June 20, 2015

How to replace an oven temperature sensor on an electric range

How to replace an oven temperature sensor on an electric range

This step-by-step repair guide shows how to replace the oven temperature sensor. 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 on the range displays an error code. Replace the oven temperature sensor using a manufacturer-approved electric range part.

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

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

Replacing an electric range oven tempeerature sensor video.

Instructions

  1. 01.

    Shut off power to the range

    Shut off all electricity to the range.

    Warning: Electric 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).
  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 instruction's in your owner's manual. You might need help lfiting 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.

    Disconnect the wire plug from the wire connector.

  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

    Plug the range back into the electrical wall outlet or turn on the house circuit breakers for the range. If you pulled out the range to unplug it, push the range into position and ensure that the rear leveling foot properly engages with the anti-tip bracket so the range doesn’t fall forward when you open the oven door and pull out a loaded oven rack.

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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