4 Most Common Kitchen Range Repair Problems

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There’s no question about it, range repair problems are irritating! Unfortunately, sometimes they are unavoidable, so it’s best to be prepared for them. Knowing the most common kitchen range repair problems and their likely causes can help you diagnose and perhaps fix the issue if it arises.

4 Reason Your Range Isn’t Working: Most Common Kitchen Range Repair Problems

Range surface element won’t turn off

One of the most common kitchen range repair problems we see is surface elements that stay on.

First, check for visible damage to the exterior of your range surface element. It’s also possible that the element has shorted out, which can be determined by testing for continuity with a multimeter. In either of these cases, the surface element will need to be replaced.

If the surface element itself has been ruled out as the cause, it’s likely due to a faulty surface element switch. It’s possible for the electrical contacts inside of the switch to fuse together, causing the switch to continuously send power to the surface element. When this happens, it needs to be replaced.

Range vent hood doesn’t vent to the outside

Begin by turning on the vent hood and examine if the fan blade is spinning. If it’s not spinning properly (or at all), check to see if the fan blade is properly tightened to the motor shaft. Also, look for any obstructions and ensure the filters are clean. Otherwise, the exhaust fan will need to be tested for continuity. If it’s receiving power but the blade still isn’t turning, that motor will need to be replaced.

Stove burner won’t light

If the stove burner won’t light on your range, it’s likely due to at least one of the following parts: spark module, spark ignition switch, or spark electrode. The first pieces to check are the spark electrode and spark module, as these are the parts that ignite the gas and provide power to each burner. When either start wearing out, the spark it’s supposed to create becomes weaker, or even non-existent. If not all of the burners are having trouble lighting, this is an indication of a failing spark ignition switch.

Oven not heating or baking evenly

A bad oven igniter is commonly the cause of your oven not heating or baking evenly. The igniter looks something like the one pictured below, depending on your oven brand.

The job of the igniter is two-fold: draw electrical current through the safety valve to open it, then get hot enough to glow and ignite the gas. When the igniter gets weak, it’s not able to open the safety valve correctly, causing those temperatures issues.

When that’s been ruled out, another possibility is a failed bake element. This is especially the case if it shows visible signs of damage. When the bake element is in disrepair, the oven will not bake evenly as the oven is only being heated by the broiler.