Range Troubleshooting:
Why Your Range Isn’t Working
You’re ready to get cooking – but your range isn’t.
Let’s look at some possible reasons your range isn’t working.
Cooktop not working or partially working
Electric – Coil elements and smoothtop
First check the circuit breaker and fuses to make sure the main power supply is working.
Then ensure the elements have been installed correctly. See how to properly insert elements
here. If the coils aren’t the problem, check to see if
the Control Lock is on. See your range’s use and care guide for instructions on unlocking
the controls.
If you’re using a dual or triple element on Smoothtop, see information on how to correctly set these elements here.
If you still can’t get your cooktop to work properly, try resetting the power to the range.
Gas – Surface burner issues
Clicking
The burner will click when it ignites or if spillover occurs.
Sparking
Sparking might happen if there’s a draft in the room. It also happens when using the low
setting on a burner.
Flames too low, too high, uneven, yellow, or noisy
Here are a few things to check:
Are the burner ports clogged? Clean them with a straight pin, needle, or small-gauge
wire. Do not use a wooden toothpick. See illustration.
Are the burner base and burner cap positioned properly? See illustrations for proper placement.
Is the burner base making a popping noise? The burner could be wet. Allow it to dry completely before continuing. Ensure the cooktop gas supply (LP or natural) is correct. Refer to the range’s installation instructions to verify the pressure regulator is installed correctly and the gas line pressure is correct. Is propane (LP) gas being used? The cooktop may have been converted improperly. You’ll need to call a professional to fix this.
Not lighting
Clicking
First check your circuit breaker and fuses to make sure the main power supply is
operating correctly. If that’s not the problem, here are a few more things to check:
- Are the burner ports clogged? Refer to the illustration in the previous section for proper cleaning.
- Are the burner base and cap properly installed? Refer to the illustration in the previous section for proper placement.
- Was the range recently installed or re-connected to the gas supply? There could be air in the gas lines. Turn on any one of the surface burner knobs to release the air.
- Is the main gas valve turned on? See illustration.
If your burners still won’t light,
Nothing will work
If nothing on your range is working, make sure the power cord is connected to a grounded operational outlet. Then check your circuit breaker and fuses to make sure the power supply is operating correctly. If it’s a gas range, make sure the gas valve is on. Refer to the illustration in the previous section to check.
If the power and the gas valve aren’t the problem, here are a few more things to check:
- Is the oven control set correctly? Refer to the range’s use and care guide to make sure.
- Is Control Lock on? You may need to reset power to the range.
- If it’s just the oven that won’t work, make sure Delay Start has not been activated.
- If it’s a gas range and the oven is the problem, and it was recently reconnected to the gas supply, there could be air in the gas lines. Turn on any one of the surface burner knobs to release the air.
Still Having Issues?
You may need a professional repair. Or, if your range is more than 10 years old, it might be time for a replacement. Amana has great ranges at a great value – check out the latest.
