July 20, 2018

How to replace a range oven door switch

This range repair guide shows how to replace the oven door switch. The oven door switch detects whether the oven door is closed and helps control the oven light. Unless you have the oven light control set to keep the oven light on constantly, the door switch shuts off the light when you close the door. The oven door switch also verifies that the oven door is shut during the self-clean cycle. If the oven light stays on when you close the door or the self-clean cycle won’t start or stops in the middle of the cycle because the door switch doesn’t properly detect the door being closed, replace the door switch with a manufacturer-approved range part.

This procedure shows how to replace the oven door switch on some Kenmore, Frigidaire, Whirlpool, Maytag, Amana, GE, Electrolux, LG and Samsung ranges.

Quick links

Video

Instructions

Tools required

Phillips screwdriver

Slot screwdriver

Work gloves

Sturdy prop such as a heavy stick or piece of wood

A help if necessary

Repair difficulty

Time required

30 minutes or less

Replacing the range oven door switch video.

How to replace a range oven door switch video.

Instructions

01.
Turn off power to the range
Unplug the range or shut off the circuit breakers for the range.
Tip: Shutting off the house circuit breakers for the range works best for this repair because you don’t have to pull the range out to replace the switch. If you pull out the range to unplug it, set the range on cardboard prevent scratching the floor.
02.
Open the cooktop
Open the oven door completely and remove the screws from the bottom front lip of the glass cooktop frame.
Carefully pull the cooktop assembly slightly forward to release the front lip of the glass cooktop frame from the front cabinet support bracket. Raise the front of the cooktop slightly to release the frame sides from the front support bracket then pull the cooktop forward to release the hinge tabs from the slots in the backguard.
Lift the front edge of the glass cooktop and prop it open.
Place the prop at the front of the range under the center of the cooktop’s front lip where it's steady, so the cooktop won't fall. Avoid damaging the oven cavity insulation when propping open the glass cooktop.
PHOTO: Remove the cooktop screws.
PHOTO: Prop open the cooktop.
03.
Replace the door switch
Disconnect the wires from the oven door switch. Use a slot screwdriver to release the locking tabs and pull the oven door switch out of the range frame. Push the new oven door switch into the range frame. Connect the wires to the new oven door switch.
PHOTO: Disconnect the door switch wires.
PHOTO: Release the locking tab.
PHOTO: Remove the door switch.
04.
Reattach the cooktop
Carefully remove the prop that's supporting the cooktop and lower the cooktop. Tuck the front lip of the cooktop frame under the front cabinet support bracket and lower the sides of the cooktop frame over the ends of the front support bracket. Push the cooktop back, inserting the hinge tabs into the backguard slots. Reinstall the mounting screws in the front lip of the cooktop frame. Close the oven door.
05.
Restore power to the range
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 or maintenance to appliances or power equipment can be hazardous. Should you choose to undertake repairs or maintenance, you are assuming the risk of injury to your person or property. In an effort to reduce the risk, use the proper tools and safety equipment noted in the applicable 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 or maintenance, however, should only be performed by a qualified technician.

Most common symptoms to help you fix your ranges

Choose a symptom to see related range repairs.

View all

Why is my range's oven temperature wrong?

Main causes: faulty temperature sensor, electronic control board problem, control thermostat failure, weak burner ignite…

Why won't my range's oven heat?

Main causes: power supply problem, control thermostat or electronic control board failure, broken element, bad burner ig…

How do I get rid of streaks on my range's oven window?

Main causes: food splatters, spilling food on the oven door, allowing liquid to drip through oven door vent when cleanin…

Why isn't my range working?

Main causes: power supply failure, blown thermal fuse, bad relay control board, damaged terminal block, wiring failure…

Why doesn't my range's oven broiler work?

Main causes: broken broiler element, weak or broken broil burner igniter, control system failure, faulty temperature sen…

Why won't my range's oven bake?

Main causes: bad bake element, broken burner igniter, control system failure, blown thermal fuse, faulty temperature sen…

Why can't I unlock my range's oven door?

Main causes: broken oven door lock assembly, wiring failure, electronic control board problem…

Most common repair guides to help fix your ranges

These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your range.

View all