It can be rather annoying when, even though you’re sure you’ve turned the oven off, its light still stays on, often causing unnecessary panic.
Having the oven light turn off with the oven itself makes it easier for you to ensure that you’ve turned the appliance off properly, which is very important for your safety, but also gives you much-needed peace of mind.
So, why is it that the oven light won’t turn off? Keep on reading as we go over the most probable scenarios, as well as quick (but permanent) fixes for each and every one of them!
Why won’t the oven light turn off?
Before you dedicate your time and effort to fixing something, it is crucial to spend some time troubleshooting the oven to find the most accurate solution.
That being said, we’re going to introduce the main factors when it comes to a malfunctioning or defective oven light, which will guide you through the troubleshooting process.
1. The oven door isn’t closing properly
Depending on the oven model, your oven light bulb may be connected to the door mechanism. If this is the case, the oven light will turn on when you open the door.
If this is the case, it could be that your door switch isn’t working properly, which is why it is triggering the light switch in the oven.
As long as the oven door isn’t closed all the way, the light will stay on due to this mechanism, so it is necessary to fix the door and possibly replace some of its elements.
It is also possible for the actual door switch to be damaged or broken, which will not only affect the door light switch but the electric oven temperature, as well.
2. Malfunctioning control board
Another possibility to take into consideration is that the control board of your gas oven or electric oven could be faulty.
However, this is not a problem that you should try to identify yourself, as there could be some loose or damaged wiring that could be dangerous.
We recommend contacting an electrician if you suspect that the control board may be the issue.
3. Electrical problem
When it comes to an oven light that won’t turn off, it is possible that the problem is in the wiring or the circuit breaker.
In case this problem came to your attention after a blackout in your area, or a major power surge, it is probable that the issue with the oven light stems from these events.
However, in this case, you should also be experiencing issues with other appliances in your home, especially your kitchen.
4. Oven light switch is on
While this is not true for all oven models, in your case, it could be that there is a hidden light switch located on the control panel or a door light switch that you may not be aware of.
If this is the case, there is essentially nothing wrong with your oven. You should just locate the switch or ensure that the oven light isn’t controlled by the motion of the door.
5. Defective thermostat
As you already know, the thermostat is the main element in the oven controlling the temperature. In case it isn’t functioning properly, the oven may get “stuck” at a certain oven temperature, causing the oven light bulb to remain lit.
Also, if the thermostat fails and the temperature sensor is defective, the oven will not be able to reach the desired temperature, which is a pretty complex issue.
6. Malfunctioning broil and bake elements
The broiling element, located on the top oven wall, can become damaged over time, which will certainly cause the oven to malfunction, and it could be the reason behind this persistent oven light.
What’s more, a shorted-out bake element in your oven will stop the oven from shutting off properly, causing the oven light to stay lit, indicating this issue.
How to fix an oven light that won’t turn off
Once you’ve detected the malfunctioning or damaged element, it will be much easier to get to the bottom of the issue and finally fix your oven light.
As we’ve mentioned, in certain cases that involve electronics, it is wiser to contact an electrician and leave this tricky work to a professional.
That being said, let’s see what would be the best solution for an oven light that won’t turn off.
1. Fix the malfunctioning oven door
In case the oven door won’t close all the way and is causing the oven light to act up, you should inspect it for any blockages or racks that haven’t been positioned properly.
Any kind of obstacle, whether it be racks and pans, or dirt and grease buildup, should be removed in order for the door to be closed all the way.
Often, food particles and gunk accumulate around the hinges, blocking the oven door.
If you suspect that a faulty door switch may be the issue, try removing the door switch and replacing it with a new one according to the manual. Always remember to unplug the appliance from the power source before you replace the elements.
2. Have a professional take a look at the wiring and control board
This is simply one of those issues that call for professional assistance, no matter how much experience you have with household tasks in general.
It can be extremely dangerous trying to fix such a complex issue yourself, so we always recommend at least consulting with an expert to repair the oven’s electrical system.
Remember that the electrical system is essentially a vital component of your oven, and it probably won’t be long until the oven stops working altogether if you don’t fix this burning issue.
Yet another possibility is that this issue only appeared after a blackout or a major power surge in your area. In this case, it is necessary to contact a repair technician and have them inspect not only the oven but the entire electrical system in your house for any failures or damaged elements.
3. Find and turn off the oven light switch
In case you weren’t aware of this oven light switch, the user manual will help you detect it and check if you’ve turned it on by accident, which is causing the oven light to stay on.
In case there is a door light switch, there should also be a switch-off button that controls it. However, if the oven light still seems to be on, this means that the problem concerns the door itself, possibly the door springs.
In this case, it is necessary to replace the door springs or contact a repair technician to do this for you. A functioning door is necessary not only for the oven light to turn off but also for the oven to maintain the desired temperature.
4. Replace the thermostat
As we’ve explained, the thermostat in your oven controls and maintains the temperature. In case it is damaged or acting up, the best thing you can do is replace it with a new one.
Unplug the oven from the power source, and allow it to cool off completely. Remove the control knob to reach the thermostat, and then remove the faulty thermostat carefully, making sure not to pull out any wires.
You also want to disconnect the thermostat capillary tubes by pushing them through the designated opening, making sure not to pull or break any other components.
To install the new thermostat, add the capillary tubes through the oven wall and position them according to the manual instructions.
Secure the new thermostat with mounting screws and reattach all wires accordingly.
5. Inspect and repair/replace the broil and bake elements
When inspecting the broil element, it is necessary to look for any visible signs of damage, such as blisters or holes.
You may also use a multimeter to test this component for continuity, which is also the best way to troubleshoot your bake element.
In case the elements display continuity from terminals to the outer case, they should be replaced.
Adrian is an ISCET licensed professional that has completed the National Appliance Service Technician Certification Exam and has the expertise to diagnose and repair any appliance. He is well-versed in the latest technologies and techniques and is always up-to-date on the latest industry standards.
