore proper operation.
1. Check for Power Supply Issues
One of the most frequent reasons an oven will not turn on is a power problem.
- Ensure the oven is properly plugged in
- Check the circuit breaker for a tripped switch
- Inspect for a blown fuse
- Look for outlet damage or burn marks
If the breaker has tripped, reset it and test the oven again. Electric ovens and cooktops may operate on separate circuits, so burners working does not always mean the oven is receiving power.
2. Faulty Control Panel or Electronic Control Board
A malfunctioning control board or oven timer can prevent the appliance from starting.
Try resetting the oven by turning off power at the breaker for 5–10 minutes, then restoring power. If the display shows error codes or remains unresponsive, the control board may require professional replacement.
3. Blown Thermal Fuse
The thermal fuse protects your oven from overheating. If it blows, the oven will not operate.
This component must be tested with a multimeter. Because it involves internal electrical parts, professional service is recommended for safe diagnosis and replacement.
4. Broken Bake or Broil Heating Element (Electric Ovens)
Electric ovens rely on bake and broil elements to generate heat.
Inspect for:
- Visible cracks or blisters
- Sections that do not glow red
- Uneven heating
If the element is damaged, it will need replacement.
5. Igniter or Gas Supply Issues (Gas Ovens)
In gas ovens, a faulty igniter is a common cause of failure to start.
The igniter should:
- Glow bright orange
- Produce consistent ignition
If it does not glow or fails to ignite gas, replacement is required. Gas line inspections should always be handled by a licensed professional due to safety risks.
6. Oven Door or Door Sensor Problems
Modern ovens include safety mechanisms that prevent operation if the door is not fully closed.
Check for:
- Misaligned door hinges
- Damaged door latch
- Faulty door sensor
Minor alignment issues may be corrected at home. Sensor replacement typically requires professional repair.
7. Temperature Sensor Malfunction
The temperature sensor monitors internal oven temperature.
If misaligned or defective, the oven may:
- Fail to start
- Heat incorrectly
- Shut off unexpectedly
The sensor is usually located at the rear interior wall and should not touch the oven wall.
8. Internal Electrical Component Failure
Control boards, wiring, relays, or safety switches can fail over time.
Signs include:
- Oven completely unresponsive
- Error codes that do not clear
- Intermittent power loss
Electrical diagnostics should only be performed by qualified technicians.
DIY vs Professional Repair: When to Call an Expert
Safe DIY Repairs
- Resetting circuit breaker
- Replacing oven light bulb
- Inspecting heating element for visible damage
- Checking power connection
Repairs That Require Professional Service
- Thermal fuse replacement
- Control board repair
- Igniter replacement (gas ovens)
- Gas line inspection
- Electrical wiring issues
Always prioritize safety. Gas and high-voltage components should never be handled without proper training.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my electric oven not turn on but burners work?
The oven and cooktop may operate on separate circuits. Check the oven breaker and internal fuses.
Can a blown fuse stop my oven from turning on?
Yes. A blown thermal fuse cuts power to prevent overheating.
How do I know if the igniter is faulty?
If it does not glow or fails to ignite gas, replacement is required.
Is it worth repairing an older oven?
If repair costs exceed 50% of a new appliance’s price, replacement may be more cost-effective.
When to Consider Oven Replacement
If your oven is over 12–15 years old, frequently malfunctioning, or lacks modern energy-efficient features, replacement may be the smarter investment.
Appliance Forever provides both professional oven repair and expert installation of new appliances throughout the Greater Toronto Area.
Restore Your Kitchen with Appliance Forever
If your oven refuses to turn on and troubleshooting does not resolve the issue, professional diagnosis ensures safe and reliable repair.
Contact Appliance Forever today to schedule expert oven repair service and get your kitchen back to full functionality.
