A Gas Stove's Temperature Control Is Faulty

Symptoms

• The failure of either control device is reflected in the same ways: The oven may not warm up at all, it may heat erratically or unevenly, or it may overheat rather than “top out” at the desired temperature. Do-it-yourself diagnosis is unlikely to be able to distinguish which item has failed unless the problem is visible to the naked eye. Look for loose or absent wires or physical damage caused by a spill of greasy food or accidental contact. Always disconnect appliances from main power before attempting any diagnosis or repair.

The Sensor

• A gas stove thermostat is not located inside the oven. A temperature sensor inside the oven is connected to the thermostat by a capillary tube. Although sensors and the capillary tubes almost never fail, they are fragile. Use a deft and cautious touch when working around them.

Recalibrating the Thermostat

• Set the oven’s temperature control at its midpoint, locate an oven thermometer in the oven, close the door and allow the oven to reach temperature. If the reading on the thermometer varies by more than 25 degrees from the setting on the control, the thermostat probably needs recalibration. Consult the owner’s manual delivered with the stove to locate the thermostat and how to recalibrate it. This normally cures faulty temperature control issues.

Oven Setting Control

• If, after recalibrating the thermostat, the oven still does not function properly, the calibrated tap -- properly called the oven setting control -- is faulty. The oven setting control typically is located on the control panel close to the taps that operate the hotplate burners and the broiler. It is the only knob calibrated in temperature degrees rather than in numerical increments.

  To replace the oven setting control, remove all the control knobs by pulling them away from the panel, and remove the panel by retracting the fastening screws and lifting it away. Support the freed panel so that any wiring attached to switches or lights is not stressed. The oven setting control will be fastened to a back panel, usually by two screws, and will have wires attached to it with spade terminals. Make a note of which wire colors are attached to which terminals before removal. Obtain a replacement from a home improvement warehouse or from the stove manufacturer’s website. Reassemble the appliance in reverse of the disassembly process.