Oven Repair

How to Replace Your Oven Selector Switch

Oven won’t start? Oven always set to the wrong temperature? It might be a deep electrical problem with your oven, a faulty thermostat or heating element, but it might just be the selector switch. For ovens that do not have digital button controls, there is a central selector switch that controls the temperature of your oven. In older models, the selector switch is even used to calibrate the oven.

However, when that selector switch goes faulty, the entire rest of the oven stops working – except for the timer, of course. Don’t worry, if you have diagnosed your oven selector switch as the problem, or suspect it, we can help. 

1. Have the Switch Tested

First things first, be sure it’s your selector switch that needs replacing. The best way to do this is to ask a technician to open up your panel and test the switch with a multi-meter. You can do this yourself if you are confident, but a multimeter is the only way to determine a non-starting oven is not starting because of the switch itself. 

2. Order a Replacement Switch

Now make sure you have the replacement switch to install before you start taking your oven apart to do the repair. Start by finding your oven’s make and model. The brand should be printed in a logo on the outside of the oven. This is the oven make. The model number can be found on a sticker, usually just inside the door pocket.

Now use this information to look up your user’s manual or replacement parts guide. The parts guide will tell you the exact model number for the selector switch you need to order. 

3. Prepare to Repair

When the switch arrives, you can prepare for your repair. Get your supplies and your oven ready so you can do all of the repair in one smooth process.

  • Supplies
    • Screwdriver
    • 1/4 ” Nut Driver
    • Work Gloves
    • Replacement Selector Switch
  • Unplug the Oven from the Wall
    • This is an electric repair, involving a part that runs power through wires. For your own safety and for the care of your oven, pull the plug. Make sure your oven is not running electricity during this repair.

4. Access the Control Panel

Most ovens keep the selector switch controls in an upper panel, accessed through the back. However, your oven may have a different panel to access. These instructions can be followed approximately for a differently mounted control panel.

  • Pull the Oven Out
    • To access the back of your control panel, you’ll need to pull your oven away from the wall. Give yourself enough room to comfortably stand or crouch behind the oven to work.
  • Remove the Back Mounting Screws
    • The back panel will be ringed in a few mounting screws, ranging from four to twelve screws depending on the model. Remove each and set them aside where you can find them all later.
  • Set Aside the Back Panel
    • Carefully remove the back pane. Set it upright or on a nearby counter so that you can reinstall it after the switch is replaced.

5. Remove the Old Switch

With the panel open, you’re ready to remove that faulty selector switch.

  • Pull the Knob
    • Start by removing the knob. The part your hand normally touches will pull right off. Set the knob aside.
  • Remove the Mounting Screws
    • There will be one to four mounting screws holding your oven selector switch in place from the back. Remove them and set the screws where you can easily find them.
  • Disconnect the Wire Harness
    • There will be a bundle of wires held together by a probably-white plastic clip. The clip has two halves, one that connects to the switch and one that connects to the oven. Pull the wire harness apart by releasing the clip
  • Recycle the Selector Switch
    • Now the old switch has come fully free from being installed. It should come away in your hand. Instead of throwing it away, we advise that you recycle the switch as an electronic part, along with your dead batteries and old cellphones.

6. Install the New Selector Switch

That space for a selector switch is now vacant and ready for you to install the new switch. Make sure your new selector switch is fully unpackaged with all plastic and tabs removed. Then you’re ready to install it.

  • Align the New Switch
    • Line your new switch with the holes and tabs. Make sure it is right-side-up and facing the correct direction. The switch should include a post that threads neatly where the knob will mount onto it a few future steps.
  • Connect the Wire Harness
    • Connect your new switch to the wires of the oven, via the plastic wire harness. Press the two halves of the harness together until you hear it click into place.
  • Fasten the Mounting Screws
    • Grab your mounting screws set aside and return them to their place. Tighten the screws, but not so tight that the lightweight metal bends.
  • Resecure the Knob
    • Finally, fit that oven knob on the new selector switch post, right-side-up, and – if applicable – adjust it to the correct temperature calibration.

7. Reassemble the Oven

Your selector switch is now replaced and reinstalled. Technically, you could use your oven in this configuration, but it’s better to put the oven back together. The next few steps will get your oven back into cooking condition.

  • Return the Back Panel
    • Grab the back panel and fit it into place. Retrieve your mounting screws from where they were stored and return them to each slot. Again, there’s no need to over-tighten once the screw is secured.
  • Plug the Oven Back In
    • Now is usually the best time to return your oven’s power plug to the wall. Restore power to your oven so you can test your success.
  • Push the Oven to the Wall
    • Finally, get your oven back into position. Push it into the cabinet slot or back against the wall where it belongs.

8. Test Your Repair

Last but not least, make sure your repair was a success. Spin that selector switch and set your oven temp. In ten minutes, it should be ready to bake. If your oven is not working or if this repair is not something you feel like tackling, you can always count on your local appliance technician to get the job done. Contact us today to learn more! 

Fleet Appliance

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