Range common questions

These common questions about ranges are the ones our experts hear the most often from our customers. You might also find the help you need by checking the common symptoms and solutions for ranges. When you’re ready to make a repair, search your model number to find replacement parts. Sears PartsDirect has the part you need, no matter where you bought your range.

Why is the range's digital clock not working?

If the range's clock display appears only for a few seconds when you press a button on the controls, the clock display is turned off. Follow the instructions in your owner’s manual for restoring the clock display. On most ranges, you press and hold the Clock button for 5 seconds to restore the clock display.

If the clock won’t light up at all, you probably have a wiring failure or a defective electronic oven control board in your gas or electric range.

Why does the Element On light stay lit even when all of the burners are off?

A surface element switch has a stuck contact. Replace the defective surface element switch.

Why won’t the oven door unlock after the self-clean cycle?

After the self-clean cycle, the oven door won’t unlock until the oven cools to a safe temperature.

If the oven is cool but the door remains locked, the door lock assembly, the electronic gas or electric oven control board, or the wiring might be at fault.

Why won’t my oven heat even though the igniter is glowing?

Even though it glows, the igniter element might not get hot enough to ignite the gas. Replace the faulty igniter.

Why do the surface burners keep making a ticking noise?

An ignition switch on a surface burner gas valve is shorted. It can short if an ignition switches gets wet when you clean the range. Let the ignition switches dry and see if the constant ticking stops. If the ticking continues, try replacing the ignition switch. Many ignition switches are only available as a complete set with the harness attached, which saves you the trouble of tracking down the defective switch.

Will the oven on my gas range work when the power goes out?

Older ranges with a standing pilot light that ignites the oven burner will work during a power outage. Newer gas ranges that use a glow bar igniter and safety valve ignition system won't work if the power goes out because they use electricity.  Neither will ovens that use a direct spark ignition system.

Why don't my electric range's surface burners or oven get hot, even though the controls work?

If the controls work but the cooktop and oven don't work, check the house circuit breakers for the range. If one breaker is tripped, the control will light up but the surface burners and the oven elements won't heat.

If the house circuit breakers are okay, unplug the range and check the outlet cord wiring connections on the terminal block. If the outlet cord is okay, have an electrician check the electrical outlet for the range.

Why does the digital clock work only when I turn on the cooktop, and the cooktop and oven won't get hot?

If the digital clock display is completely dead unless you turn on a surface element switch, and neither the surface elements nor the oven work, the voltage supply is the problem. The electric range requires 240 volts of power, which is provided by 2 legs of 120 volt power. The L1 leg of 120 volt power supplies the digital clock display. Since the display is blank unless a surface element is activated, the L1 leg of 120 volt power is missing. The L2 leg of is providing voltage to the digital clock display through the activated surface element.

Check your house circuit breakers or have an electrician fix this type of voltage supply problem.

What does ncal mean on my Kenmore range?

The ncal code indicates that the electronic control board lost its calibration and is defective. Unplug the range for 1 minute and then plug it back in. If the code reappears after restoring power, unplug the range and replace the electronic control board to fix this problem.

How do I turn off the Sales Demo mode on my Kenmore electric range?

Briefly unplug the range or shut off the house circuit breaker to disconnect electrical power. Within 45 seconds after restoring power, press and hold Bake Time (or Cook Time on some models) for 8 seconds. The sd will disappear from the display indicating you've disabled the Sales Demo mode.

How do I turn off the Sales Demo mode on my Frigidaire electric range?

Briefly unplug the range or shut off the house circuit breaker to disconnect electrical power. Within 45 seconds after restoring power, press and hold Bake Time (or Cook Time on some models) for 8 seconds. The sd will disappear from the display indicating you've disabled the Sales Demo mode.

How do I turn off the Sales Demo mode on my Kenmore gas range?

The display shows Sd or 5d when the range is in the Sales Demo mode. Press Cook Time and Delay Start at the same time until the clock display starts flashing; then set the clock.

How do I disable Sabbath mode on my Kenmore range?

Sab or 5ab in the display indicates that your range is in the Sabbath mode. To disable Sabbath mode, you'll likely need a helper. Unplug the range or shut off the house circuit breaker for the range to disconnect electrical power. While you press and hold the Timer Set/Off button, have your helper restore electrical power. Release the Timer Set/Off and press Stop/Clear. The Sabbath mode is now disabled. Set the clock to the correct time.