Troubleshooting for Gas Ranges
Before you call a repair person to fix your gas range, check this list of troubleshooting problems. Maybe you can fix the problem yourself. Even if you can't, at least knowing what is wrong with your stove will help you avoid paying for unnecessary services.
Problem
Oven
temperature drops below set level;
food ends up soggy or frozen at center
Solution
1. Thermostat needs recalibration or replacement
Problem
Food burns on the outside; oven temperature exceeds set level; oven produces condensation on the glass window
Solution
1. Check to see if the exhaust vent to your range is blocked
2. Check to see that the gasket (the covered flexible seal inside the
oven door) isn’t worn out. Contact your manufacturer for a replacement
gasket or visit your hardware store
3. Thermostat needs recalibration or replacement
Problem
Food bakes on one side faster than the other
Solution
1. If food is colder toward the front, check the gasket for wear. If
the seal is worn out, replace it
2. Check to make sure none of the flame ports are blocked. If needed,
ream with a piece of wire, pin or needle
3. Check to make sure your range is level. The easiest way is to set
a plane level on your oven rack, or try a shallow plate with a small amount
of water and see if it drifts to one side. Adjust the feet until the range
is level
Problem
Oven or surface burners don’t ignite
Solution
1. If you have a spark ignition system in your range, make sure your
electricity is still powering it by checking your breaker box for a blown
fuse or tripped breaker
2. Check to make sure the pilot is lit. Use your owner’s manual
to relight the pilot
3. Check to see if the flame ports need coring out with a piece of wire,
pin or needle
4. If none of these addresses the issue, you many need a pro to replace
the electric ignition or oven valve
Problem
You can detect the smell of gas
Solution
1. Check to see if the pilot lights are lit
2. Check to make sure all controls are off
3. If the pilots are lit and the controls are off and you still smell
gas, you should get everyone out of the house and call the gas company from
a safe location
