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How To Recognize Common Oven & Stove Problems

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Purchasing a new appliance is a large investment that usually comes with planning and money saving. When an oven, stove, or range breaks down, often our first thought is to seek a new appliance. Instead of purchasing a brand new oven, major appliance repairs and service can help keep your oven operational.

Recognizing the problems with your stove or oven will help decide whether to call for repair help or not.

Fault Codes

One of the first signs that your range has a problem is when a fault code appears on the LCD screen. Fault codes have many different appearances that consumers can easily recognize and diagnose.

  • Fault Code Appearance: A fault code will often start with either an "E" for error or "F" for fault. The actual letter is determined by the manufacturer of the range. This will be followed by the number of the error code.
  • Fault Code Beeps: Along with the error message, audible beeps will play with the fault code. For example, if the code is "F05," then the range will beep five times, pause and beep five times again. Press the "Clock" or "Start/Stop" button to end the audible warnings.
  • Fault Code Look-up: Access fault code meanings and definitions through database websites like the Repair Clinic and Appliance Parts Pro.

Power Failure Problems

One of the main problems that can occur when an oven or range is a power failure. This error typically has a "PF" appear on the LCD screen. A random power glitch or malfunction of the oven can cause this happen.

The best method for removing this error is by unplugging the oven for five minutes. This will completely reset all of the fuses and circuits. When the oven is plugged back in, it should operate normally. If the "PF" message returns, examine the power cord for the oven. It could have damage.

If the plug is undamaged then try the oven in a different outlet. If the oven operates normally then there is a problem with outlet and an electrician should be called in. If the "PF" warning persists, then a professional repair is needed for the power unit on the oven.

Panel Operation

A lot of problems that occur with ovens are not actually with the cooking elements, but with the operating panel. Years of cooking can cause a lot of steam and grease-build up on the oven. This can cause buttons to stick or not work properly.

When an error code comes up that indicates an error problem, you can thoroughly clean the panel to help fix the situation. Use a damp wash cloth and a dab of dish detergent to scrub all of the panel buttons clean. Dry the panel with a different wash cloth and remove as much moisture as possible. Unplug the oven for five minutes and then try it again to see if the error goes away.

Electronic Range Control

The panel operation is one of the main parts of the Electronic Oven Control. This is commonly referred to as the ERC or EOC when browsing through manuals and repair guides. The ERC controls many functions of the oven.

  • Clock: An ERC error can occur when the clock goes bad on the oven. Often, this will affect the clock, timer, and temperature controls for the oven. A professional repair is likely needed to get the clock operational again.
  • Oven Controls: Temperature settings on the internal oven computer are not working properly. The whole ERC panel likely needs to be replaced.

Oven Temperature Sensor

A built-in temperature sensor is what helps control the settings for ovens. Without this sensor, the oven will continuously heat up. When the sensor fails, the oven recognizes this and will not operate. A new temperature sensor needs to be installed when this error occurs.

Aside from the error message, this is the most common problem when your oven will not heat up or reach hot temperatures.

Check with your oven's manual for specific error code listings. Provide these listings to any appliance services technician to help speed up the support process.


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