A Whirlpool oven can be as dependable as an old friend, turning out hundreds of meals for both special occasions and weeknight dinners. But what happens when your old friend doesn’t heat up at your command? We’ll troubleshoot a Whirlpool oven not heating from power issues to malfunctioning components to help solve the problem.
4 Common Causes for a Whirlpool Oven Not Heating
When asking, “Why won’t my Whirlpool oven heat up?” we often assume the worst. However, an oven that won’t heat up doesn’t always spell disaster. In most instances, an adjustment or repair can resolve these common issues.
Oven Not Getting Power
A Whirlpool oven not heating up can sometimes be more of a power concern than an appliance malfunction. Here’s how to determine if your oven isn’t getting the power it needs:
- Make sure the oven is properly plugged into its outlet.
- Use a multimeter to test the outlet’s function. An electric oven requires 240V of electricity while a gas model needs 120V.
- For electric ovens, check your home’s fuse or circuit breaker box. Replace any blown fuses or reposition tripped breakers.
Oven Gas Supply Not Connected
Gas ovens not only require gas to turn on but also to supply a steady flow of heat to cook food. If your gas-powered Whirlpool oven doesn’t heat up test the gas supply by turning on a range burner. If the burner functions normally, the gas supply is adequate.
If the burner doesn’t light, move your oven away from the wall to make sure that the gas cutoff valve is still open. If it is, contact your local gas supplier to safely assess the problem.
Faulty Whirlpool Oven Igniter
If your gas connection is intact then a faulty igniter may be another reason for a gas-fueled Whirlpool oven not heating. The igniter has two essential functions in starting the oven. First, it must channel enough electricity to open the oven safety valve and allow gas to flow. Second, it must get hot enough to ignite the gas as it flows into the burner.
To assess the igniter, observe it as it tries to light the burner. If the igniter glows for more than 90 seconds or doesn’t glow at all it’s too weak or has malfunctioned. In either case, the igniter needs to be replaced.
Defective Whirlpool Oven Bake Element
An electric oven not heating up can often be attributed to a defective bake element. This Whirlpool oven heating element is a metal coil located at the bottom of electric ovens. When you turn on the oven, wires inside the coil receive electrical current that heats the metal, providing the heat you need to cook food.
A functioning bake element should have an uninterrupted red glow while it provides heat. If the bake element is defective, you may notice burnt spots or even breakage on the metal coil. In these instances, the bake element is defective and should be replaced.
When your Whirlpool oven isn’t heating up an oven repair service can help troubleshoot the problem. Call CD Appliance Repair for any oven repair need.
