Oven and stove problems

On an electric oven, the usual causes are a failed bake element, a failed oven temperature sensor, or a relay on the control board. On a gas oven, it's usually a weak igniter that can't open the gas valve, or the gas safety valve itself.

Most smoke comes from food or grease burning on the bottom or on the element. If it's clean and still smokes, the usual causes are a bake or broil element that's shorting (you may see a bright spot or a blister on it), or insulation near the element that's overheating.

A brief smell when a gas oven lights can be normal. A smell that lingers, or one before the flame lights, usually means a weak igniter is letting gas build up before it ignites, or a gas valve or connection is leaking. If the smell is strong, follow the warning at the top of this page.

Switch off the oven's breaker for about a minute, then switch it back on. On many models, pressing Cancel or Cancel/Off clears a stuck setting. If an error code comes back, the usual causes are the control board, the oven temperature sensor, or the door lock.

The usual causes are a failed cooling fan that lets the controls overheat, a failed oven temperature sensor, or the control board.

A mostly orange or yellow flame means the burner isn't getting the right mix of gas and air. The usual causes are a burner cap that's misaligned or clogged, a dirty burner, or the wrong burner orifice (for example, after a switch between natural gas and propane).

Clicking after the burner lights, or with the knobs off, usually comes from a spark switch that's wet or worn, a spark electrode that's cracked or dirty, or a failed spark module.

On an electric stove, the usual causes are a failed surface element, its control switch, or a burned terminal block. On a gas stove, if the burner won't light, it's usually the igniter, the spark module, or the spark switch.

A new oven can smell for its first few uses. After that, stop using it until it's checked. The usual causes are wiring or a connector overheating behind the oven, a failing element, or insulation that has shifted near the heat.

Most beeping comes with a code on the display. The usual causes are the oven temperature sensor, the door lock (often after self-clean), or a stuck button or the control board.

Usually yes: elements, igniters, sensors, switches and door locks are common repairs. A failed control board on an older range is when replacing can make more sense. Your diagnostic report shows which it is.

On a gas oven, a weak igniter glows but doesn't get hot enough to open the gas valve, so the oven takes a long time to light or doesn't light at all. If the igniter doesn't glow at all, the usual causes are the igniter itself, the oven control board, or the wiring.

If the display is dark, the usual causes are a tripped breaker or blown fuse, a burned terminal block, or a failed control board. If the display works but the oven won't start, check that Control Lock or Sabbath mode isn't on. If it isn't, the usual causes are the oven temperature sensor or the control board.

On an electric coil stove, try the burner in another socket of the same size: if it works there, the socket or its control switch has failed. If it doesn't, the coil element has failed. On a gas stove, a burner that won't light usually has a dirty or cracked igniter, or a burner cap out of place.

Switch off the oven's breaker for about a minute, then switch it back on. If an error code like C-20, C-21 or C-d1 comes back, see our oven error codes page.

Yes, the glass cooktop can be replaced on most ranges. Stop using it once it's cracked: spills can reach the elements and wiring below.

On an electric oven, the usual causes are a broil element that has failed (many ovens use both to preheat), a weak bake element, or the oven temperature sensor. On a gas oven, it's usually a weak igniter.

On electric GE ovens, the usual causes are a failed bake element, the oven temperature sensor, or a relay on the control board. On gas models, it's usually the igniter or the gas safety valve.

Start with what it does:

• No heat: bake element, igniter or sensor.
• Smoke or burning smell: element or wiring.
• Won't light: igniter or spark module.
• Shuts off: cooling fan or sensor.
• Beeping: error code or door lock.

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