Generic Ovens & Ranges Oven Not Heating but Stovetop Works: How to Fix It Yourself
If the stovetop burners work but the oven won't heat, the problem is isolated to the oven. On electric ovens, the bake element (the coil at the bottom) has probably burned out. On gas ovens, the oven igniter has likely weakened. Both are common, affordable parts.
Tools Needed
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- Turn off the oven and unplug it (or flip the breaker) before any repair.
- For gas ovens, turn off the gas supply before working on the igniter.
- The oven bake element can hold residual charge — let it cool and discharge for 5 minutes after unplugging.
Before You Start
Parts You May Need
Step-by-Step Repair
- Step 1 of 51
Visually inspect the bake element (electric ovens)
Open the oven and look at the bottom heating element. Turn the oven on and watch it. A working element glows red evenly. If you see bright spots, blistering, cracks, or holes — or if part of it doesn't glow — it's burned out and needs replacing.
Photo: Visually inspect the bake element (electric ovens) - Step 2 of 52
Check the oven igniter (gas ovens)
Open the oven, remove the bottom panel (usually held by 2 screws), and look at the igniter near the gas burner tube. Turn the oven on. The igniter should start glowing bright orange within 30-60 seconds, then gas should flow and ignite. If the igniter glows weakly or takes forever, it's too weak to open the gas valve.
Photo: Check the oven igniter (gas ovens) - Step 3 of 53
Replace the bake element (electric)
Unplug the oven. Remove the 2 screws or bolts holding the element to the back wall of the oven. Gently pull the element forward. Disconnect the two wire connectors. Connect the wires to the new element and push it into place. Secure with the screws.
Photo: Replace the bake element (electric) - Step 4 of 54
Replace the oven igniter (gas)
Turn off the gas supply. Remove the bottom oven panel. The igniter is mounted with 2 screws near the burner tube. Disconnect the wire connector (it's usually accessible from behind the oven or through the bottom). Install the new igniter — handle it gently as the element is fragile. Don't touch the glowing element with bare hands (oils from skin shorten its life).
Photo: Replace the oven igniter (gas) - Step 5 of 55
Test the repair
Restore power and gas. Set the oven to 350F and wait 15 minutes. Use an oven thermometer to confirm it's heating. The oven should reach temperature within 10-15 minutes.
Photo: Test the repair
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If That Didn't Work
- A faulty oven temperature sensor (thermistor) can prevent the oven from heating.
- The bake/broil relay on the control board can fail on electric ovens.
- A tripped thermal fuse inside the oven (behind the back panel) can cut power to the heating circuit.
When to Call a Professional
If replacing the element or igniter doesn't fix it, the control board or oven temperature sensor may be the issue. These repairs cost $100–$250 with labor. For gas oven work, if you're not comfortable around gas connections, always call a licensed technician.
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Disclaimer: This guide is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute professional repair advice. All repairs are performed at your own risk. RepairItFree.com is not liable for any personal injury, property damage, device damage, voided warranties, or other losses resulting from the use of this information.
If you are unsure about any step — especially anything involving electricity, gas, water, or refrigerant — stop and consult a qualified professional. Your safety is more important than saving money.
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