June 01, 2015

How to replace a temperature sensor on an electric wall oven

This step-by-step repair guide shows how to replace the temperature sensor on an electric wall oven. The sensor measures the oven temperature and sends that data to the oven control board, which maintains the set oven temperature. If the temperature sensor malfunctions, the oven becomes too hot or won't get hot enough. If the temperature sensor fails completely, the control panel displays an error code. Replace the oven temperature sensor using a manufacturer-approved replacement part.

The video below shows an electric range, but the basic repair is the same. Use this procedure to replace the oven temperature sensor in many Kenmore, Frigidaire, Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag, Amana, Electrolux, GE, LG and Samsung electric wall ovens.

Quick links

Instructions

Tools required

1/4-inch nut driver

Needle-nose pliers

Work gloves

Repair difficulty

Time required

15 minutes or less

Instructions

01.
Shut off power to the oven
Shut off all electricity to the oven.

Warning: Electric ovens and ranges typically have 2 house fuses or a double breaker, one for each 120-volt leg of the 240-volt power. To prevent electrical shock and damage to the control board, remove both fuses or shut off both breakers (if a clip connects the double breakers, shutting off one should shut off both).
02.
Remove the mounting screws
Remove the oven racks. Find the temperature sensor probe in the top left corner of the back wall of the oven interior. Using a 1/4-inch nut driver, remove the 2 hex head screws from the base of the temperature sensor probe.
Tip: If you can't complete this repair because the door gets in your way, remove the door, following instructions in your owner's manual. You might need help lifting the door off the oven. Set the door on a pad.
03.
Access the wire connector
Carefully pull the oven temperature sensor probe forward into the oven interior. The wires connected to the probe have enough slack that you can pull it a just few inches—far enough to disconnect the wires. As you pull, use needle-nose pliers to guide the wire harness connector through the hole in the oven wall.
Tip: If you cannot feed the connector into the oven, check your owner’s manual for how to pull the oven from the cabinet. Remove the exterior back panel to access the plug.
04.
Disconnect the wire harness
Holding the connector with needle-nose pliers, depress the locking tab on the plug and disconnect the plug from the sensor probe. Don't let the connector slip back through the hole, or you must remove the back panel of the oven to retrieve it.
05.
Install the new temperature sensor probe
While holding the connector with a pair of needle-nose pliers, snap it into the plug of the new probe.
Push the wire into back wall of the oven. Position the new sensor probe and line up the holes for the mounting screws. Insert the mounting screws and tighten firmly using a nut driver.
Tip: If the plug doesn't fit the original wire harness connector, use a wire cutter to snip off the plug and the wire harness connector. Strip the 1/2" of insulation from the wires and make the connection with ceramic wire nuts.
06.
Restore power
Turn on the electricity to the wall oven.

Warning: Undertaking repairs to appliances can be hazardous. Use the proper tools and safety equipment noted in the guide and follow all instructions. Do not proceed until you are confident that you understand all of the steps and are capable of completing the repair. Some repairs should only be performed by a qualified technician.