GE Oven Won’t Start, but Stove Burners Work: Troubleshoot Now

When your GE oven won’t start, but the stove burners are working, it can be frustrating. While both share some components, they also have separate parts that may malfunction. Fortunately, many issues can be fixed with simple troubleshooting. This article will explore common causes for your GE oven not starting, even though the burners work, and offer solutions. In this article, we’ll explore the potential causes behind your GE parts for oven's malfunction and provide helpful solutions, so you can quickly get your oven up and running again.

Causes and Fixes for GE Oven Not Starting, but Stove Burners Work

If your GE oven isn’t starting, but the stove burners are functioning as usual, the root cause may be one of the following issues. Let’s take a closer look at the potential causes and what you can do to fix them.

1. Faulty Igniter or Heating Element

If your oven isn't starting, start by checking the igniter (if it's gas) or the heating element (if it's electric).These are the parts that produce the heat required in cooking, and if either of them is not functioning, then your oven will not function.

• In gas ovens, the gas must be ignited by the igniter. The gas will not ignite, and the oven will stay cold if the igniter is faulty.

• For electric ovens: If the heating element is destroyed, the oven won't heat up. You might notice visible cracks or signs of wear.

How to Fix It:

• In gas ovens, there is a clicking noise when the oven is switched on. If you do not hear it, then the igniter may require replacement.

• Check for obvious damage on the heating element of electric ovens. Replace it with a new one if it appears worn out or damaged.

2. Tripped Circuit Breaker or Blown Fuse

Even if the burners are still functional, your oven may not be working because of a tripped circuit breaker or a blown fuse. Electric ovens require a dedicated power supply, and if the circuit breaker trips, it could cut off the oven’s power while leaving the stove burners unaffected.

How to Fix It:

• Inspect the circuit breaker to determine whether it has tripped. If so, switch the breaker on and off to reset it.

• If your oven has a fuse, look for any indications that it has blown. Replace it if it's defective.

3. Malfunctioning Oven Control Board

The control board is the central component of your oven. In the case that it malfunctions, the oven may not turn on even when other features, such as the stove burners, are still working. Problems with the control board can be attributed to a power surge, wear and tear, or a manufacturing defect.

How to Fix It:

• If you think that the control board is the culprit, then you should check it for any signs of burn or damage. If it looks faulty, the board will probably have to be replaced.

• You may need to contact a professional repair technician to replace the control board, as it involves advanced repairs.

4. Defective Door Switch or Lock

Most ovens have safety features such as door switches and locks that ensure the oven cannot start if the door is not shut properly. The oven might not start if the door lock is engaged or if the door switch is broken.

How to Fix It:

• Ensure the oven door is securely closed. A misaligned or broken door switch can prevent the oven from starting.

• Make sure the door lock is unlocked if your oven has a self-cleaning feature. If it is, disengage the lock to allow the oven to turn on.

5. Thermostat Issues

The thermostat regulates the temperature within the oven to the required cooking temperature and maintains it. The oven might not heat up properly or might not turn on at all if the thermostat is broken.

How to Fix It:

• You can test the thermostat with an oven thermometer to see if it is regulating the temperature correctly. If it’s not, the thermostat will likely need to be replaced to restore proper oven function.
  

If the stove burners are on but your GE oven is not starting, the issue is probably readily fixable. A professional technician should be consulted if the issue persists. With the right solution, your oven will be back in action and ready to use again.

Written by Allen Rode for HnKParts, a trusted provider of high-quality appliance parts, offering a wide range of replacement components for stoves, Dishwashers, and more.