Won't Heat / Won't Start FixesLog in

Electric oven not heating? Check these first

Last verified: October 28, 2026

Disclosure: Some links on this site may be affiliate links; see our disclosure. Not affiliated with GE Appliances or Whirlpool. Safety first: turn off the breaker (or remove the fuse) for the range before you check the power cord or look at an element. [1] Wiring and outlet problems are for a licensed electrician. [3]

Holiday baking season is when a dead oven hurts most. This guide is for an electric oven that won't heat. Gas oven with working burners? See gas oven not heating instead. GE Appliances and Whirlpool start with the same free checks. [1][2][3]

Free checks, in order

  1. Controls set correctly. On knob models, make sure the function and temperature knobs are set, and if you pulled the knobs off for cleaning, that they went back in the right spots. On electronic controls, select the function and temperature and press Start. [1]
  2. Breaker or fuse. Make sure the range breakers are on or the fuses are good. [1] Whirlpool says a tripped breaker often sits stuck between On and Off. [4]
  3. Power cord. On most freestanding and slide-in ranges you can reach the cord by pulling out the storage drawer. Turn off the breaker first, then make sure it's plugged in fully. [1] Whirlpool says scorch marks or misshapen plastic on the outlet are signs it's gone bad; call a licensed electrician. [4]
  4. Door fully closed. On some models the elements won't come on with the door open. [3]
  5. Control lock, demo mode, or delayed start. Look for "Control Lock" on the console; Whirlpool says holding the button about 3 seconds typically resets it. Demo mode makes the oven run a presentation instead of heating. A Delayed Start bake won't start until the set time, so cancel and restart. Your owner's manual explains each for your model. [3]
  6. Self-clean latch. On self-clean ranges with a manual latch, GE says it must be in the unlocked position, all the way to the left. [1]

Reset the electronic control

GE's reset: turn the breaker off (or remove the fuse), wait one minute, then turn it back on. GE says to try this even if the clock and light still work. [1] Whirlpool gives the same one-minute breaker reset after a power outage. If an "F9" or "F9 E0" code keeps coming back, Whirlpool says the outlet may be miswired: disconnect power and have a qualified electrician check it. [2]

Look at the bake element

With the oven off and the breaker off, GE says to inspect the lower bake element for cracks or breaks; a cracked or broken element needs to be replaced. [1] During baking, a working bake element gives off a bright orange glow. [5] Whirlpool says an element that doesn't glow red when you heat the oven can be a sign it needs replacing. [4]

Don't be fooled by the top element: GE says the broil element runs at lower wattage during baking on most models and may not glow even when it's on. That's normal. On broil, the bake element isn't used at all. [5]

Just installed?

For a new installation, Whirlpool lists what to check on the power connection: strain relief tight against the cord, terminal wires in the correct spots with colors matching, and terminal block nuts tight. Follow the installation instructions. [3] If you're not comfortable with that, have the installer or an electrician check it.

When to stop and call for service

Have the model number ready when you call.

Other no-heat guides

Gas oven: gas oven not heating. Furnace: furnace won't turn on. Water heater: electric water heater no hot water.

We don't list repair costs or part prices. They vary by model and area.

Sources

  1. GE Appliances: Range & Wall Oven, Oven Will Not Come On
  2. Whirlpool Product Help: Oven Not Working, Electric
  3. Whirlpool Product Help: Oven Not Heating, Powering On, Electric
  4. Whirlpool: Why Is My Oven Not Heating Up?
  5. GE Appliances: Bake and Broil Element Operation

General diagnostic guidance only, not specific to any single model. Sourced from the manufacturer pages linked above. Last verified October 28, 2026.