Kenmore Oven Troubleshooting Guide

If your Kenmore oven is not working properly, you may be able to troubleshoot and fix the problem yourself instead of paying a repair person. Make sure you only use replacement parts that are compatible with your make and model of Kenmore oven.

Save money by troubleshooting problems with your Kenmore oven before calling for repairs.

Consult the troubleshooting section of your owner's manual or the Kenmore website for repair tips that relate to your specific model number.

Power

If the oven's display screen is not lit, check the breaker switch that controls the electrical power to your kitchen and replace any blown fuses. Call an electrician to inspect your home's wiring if there is still no power to the oven.

Thermostat

Place an oven thermometer on one of the cooking racks inside the oven to test the thermostat's accuracy. Run the oven's "Cook" mode for 10 minutes at 375 degrees. If the thermometer's reading is not between 370 and 380 degrees after the 10 minutes is over, recalibrate the thermostat according to the instructions in your owner's manual.

Electric Ovens

Watch the two heating elements as the oven warms up if you are having problems with poorly cooked food in an electric Kenmore oven. Depending on the cooking mode you select, either the bake element at the bottom of the oven or the broiler element at the top should glow red as the temperature increases.

Gas Ovens

If your gas-powered Kenmore oven does not heat up, check the pilot to make sure it is lit.

The Drip Cap

If your Kenmore oven is not working properly, you may be able to troubleshoot and fix the problem yourself instead of paying a repair person.
If the thermometer's reading is not between 370 and 380 degrees after the 10 minutes is over, recalibrate the thermostat according to the instructions in your owner's manual.
Watch the two heating elements as the oven warms up if you are having problems with poorly cooked food in an electric Kenmore oven.