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.
Replacing an electric range oven tempeerature sensor video.
Instructions
- 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). - 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. - 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.
- 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.
- 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. - 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.
Most common symptoms to help you fix your ranges
Choose a symptom to see related range repairs.
Main causes: broken oven door lock assembly, wiring failure, electronic control board problem…
Main causes: broken broiler element, weak or broken broil burner igniter, control system failure, faulty temperature sen…
Main causes: power supply problem, control thermostat or electronic control board failure, broken element, bad burner ig…
Main causes: bad bake element, broken burner igniter, control system failure, blown thermal fuse, faulty temperature sen…
Main causes: food splatters, spilling food on the oven door, allowing liquid to drip through oven door vent when cleanin…
Main causes: faulty temperature sensor, electronic control board problem, control thermostat failure, weak burner ignite…
Main causes: power supply failure, blown thermal fuse, bad relay control board, damaged terminal block, wiring failure…
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.
How to replace a range oven door switch
The oven door switch detects whether the oven door is closed and helps control the oven light. Replace the switch if it …
How to replace a range oven door lock assembly
Oven door not locking? You can replace the lock assembly in less than 30 minutes. Here's how.…
Effective articles & videos to help repair your ranges
Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your range.
Learn how to clean and maintain your stove to keep it in top shape.…
Get answers to frequently asked questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect.…
Troubleshoot and repair problems with your range when your oven door locks shut and you can't get it open.…