Steps to Take to Repair a Convection Oven

Unfortunately convection ovens are not usually something that the average owner can repair when they have completely stopped working. However, there are repairs that can be made safely and maintenance tips that can be followed. Simple maintenance, including keeping your convection oven clean, can help it last longer with less trouble. Some electrical knowledge and a multi-meter will be needed for most repairs. Please keep in mind that this guide is for convection ovens and not microwave ovens.

The first step to take if your convection oven is not working is to be sure it is receiving power. Check to be sure that a circuit breaker has not been tripped or a fuse blown. Kitchen circuits are notorious for being overloaded and this may be the only problem you have. You can also check the receptacle. Turn your meter to A.C. volts with a scale that will read to at least 120 volts. Place the black probe into the bottom, round, ground slot and the red probe into the smaller of the two upper slots. You should read about 117 volts. If you do not you may need an electrician.

If you have your original manual use it to determine part location on your oven. If you do not have the original manual you should be able to find one online at the manufacturers website. The website may also have step by step troubleshooting information available for you to follow.

Once you are sure that your oven has power, unplug it. It is always better to work on an appliance with it disconnected as much as possible. Check the fan inside your oven to be sure it turns freely. It may be jammed up with food, grease or other dirt. A simple cleaning may solve your problem.

The next step in diagnosis is testing the switches on your convection oven. Set your multi-meter to read Ohms on a times one scale. You may need to remove the door and you will need to remove any screws that keep the housing cover in place. Touch your meter probes to the terminals on the switch. You should read a high resistance when the switch is in the broil position. You should read a very low or zero resistance when the switch is in the convection position. If you do not get these readings you need a new switch.

Check the timer function on your oven. Remove one of the leads to the timer and touch your probe ends to the terminals. If the timer is in an off position you should show a high resistance. When the timer is moved into any time position you should get a very low or zero resistance reading. If you do not receive the correct readings you will need to replace your timer. You should also check to be sure the contacts are clean and have no corrosion. Sometimes a simple cleaning will solve this problem.

Check the thermostat for the fan next. Again remove one lead and place your probe ends on the terminals. When the oven is cold your meter should read a high resistance. When the oven is hot your meter should read a very low resistance. You can gently heat the bi-metal piece with a hair dryer or match but do not burn the piece. If this does not read correctly replace the fan thermostat.

The last step will be to determine the location of the cutoff for your oven using your manual or online source. Remove one lead end and place your meters' probe ends on the terminals. Your meter reading should show very low to zero Ohms. If you do not get this reading you will need to replace your cutoff.

Be sure to reattach all lead ends and replace any covers that you have removed before trying your oven again. If you are unable to find a problem with these steps you should take your oven for professional repair or replace it.

References:

http://www.ehow.com/how_2067299_fix-convection-oven.html

http://www.bobvila.com/HowTo_Library/Fixing_a_Convection_Oven-Oven-F2134.html