June 01, 2015

How to replace an oven temperature sensor on a gas range

How to replace an oven temperature sensor on a gas range

This step-by-step repair guide shows how to replace the gas oven temperature sensor on a range. The oven sensor measures the oven temperature and sends that data to the oven control board, which maintains the set oven temperature. If the oven 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 gas oven temperature sensor using a manufacturer-approved gas range part.

Use this procedure to replace the oven temperature sensor in many Kenmore, Frigidaire, Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag, Amana, Electrolux, GE, LG and Samsung gas ranges.

Quick links
Tools required
1/4-inch nut driver
Needle-nose pliers
Work gloves
Repair difficulty
Time required
15 minutes or less
Repair difficulty
Time required
15 minutes or less
Replacing a gas range oven temperature sensor video.

Replacing the oven temperature sensor in a gas range video.

Instructions

  1. 01.

    Shut off electrical power and the gas supply to the range

    Shut off all electricity to the range.

    Turn the gas shut-off valve to the off position. 

  2. 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.
  3. 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.

    Pull the temperature sensor probe a few inches forward so you can reach the wire connector.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.
  6. 06.

    Restore power

    Turn on the electricity and the gas.

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.

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