How to replace the thermal switch in a wall oven

This DIY repair guide gives step-by-step instructions on how to replace the thermal switch in a wall oven. The thermal switch trips to protect the oven from excessive heating. If the thermal switch trips, the oven won't heat until you reset the switch by pressing the red button on the switch body. Replace the thermal switch with a manufacturer-approved wall oven part if the oven won't heat after you reset the switch.

The self-cleaning cycle sometimes causes the thermal switch to trip; if it trips when the oven isn't self-cleaning, investigate what caused the oven to overheat before using the oven again.

These steps show how to replace the thermal switch in Kenmore, Frigidaire and Electrolux wall ovens.

Quick links

Video

Instructions

Tools required

1/4-inch nut driver

Phillips screwdriver

Work gloves

Repair difficulty

Time required

60 minutes or less

How to replace a wall oven thermal switch repair guide video.

Replacing a wall oven thermal switch video.

Instructions

01.
Disconnect electrical power
Shut off the house circuit breakers for the wall oven to completely disconnect electrical power.
02.
Remove the wall oven from the cabinet
Set a sturdy work table or platform just in front of the oven and pad the surface of the table with a towel or cardboard to protect the table.
Open the oven door and remove the mounting screws that secure the oven to the sides of the oven cabinet. Slide the oven forward in the cabinet. You should have enough slack in the electrical conduit of the power supply; if not disconnect the power supply wiring from the junction box for the wall oven.
With someone's help, carefully lift the oven out of the cabinet and set it on the table in front of the cabinet.
Tip: Use the installation manual for your wall oven to guide you in this step.
PHOTO: Remove the wall oven mounting screws.
03.
Remove the outer back panel
Starting with the bottom screws, remove the mounting screws that secure the outer back panel to the oven frame. Press on the outer panel as you remove the last of the top screws to prevent the outer panel from falling.
Remove the outer back panel and set it aside.
PHOTO: Remove the back panel screws.
PHOTO: Remove the wall oven back panel.
04.
Remove the thermal switch
Disconnect the wires from the thermal switch.
Remove the mounting screws from the thermal switch. Remove the existing thermal switch and set it aside for disposal.
PHOTO: Disconnect the thermal switch wires.
PHOTO: Remove the mounting screws.
05.
Install the new thermal switch
Position the new thermal switch on the back of the oven and line up the mounting screw holes. Insert the mounting screws and tighten them firmly.
Position the wires on the ends of the thermal switch terminals and push them onto the terminals. Push the female spade connectors all of the way down so that they seat properly.
PHOTO: Install the new thermal switch.
06.
Reattach the back panel
Position the outer back panel on the oven so that the mounting screw holes line up. Starting at the top of the panel, insert the mounting screws and tighten them firmly.
07.
Reinstall the oven
With someone's help, lift the oven into the cabinet. Reinstall the mounting screws on the sides of the oven cabinet that hold the oven in place.
08.
Turn on power to the oven
Reset the house circuit breakers for the oven to restore electrical power.

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.