Whirlpool Oven Not Baking

Having trouble getting a Whirlpool oven to bake? Then this guide is for you.

Here are some of the common causes for why it isn’t working and how you can fix them.

Please note that some of the causes won’t apply to your specific oven depending on the exact model of the Whirlpool oven that you are trying to fix.

This guide covers the following models of Whirlpool ovens:

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Faulty Igniter

The igniter has two main purposes. Firstly, it draws the electrical current through the oven safety valve so it can open, and secondly, it ignites the gas in the oven burner. When the igniter gets weak, it won’t be able to open the safety valve correctly, causing the oven not to heat.

A faulty igniter is one of the most common reasons why an oven won’t bake or heat properly. To check if it needs to be replaced:

1. Turn the oven on so that you can observe how the igniter is functioning.
2. If the igniter glows for 90+ seconds without igniting the gas, then this will tell you that the igniter isn’t strong enough to open the valve.
3. If this is the case, then you will need to replace the igniter. If the igniter isn’t glowing at all, then you should test it with a multimeter to check for continuity.
4. If the meter reveals the igniter doesn’t have continuity, you will also need to replace it.

Faulty Bake Element

When the bake element in your Whirlpool oven is not heating properly, it will not be glowing red hot. Here’s how to find out if it needs to be replaced:

1. Turn the oven on.
2. Inspect the element to see if it glows red.
3. If it isn’t glowing, then this will tell you that it isn’t heating the oven.
4. Turn the oven off, and when the element is cool, inspect it for visible signs of damage, such as holes or blisters.
5. If you find any damage, it will need to be replaced. You can also check if the element has burned out by using a multimeter to test it for continuity. If the test shows no continuity, it will need to be replaced.

Faulty Bake or Broil Spark Electrode

For your oven’s bake and broil burner to ignite, the oven burner spark electrode is used. It is like a spark plug; when power is applied to the device, a spark jumps from the spark electrode to the electrode shield and subsequently ignites the gas. Here’s how to check if it is faulty or not:

1. Inspect the electrode assembly and check for any cracks in the porcelain housing, or there might possibly be damage to the electrode tip as well. You can find this device right next to the burner.
2. Check that the burner doesn’t go off after ignition. If it does, then this might be caused by not having the proper ground and correct polarity at the wall outlet. A proper ground and the correct polarity of the incoming voltage that goes to the range is necessary for the electrode control to be able to sense the presence of a flame once the burner is ignited. You will require a multimeter to do this testing.
3. If you find any problems, then the device will need to be replaced.

Incoming Power Problem

If you are working with an electric oven, it requires 240 volts of alternating current to operate correctly, and if you are working with a gas oven, it requires 120 volts. If your oven isn’t turning on, the power cords and connections could be the problem.

To check that the electrical outlet is providing the right voltage, you will need to check it with a multimeter. If this shows an issue, then you will need to fix the power connections.

Problem with the Thermal Fuse 

The thermal fuse’s purpose is to ensure that your oven doesn’t get too hot. When it does get too hot, the fuse trips, which results in the oven’s power shutting off. If your oven isn’t baking, it’s possible that the thermal fuse has blown and needs to be replaced.

1. To check if it has blown you will need a multimeter to check the fuse for continuity.
2. If the fuse does not have continuity, then this means it has blown, and it will have to be replaced.

Loose or Burnt Wire Connection

If your oven isn’t functioning properly, then it could be that there is a loose or burnt wire that supplies power to the oven’s element or igniter. The main cause of a burnt-out wire is that it gets too close to a heat source. Here’s how to check if you have a loose or burnt wire connection:

1. Check all the wires that go into the element and igniter, and if one of them is burnt out, you should be able to see it.
2. If you find a burnt-out wire, then it will need to be replaced.

Oven Control Board Not Working

If the control board is defective, it won’t be able to send voltage to the heating components in the oven. Before you replace it, you should:

1. Check that the heating components in the oven are working properly.
2. If any of these components are faulty, then you’ll need to replace the oven control board. Please note that it is very difficult to test the control board itself, so the best you can do is test all of the heating components, which will tell you whether the control board needs replacing.

Broken Safety Valve

Another possible cause is if the safety value (in gas ovens) is broken and not working correctly. The purpose of the safety valve is to work with the oven igniter to supply gas to the burner. If this component stops working (which is rare), the oven will not heat. To check the safety valve:

1. Test the safety valve for continuity using a multimeter.
2. If the safety valve doesn’t have continuity, then it will need to be replaced.

There you have it, some of the most common causes of a Whirlpool oven not baking or heating at all. I hope this guide has helped you resolve the issue.