Fixing a Whirlpool Oven That Won’t Heat

If the burners are working but the oven isn’t heating, the issue is likely with the igniter. Gas ovens use an igniter to light the burner inside the oven. If the igniter is weak or faulty, it may glow but not get hot enough to open the gas valve, preventing the oven from heating. Other possible causes include a faulty thermostat, control board, or safety valve. It’s best to have a technician test the igniter first.

1. Turn off the oven and unplug it from the wall outlet. 2. Wait about 60 seconds. 3. Plug it back in. 4. If your model has a reset button or shows error codes, follow the manual instructions to clear them.

To check a gas oven igniter, first remove the oven’s bottom panel to expose the igniter. Turn the oven on and observe the igniter. It should glow bright red and trigger the gas to ignite within 30 to 60 seconds. If it glows but the oven doesn’t light, the igniter may be too weak to open the gas valve. If it doesn’t glow at all, it could be burned out or not receiving power. In either case, a technician can perform a continuity test with a multimeter to confirm whether it needs replacement.

A faulty heating element will typically cause the oven to heat unevenly or not heat at all. You might notice visible signs of damage like cracks, blisters, or burnt areas on the element itself. In normal operation, the element should glow red when in use—if it doesn’t, it’s likely no longer functioning. The most reliable way to confirm is with a multimeter test. If the element shows no electrical continuity, it’s time to replace it.