Oven/stove repair american appliance specialists

Wall Oven Repair, Stove Oven Repair Maintenance & Tips for Oven Repair in Los Angeles

Electric Wall Oven

The wall oven is a convenient kitchen appliance until it comes to oven repair. Like the cooktop, the wall oven is preferred by many avid chefs and moms. Most of the time, you are not bending over to look into your oven or to take that perfectly cooked roast out.
Wall ovens come in some varieties now. Besides the obvious of electric or gas, many come in combinations. Double wall oven, wall oven with microwave, wall oven with convection, are just to name a few. We will be talking about all these except the microwave on this page. The microwave will be talked about on it's page.
Oven Repair on these units can mostly be performed with the unit still installed. Their are some components, however, that will require you to un-install the unit to gain access to these parts. Maytag, for example, makes a hidden electric bake element which slides out from the back, and many brands put thermal fuses on the back of the oven unit.
One thing to keep in mind when considering a wall oven, is the installation. Make sure when either planning your kitchen layout or installing a wall oven, you read the installation instructions fully and follow them to a "T". Many times we have found wall ovens not installed correctly which can cause overheating which will end up in oven repair of fuses, thermostats or even control boards.
A wall oven must be installed with proper cabinet clearances, ventilation requirements, and support/mounting needs. Any of these requirements not followed can lead to pre-mature failure of parts, fire hazard, and voiding of your warranty. Please follow all instructions when installing for oven repair in Santa Clarita.

Electric Stove & Wall Oven Repair

Almost all stove & wall ovens sold now are electronic in control. Meaning that you have an electronic control board or computer that operates your stove or wall oven. With this electronic control board, you also have a digital display showing the status of your oven. This display will also show you error codes when something is wrong with your unit. This takes away some of the diagnosing of oven repair.
These error codes are explained in the "tech sheet" for your unit. These tech sheets are usually located behind your console panel of your wall oven, or in an envelope on the back of the stove. These sheets will include explanation of error codes, possible causes & remedies, wiring diagrams, and sometimes maintenance tips. They are the technicians best friend for oven repair.
There are times that an error code will not be displayed and the oven does not work, or you have an older stove or wall oven that does not have an electronic control. What do you do then? Below, we will try to address some of these issues of oven repair.
First, we have compiled for oven repair in Glendale a stove/oven error codes list for a lot of makes of stove and ovens. Many stoves and wall ovens use the same or similiar electronic controls, so error codes are kind of universal to both types of units. Also, you will notice a few common error codes common to all makes of stoves and ovens. Click the following link for the stove/oven error code list. The error code list should be used as a refrence guide to aid you in your oven repair. As more codes become available, we will try to update the list.

Before preceding on with your oven repair, please review the following:

Checking Oven Sensor in oven repair in Pasadena
The oven sensor is normally located in the oven cavity on the back wall towards the top. To test it for faults disconnect the power to the oven then remove the sensor. You will need an ohm meter to test the sensor, most oven sensors should read about 1050-1100 Ohms at room temperature 60 - 80 °F (15 -27 °C), if the sensor reading is 'open' or extremely high this means the sensor is faulty and needs replacing, if on the other hand the reading is extremely low then the sensor has shorted (check for wires touching each other) and will need replacing as well. Ovens with electronic controls usually have an error code that will diagnose this oven repair for you.

Checking Fuses
When looking for oven repair in Long Beach, know that fuses are extremely easy to fix/replace but can be indicative of a larger oven repair, fuses are designed to 'blow' to protect circuitry from surges in power etc, so if a fuse keeps blowing (doing it's job) the problem is probably not the fuse but something else, so get the appliance checked out. To replace the fuse:
·  Disconnect power.
·  Gain access to the back panel, console cavity, or near the control(most fuses are located in 1 of the 3 places).
·  Remove the suspect fuse.
·  With an Ohmmeter test the fuse for continuity, if it fails the fuse is faulty and needs replacing.

The DREADED F1 Error
On a number of ranges this can mean a number of things, the most common being a failed ERC(EOC, Clock assembly)or a faulty touchpad. Firstly if you are using a recent Maytag range it may pay to test the oven sensor as described above as this may cause an F1 error if faulty (may apply to some other ranges as well) this is not a common cause but is worth discounting. To check the ERC and touchpad for oven repair, perform the following or call us for help with oven repair in Pasadena:
·  Disconnect the power
·  Gain access to the back of the ERC
·  Disconnect the ribbon cable that connects the ERC to the touchpad
·  Check that nothing disconnected will short when power is reconnected
·  Reconnect the power and switch on
·  Watch for F1 and listen for the beep
·  If you get the F1 and the beep this means the fault is with the ERC and it will need replacing
·  If after 30 mins you do not see the F1 error and hear the beep, replace the touchpad
·  If your ERC and touchpad are 1 unit, just replace the unit and disregard the above.

URGENT WARNING
Your wall oven is hooked up to either a 240 volt(electric stove or wall oven) or a 120 volt(gas stove or wall oven) electric source. Either source can easily shock you and KILL you! Use extreme caution during tests and make sure to unplug the appliance or remove the electrical power to the wall oven when needed and replacing a part! Or better yet call the experts, American Appliance Specialists at (866) 445-7987 for oven repair in Woodland Hills

Other Electric Stove & Wall Oven Problems

These problems/symptoms of stove & oven repair can occur with or without an electronic control. All of them assumes you have the correct voltage going to unit. The electronic control/display runs off of 120 volts, so it only needs 1 leg of a 240 volt circuit to run, so make sure before any tests that you are getting 220-240 volts to your unit.
Bake and/or Broil Element Not Heating Up
This oven repair in Orange County can be caused by an element, fuse, switch or control, or wiring.

• Element You can test your element with an OHM meter. Like most elements they have a specific resistance to them, but most of the time that does not matter. If they show a resistance and they pass the visual test, then they are good. If the ohm meter reads "open", you need a new element. Most of the time, a bad element is obvious. Sometimes an element might be heavily pitted, hole in it, or just about broken but still reads resistance. In this case, install a new element.
• Fuse Most wall ovens have at least 1 fuse. They might be called thermal fuses, hi-limit cut-offs, thermostats, etc. Some of them are re-settable, re-set on their own, or become open and need to be replaced. There is at least 1 thermal fuse on the back wall of the oven in the wiring to the elements. If this one is blown, you will still get lights and able to program the control but no voltage gets to the elements. There is usally one other fuse to protect the controls. This one is usually located in the console cavity area and stops voltage from getting to the control. You can check the fuse with an Ohm meter as described above.

Note: Some of the newer electronic controlled wall ovens and slide-in/drop-in stoves with front panel controls, have a cooling fan inside the console compartment. This fan helps keep the controls cool and working properly. If the fuse in this compartment keeps "blowing" on you, check and make sure that this cooling fan is still working properly and that it is not obstructed somehow. Also this fan will stay on until that compartment has cooled down to a tolerable level, so if you have had the oven on for hours at a time, this fan might stay on for up to 60 minutes after you turn off the oven. A thermostat in the cavity controls it, so check that thermostat for operation if the fan is not working

• Switch or Control Gain access to your control panel. Find on your wiring diagram which wires go to your elements. Program your control, then take readings at the correct points on your control or other spots on your unit. If voltage coming in and everything else checks out and no voltage coming out of your control, then you need to replace your control. On older models with thermostat and selector switches, your oven repair will entail measuring the voltage coming out of the separate switches. Usually the main power went to one of these switches first, then to the other switch, then to your element. Just follow the wiring diagram.
• Wiring Always check your wiring, if you can, first. Loose or broken connections if not looked for can drive you crazy when trying to perform oven repair. You might have gone through all these tests to find a wire off somewhere. It does not happen often, but a quick visual check of the wiring is short compared to performing some of these tests.

Oven Temperature too Hot or Too Cold

If something is really off, an electronic control will give you an error code. If we are talking 5-25 degrees off either way, all controls can compensate for this, even the older mechanical thermostats. On electronic models, in your owner's manual, you will find the way to program your control to off-set the temperature.

Most controls can be off-set up to 35 degrees either way in 5 degree increments. On older mechanical thermostats, you either had a center mount screw in the stem of the switch or somewhere on the switch, or there was off sets on the back of the knob itself.

Before making any adjustments, make sure of the temperature first. Buy an oven thermometer and leave it in your oven so you can watch the temperature fluctuations. Make sure the oven has fully pre-heated, then wait about 15 minutes to let heat equalize before putting food in. If you are questioning a new electronic controlled oven compared to an older mechanical style thermostat oven, they heat and regulate differently.

Newer electronic controlled ovens can go as much as 75 degrees over the target temperature for pre-heating. That is why waiting 15 minutes or so is important before putting food in. Also, an electronic control will have a swing of up to 35 degrees in either direction of target temperature, that means a 70 degree swing. As the cycling continues, that swing will get less and less around the targeted temperature. The older style mechanical thermostat usually had tighter on and off points. When you are testing an oven's temperature, you must let it cycle at least 5 times before coming to the conclusion that your temperature is off.

Runaway Temperature
On electronic controlled units, this will give you an error code and hopefully shut off the unit before any damage occurs. It will also keep the door locked until the temperature inside the oven gets down to a safe level, usually 550-600 degrees. If it has done damage, it might keep the door locked so you can not use the unit. In this case you must check the oven sensor. If the sensor, as described above, passes the test, then the problem, oven repair, is in your electronic control.

We have had cases where both components check out OK, and the runaway temperature does not re-occur when we are their servicing the oven. In those cases, the oven repair we recommend to the customer is to replace both components. Also, in our experience, a control will usually go bad before a metal sensor.

On older mechanical thermostat models, replace the thermostat and/or switch. Many times the thermostat is hooked directly to the switch, so you have to replace both. Older models also had thermal fuses to stop the voltage to the elements. Also many of these models had mechanically locking doors, DO NOT open door until temperature cools. For help, call American Appliance Specialists for oven/stove repair in Sherman Oaks.

Door Problems
This stove & oven repair is for non-locking door issues that do not show up on an error code. Over time, depending on use, you may start feeling or seeing heat marks or heat around the top of the door. Your oven light might even be staying on. Two things can cause this to happen, a bad door seal or door hinges.

Door seals over time can get rock hard or torn, letting heat escape from your oven. If either one of these issues occur, just replace the door seal. This is an obvious condition and can usually be seen visually. 95% of the time, you can replace this seal without taking the door apart. Some older model GE's, you had to take the door apart to replace this seal. Keep the door gasket clean but do not wash with harsh cleaning agents.

Door hinges over time can start sagging or bending. Face it, you will lean on the door or put that 25 lb turkey on it. These will start bending the hinges down keeping your door from closing all the way properly. Another symptom you might see is that the oven light is staying on if you do not push the door closed all the time. If this is happening, you need new door hinges. To replace most of these hinges you need to slide the oven out about 6-12".

Door hinges are usually replaced as a set. When we say set, both left and right hinges are replaced including the hinge receptacle on the oven also. To replace the hinge in the door, you will need to be able to take the door off the oven. These instructions are usually in your owner's manual. Take the door apart carefully and remember where all the screws and gaskets go. The receptacles are usually replaced easy enough if you can slide the oven out 6-12". If you can order just the left or right side, it is recommended to replace both at the same time. Occassionally, you will only need one or the other hinge because it has broken, which will be very obvious.

Some older Maytags and GE ovens and stoves, the oven door actually slide off the hinge that were mounted to the door. Usually, the receptacle in the door does need to be replaced, only the hinge mounted in/on the oven.

Stove & Wall Oven Maintenance & Tips

There really is not a lot of maintenance and tips to wall ovens, just a few is mentioned below. These will cover both electric and gas wall ovens.
Cleaniness Keep your oven clean! When you spill something, wipe it or get the debris up as soon as possible. If you let it stay in there, you will get bad odors and smoke from your oven. We have even seen debris catch fire. If your oven has self clean, use it(We'll talk about self-cleaning in a moment). A dirty oven can also be a health hazard and attract roaches. Nobody like those things. At American Appliance Specialists, we will clean your oven with repair; thus, call for stove repair in Los Angeles

They do have oven liners you can put down, take out and clean. Some are recommended, but others are not. Read your owner's manual. We do know that foil is a big no-no. Today's foil will stick to your bottom oven panel and will not come off, leaving a big white/silver mark in your oven. This mark does not hurt your oven, but looks terrible and is not covered under your warranty. In fact, some brands will void your warranty after foil use. Foil also gives you reflective feedback to your bake element which can cause pre-mature failure of your element.
Owner's Manual & Installation Instructions We know both of these are boring, especially the owner's manual. The installation instructions are really important, they must be followed to a "T", otherwise oven repair and possible fire could be in your future. The Owner's Manual might solve some issues whithout calling for oven repair, most have a good troubleshooting sections and should be read.
Self Clean Option Self clean ovens are great! Here are a few precautions you should abide by. The temperature in your oven gets up to anywhere from 900-1100 degrees. That is hot enough to burn just about anything. That is why it is so critical to follow the minimum cabinet specifications when installing an oven. The oven is going to smell in self clean mode, no way around it. Turn on fans, open windows, expect the odor.

Never, never leave your house when you are self-cleaning your oven. At that temperature, many things can happen. We had one lady who left her house and oven unattended, when she came home, the inside glass had busted, letting heat escape and it ended up melting her handle and 1/2 her door. She had quite the oven repair bill. We know it gets hot and smelly in your kitchen, but you must take it to have the convenienceat Los Angeles oven repair.
A self clean cycle may take 6-8 hrs to finish, so plan accordingly. You can always cancel a self-clean by hitting the stop/cancel button, but if you let the cycle complete, your oven in Pasadena will be tied up for a minimum of 6 hours. The door locks for a reason, and will not unlock for a reason. It will not unlock until the inside temperature has gotten back down to a safe level. This is for your safety. The safe level is usually 550-600 degrees.

Never leave anything in your oven during a self clean cycle. This includes your oven racks. Today's racks, if left in, will start to discolor and get a rainbow-blueish tint to them. This can cause pre-mature breakage of an oven rack. Oven racks under this condition are not covered under warranty.

One last thing, Wait until after the holidays to self clean your oven. During the self clean cycle, you run a higher risk of "blowing" a fuse or thermostat, and a oven repair bill. During the holidays, Orange County oven repair demand is a little higher, so maybe your technician can not be scheduled or get a part until after the holidays. That can be a big inconvenience for that family get together, Thansgiving Dinner. So just wait till after the holidays to self clean your oven.