5 Reasons Your Gas Oven is Not Working & How to Fix the Issues
A malfunctioning oven can bring meal preparation to a grinding halt. Many homeowners just want to fix gas oven quickly and safely. Whether you’re dealing with uneven cooking, no heat, or a door that won’t close properly, you must find the cause first. In busy cities like vancouver, a broken oven can disrupt every dinner plan. Homes in surrey often face the same i5 Reasons Your Gas Oven is Not Working and How to Fix the Issues
A malfunctioning oven can bring meal preparation to a grinding halt. Whether you’re dealing with uneven cooking, complete heating failure, or a door that won’t seal properly, understanding what’s causing the problem is the first step toward getting your kitchen back in working order. While some basic troubleshooting steps can help identify issues, most gas oven repairs require the expertise of a certified appliance repair technician to ensure safety and proper function. If you like to do a few checks before calling for help, our guide on how to troubleshoot an appliance walks you through a simple step-by-step process you can use on stoves, fridges, and other home appliances.
Gas ovens involve complex systems combining electrical components with gas lines, making them potentially hazardous when repairs are attempted without proper training. This guide explores the most common reasons gas ovens fail and explains when to call a professional for help. If another key kitchen appliance is acting up, our complete guide to troubleshooting a dishwasher explains how to deal with poor cleaning, drainage issues, and common error codes.
The Gas Oven is Not Heating
When your gas oven fails to heat at all, it’s one of the most frustrating problems you can encounter. The issue typically stems from the oven igniter, which is responsible for lighting the gas to create heat. Modern gas ovens use a hot surface igniter that glows red when it’s working properly. It gets hot enough to open the safety gas valve. If the problem spreads to the stove top as well, the gas supply may be affected.
Common Causes of Oven Problems
The igniter is the most frequent culprit when a gas oven won’t heat. This part uses electrical current to heat up and glow. As it heats, it makes the metal strip in the oven’s safety valve bend and open, which then releases gas. This sequence normally takes about a minute. If the igniter glows but doesn’t get hot enough, it won’t open the safety valve, preventing gas from flowing to the burner and creating a steady flame.
Other causes include a faulty safety gas valve, which should measure less than 5 ohms of resistance. Problems with the electronic control board or broken wiring in the ignition circuit can also prevent the oven from heating. Additionally, on new installations, the main gas regulator valve may have been accidentally switched to the OFF position during delivery or setup. In older gas range models, pressure problems can also stop the burner from heating.
Basic Troubleshooting Steps for Oven Repair
Before calling a technician, verify that your circuit breaker hasn’t tripped. Gas ovens require electrical connections to power the igniter and controls, so check your electrical panel first. If the stove burners work but the oven doesn’t, this confirms gas is reaching the appliance and points to an oven-specific issue. These quick checks may prevent a costly repair.
You can also verify the gas supply by ensuring the gas shut-off valve behind or beneath the range is fully open. For ranges with surface burners that work normally, gas supply is rarely the problem. On a gas range, you should also make sure no one has turned off a secondary shut-off valve.
When to Call a Professional Technicians for Gas Oven Repair
If basic checks don’t resolve the issue, it’s time to contact a certified appliance repair technician. Replacing an igniter involves working with both electrical connections and gas components, which requires specialized knowledge and tools. Make sure all the knobs are installed the way the owner’s manual shows. Also check that you’re using the cooktop the way your model is meant to be used. A trained expert will notice if the stove top shows related warning signs. Attempting these repairs without proper training can result in gas leaks, electrical hazards, or further damage to your oven.
The Oven Won’t Heat to the Right Temperature
Temperature accuracy problems are among the most common oven complaints. You might notice uneven heating or food taking longer to cook. It may burn on the outside while staying raw inside. Even when you follow recipes exactly, they still don’t turn out right. When your oven runs too hot or too cold by more than 15 degrees, it affects everything you bake or roast.
Common Causes
A faulty temperature sensor is often responsible for inaccurate oven temperatures. This thin tube, typically located at the back of the oven, measures internal heat and signals when the set temperature has been reached. If the sensor becomes misaligned or damaged, it sends incorrect readings to the control board. Sometimes a faulty thermostat makes the oven cycle at the wrong times. A weak oven convection fan can also move hot air unevenly and leave hot and cold spots inside the cavity. You may notice that pots on the stove cook normally while the oven struggles.
The bake element can also cause temperature issues. If the metal coil at the bottom of your oven has holes or blisters, it’s damaged. If it doesn’t glow red when turned on, it’s not producing enough heat. In gas ovens, a weak igniter may not fully open the safety valve. This leads to low gas flow and lower cooking temperatures.
Oven calibration naturally drifts over time, especially in older appliances. Temperature changes of up to 35°F during cooking are normal. But if the temperature is often off by more than that, your oven likely needs recalibration or repair.
Calibration Solutions
For ovens with analog controls, you can attempt recalibration yourself. Place an oven-safe thermometer on the center rack, set the oven to 350°F, and wait 30 minutes before checking the reading. If the temperature is off by 15 degrees or more, remove the temperature knob and locate the adjustment screws on the back. Turn them clockwise to decrease temperature or counterclockwise to increase it, working in small increments of about one-eighth turn at a time. Even if the stove top heats well, always test the oven with a thermometer rather than guessing.
Digital ovens often have built-in calibration modes accessed through the control panel. Consult your owner’s manual or the manufacturer guide for specific button combinations, which typically allow temperature adjustments of up to 35 degrees in either direction.
When to Call a Professional Appliance Repair Experts
If calibration doesn’t resolve the problem, or if your oven is off by more than 35 degrees, professional diagnosis is necessary. Technicians have specialized tools like thermocouples that provide accurate temperature readings, unlike standard oven thermometers which can be unreliable. They can also test the temperature sensor with a multimeter, replace faulty heating elements, and diagnose control board malfunctions that affect temperature regulation.
Replacing a temperature sensor or heating element requires accessing internal components and working with electrical connections. Professional repair ensures these components are installed correctly and safely, preventing future problems.
The Gas Stovetop Won’t Light
When your gas stovetop burners click nonstop but won’t ignite, or a burner won’t light at all, it disrupts your cooking. You can’t use the stove the way you need to. It makes it hard or impossible to use your range top properly. This issue is distinct from oven heating problems and usually involves the surface igniter or burner components. In many homes, quick gas stove repair is the only way to keep dinner on track.
Common Causes of Gas Burner Failure
Food debris is the most common reason gas stove burners won’t light. Spills, grease, and food particles can clog the small gas ports in the burner caps or block the area around the igniter. Even tiny obstructions prevent gas from reaching the spark, or keep the igniter from generating enough heat to light the gas. Keeping the gas stove surface clean reduces many ignition issues.
Moisture around the igniter can also cause clicking without ignition. If you’ve recently cleaned the stovetop or had a boil-over, water may have seeped into the igniter housing. On a dirty stove, moisture and grease can mix and slow the drying process. A misaligned burner cap that doesn’t sit properly on the burner base will prevent proper ignition even when all other components function correctly.
Less commonly, a faulty igniter that has worn out or become damaged will need replacement. If you notice the igniter doesn’t spark at all, or sparks weakly, the component itself may have failed.
Basic Cleaning Steps
Remove the burner grate and lift off the burner cap. On most gas stove models you can do this without tools. Clean any visible debris from around the igniter using a soft toothbrush, brushing gently to avoid damage. Check the small hole or slot where gas flows toward the igniter—this opening is easily clogged. Use a thin wire, needle, or paperclip to carefully clear any blockages. These simple steps are the first stage of stove repair for many homeowners.
If there’s moisture, remove the burner cap. Let all parts air dry completely for several hours before trying to light the burner again. On a dirty stove, moisture and grease can mix and slow the drying process. Ensure the burner cap is properly aligned when you replace it, with any notches or guides fitting securely into their designated positions.
When to Call a Professional for Gas Stove Repair
If cleaning and drying don’t restore ignition, the igniter may need replacement. This requires accessing the cooktop’s internal wiring and replacing a component that handles electrical current. Professional technicians can safely disconnect the old igniter, install a new one, and test for proper operation.
If you smell gas but the burner won’t light, turn off all controls and open the windows right away. Then contact your gas provider and an appliance repair professional. Gas leaks pose serious safety hazards and should never be ignored or repaired by untrained individuals.
The Range Burner Won’t Heat on Your Gas Range Cooktop
Electric coil burners or glass-ceramic cooktop elements that fail to heat present different challenges than gas burner ignition issues. For homes with electric cooktops, our article on what causes an electric stove to stop working covers power issues, failed elements, and control problems that can leave burners cold. These problems are typically electrical in nature and affect the cooking surface rather than the oven cavity. They are also common on an electric stove or[electric range used for daily meals.
Common Causes Requiring Range Repair
For exposed coil cooktops, improperly installed heating elements are a frequent cause. Simple range repair often starts by checking that each element is fully seated in its terminals. Circuit breaker trips are another common issue, as cooktops draw significant power and can overload circuits, especially if multiple burners operate simultaneously.
On glass-ceramic cooktops with hidden elements, a burned-out element beneath the glass prevents heating. Unlike exposed coils that show visible damage, these hidden elements require diagnostic testing to confirm failure. Faulty control switches can also prevent power from reaching functioning elements. When switches fail, range repair will usually involve testing controls and wiring.
Incorrect knob use sometimes causes confusion—some cooktop models require pressing the knob inward before turning to activate the burner. If knobs were removed for cleaning and reinstalled in the wrong positions, they may not properly control their designated burners.
Basic Troubleshooting
Check your circuit breaker panel first. If a breaker has tripped, reset it and try the burner again. For exposed coil burners, unplug the range and remove the problem coil by lifting it and pulling the terminal plug from the receptacle. Inspect the coil for visible damage like blistering or breaks, and check that the terminals are clean and undamaged.
Try installing the questionable coil in a different burner location. If it works there, the original receptacle is faulty. If it still doesn’t work, the coil needs replacement. Make sure all knobs are installed correctly based on your owner’s manual. Also, double-check that you’re using the right operating steps for your specific cooktop model.
When to Call a Professional for Gas Cooktop Repair
Glass-ceramic gas cooktops with elements beneath the surface require professional service for both diagnosis and repair. Accessing these elements involves disassembling the cooktop in ways that can void warranties or cause damage if done incorrectly. Replacing receptacles or control switches also requires working with the range’s electrical system, which poses shock hazards without proper training and tools.
Professional technicians have multimeters and other diagnostic equipment to test elements, switches, and wiring circuits. They can figure out if the problem is with the heating element, the control board, or the wiring. This helps you avoid wasting money by replacing the wrong parts through trial and error.
The Oven Door Won’t Shut
An oven door that won’t close completely allows heat to escape, dramatically affecting cooking performance and energy efficiency. If you want to save on bills as well as avoid breakdowns, our guide with tips for maintaining energy-efficient appliances shows small habits that keep ovens, fridges, and other units running efficiently. You might notice longer preheating times, difficulty maintaining temperature, or a kitchen that becomes uncomfortably warm during oven use. This problem can affect many oven brands, not just premium models. A gap of even a quarter inch can waste significant energy and ruin cooking results.
Common Causes of Oven Issues
The most common cause is misaligned or loose door hinges. Over time, the hinges that support the heavy oven door can shift, bend, or work loose from their mounting points. This causes the door to hang at an incorrect angle, preventing proper closure. Hinge locks, found on some models, can become partially engaged and hold the door open at an angle intended for special cooking techniques.
The door gasket is a flexible rubber or fiberglass seal around the door frame or oven opening. Over time, it can become worn, cracked, or flattened. When the gasket loses its shape or develops gaps, the door no longer forms an airtight seal. Debris or food buildup in the door frame can also prevent the door from sitting flush against the gasket.
Oven racks positioned incorrectly or extending too far forward can physically block the door from closing. Modern gas ovens use a hot surface igniter that glows red when it’s working properly. It gets hot enough to open the safety gas valve.
Basic Solutions
Start by checking the obvious issues. Remove all oven racks and ensure nothing is blocking the door’s path. Verify the oven lock is disengaged—consult your owner’s manual for the lock’s location and how to disengage it if stuck. Check for hinge locks and release them if present.
Clean the door frame and gasket area thoroughly with warm, soapy water, removing any food debris or grease buildup. If the hinges appear loose, tighten the mounting bolts using the appropriate screwdriver or nut driver.
For minor hinge misalignment, some sources suggest carefully bending the hinges back into position, but this requires extreme caution to avoid further damage. If the gasket is visibly cracked, torn, or compressed, replacement is necessary.
When to Call a Professional for Oven Repair Services
Hinge replacement requires removing the oven door, which on many models involves engaging hinge locks, lifting the door at a specific angle, and handling a component that can weigh 20 pounds or more. Improper door removal can damage the hinges, door, or your fingers.
For some ovens, the gasket is installed between two sections of the door, not in an easy-to-reach frame. In these cases, a professional should disassemble the door panels and replace it. Even with channel-mounted gaskets, ensuring the new gasket is installed with proper tension and alignment affects the seal’s effectiveness.
If the hinges are bent or too damaged to adjust, they need to be replaced. The new hinges must be installed correctly so the door hangs at the right angle and closes smoothly. Professional technicians have experience with various door designs and can complete these repairs efficiently while preventing additional damage.
Why Choose Our Professional Appliance Repair Services
When your oven malfunctions, attempting DIY repairs might seem like a cost-effective solution, but the risks often outweigh the savings. Solution Appliance serves Burnaby, Vancouver, and New Westminster with expert repair services that prioritize your safety and appliance longevity.
With 15 years of experience and a 95% client retention rate, Solution Appliance has established itself as a trusted name in the Lower Mainland. All technicians receive ongoing training on major appliance brands, including LG, Samsung, Bosch, KitchenAid, Kenmore, and Whirlpool. Our appliance technicians arrive with common parts ready to install. They also provide installation services, service high-end ranges and handle professional stove installations for serious home chefs. This ensures they have the knowledge and tools to handle any gas oven problem. Same-day service is often available.
They also handle washer, dryer, and fridge repair calls for busy families. If your laundry is also taking too long to dry, our guide on why your gas dryer is not heating up explains how to check vents, gas supply, and key parts before you book a service call. This gives better coverage for homeowners who rely on several appliances every day. Whether you need to fix a gas oven or handle any other household appliance repair, Solution Appliance delivers the expertise and reliability you deserve. You can book an appointment quickly by phone or online.
Conclusion
Gas oven problems range from simple issues you can address yourself to complex repairs requiring professional expertise. Understanding the difference between basic troubleshooting and situations that demand professional attention is crucial for both your safety and your appliance’s longevity.
Some homeowners try DIY repairs to save money. If you are unsure whether to repair or replace, our article on whether it is worth it to fix an appliance helps you compare age, repair costs, and long-term value before you decide. But with gas appliances, the risks—like gas leaks, electrical hazards, and voided warranties—make professional service the smarter choice for most problems. The modest cost savings of DIY work are quickly offset by potential damage, safety concerns, and the frustration of repeat failures.
If you’re in Burnaby, Vancouver or New Westminster and your gas oven stops working, don’t risk your family’s safety. Avoid using it until a professional can check it. Get it checked by a professional instead. Contact a certified appliance repair professional who can quickly diagnose the problem, complete repairs correctly, and guarantee their work. Your oven will reward you with years of reliable performance. You’ll also have peace of mind knowing the job was done right the first time.
If your gas oven or any other household appliance is giving you trouble, don’t wait until a small problem becomes a big, costly repair. Our certified technicians are ready to help with safe, reliable appliance repair in Burnaby and appliance repair in New Westminster for ovens, stoves, dryers, fridges, and more. We’ll diagnose the issue, explain your options in clear language, and get your kitchen or laundry room back to normal as quickly as possible. Call us today or book your appliance repair service online and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with professional care.