If your GE oven light doesn’t turn off, the most common reason is a faulty light switch or a broken door latch. Try replacing the light switch or adjusting the door latch to fix the issue. You can also reset the oven by turning off the power and turning it back on.
GE ovens come equipped with an interior light that automatically illuminates when the oven door is opened. This feature is particularly handy when you need to check on your cooking. As a stay-at-home mom who does a lot of baking, when my oven light abruptly stopped working last Thanksgiving, I did some research and discovered that a faulty light switch is one of the most common reasons an oven light fails to turn off.
I compiled this short article to help you determine which issues are causing your GE oven light to stay on. You’ll also find a step-by-step guide to resolving each problem and how to prevent any problem with your GE oven light from happening in the first place. So, let’s dive in and get that oven light shining only when needed!
4 Common Reasons Why Your GE Oven Light Won’t Turn Off
- The Oven Light Switch Is in the “On” Position
- The Oven Light Switch Is Defective
- The Control Panel Is Bad
- The Timer Is Broken
When cooking up a storm in the kitchen, the last thing you want is for your oven light to stay on even when the door is closed. Not only is it frustrating, but it can also be a waste of energy and potentially hazardous. If you’re experiencing this problem with your GE oven, don’t worry – we’ll explore four of the most likely culprits and give you some tips on how to fix them.
The Oven Light Switch Is in the “On” Position
This cause of a GE oven light not turning off is the easiest to resolve. If you have a wall oven or range whose oven light is controlled by a manual switch or control pad, you may need to remember to turn off the switch or pad the last time you turned it on to check your cooking.
How To Fix
To resolve the issue, toggle the oven light switch to OFF or press the “Oven Light” button, depending on your model. For example, you may have a model with a touchpad control panel with an “Oven Light” button. Simply press the button to turn off the light. If your oven light switch is manual, simply flip the switch to the “Off” position.
The Oven Light Switch Is Defective
Your oven light switch signals the light circuit to turn on when the oven door opens. Depending on your model, the oven light switch can be at the back of the oven and operated by an attached metal rod or at the front (which is the case for most models).
However, this only happens if your oven is defective. If your oven light switch is defective, it can continuously signal that the door is open, keeping the oven light on even with the door closed.
How To Fix
Always confirm that the oven light switch is defective before replacing it. The testing and replacement process can be done following these steps:
- Completely disconnect the power to the oven.
- Pull the unit away from the wall so you can easily work.
- Lift the cooktop. The way to do this could vary with the model. In most cases, the cooktop lifts like a car’s hood.
- Hold the cooktop in place with the inbuilt support rods.
- Remove the screws holding the top insulation plate and pull it open. You’ll see the light switch on the top left.
- Disconnect the wires to the oven light switch. Make sure you note where each wire goes.
- Use a pair of pliers to press the tabs on each side of the switch. Doing this will release the switch.
- Remove the switch by pushing it towards you.
- Use a multimeter to test the light switch for continuity. Depending on the type of switch, you may have one with 2, 3, or 4 terminals.
- For a 2-terminal switch, place each probe on each of the terminals.
- For a 3-terminal switch, test the ‘NO’ and the ‘CO’ terminals first and then the ‘CO’ and ‘NC’ terminals.
- For a 4-terminal switch, test the ‘NC’ terminals first, then the ‘NO’ terminals.
In all three cases, replace the light switch if it doesn’t record any continuity.
10. To change the switch, push the new oven light switch through the same opening where you pulled out the old one.
11. Reconnect the wires.
12. Screw the top plate in place.
13. Lift the cooktop from the support rods and lower it to its position.
14. Reconnect the oven power supply and test whether the oven light works as it should.
Feel free to have a look at this video instead.
If your model has the oven light switch at the back of the oven, follow the steps for changing a defective oven light switch on this AppliancePartsPro.com video instead:
The Control Panel Is Bad
If you have tested the oven light switch and it still doesn’t work, the control panel may be bad. The control panel is responsible for sending power to the oven light, so if it has a problem, the light won’t turn on.
To check if the control panel is the issue, you will need to use a multimeter to test for continuity. First, turn off the power supply to the oven. Then, remove the screws holding the control panel and carefully pull them out. Locate the wires that connect to the oven light and use the multimeter to test for continuity.
If there is no continuity, then the control panel is the culprit and needs to be replaced. To do this, disconnect the wires from the old control panel and connect them to the new one. Carefully push the new control panel back into place and secure it with screws.
Once the new control panel is in place, turn the oven power supply back on and test the oven light to ensure it works properly. If it is, then congratulations! You have successfully fixed the problem.
The Timer Is Broken
If the oven’s timer is not functioning properly, it may cause the oven light to remain on even when it should be turned off. Your oven’s timer is vital for ensuring your food is cooked to perfection, so fixing this issue as soon as possible is important.
How To Fix
To begin, locate the oven’s timer and turn it on to the “off” position. If this doesn’t work, you may need to replace the timer altogether. To do so, turn off the oven’s power supply and carefully remove the old timer from its place. Note how the wires are connected to the old timer before disconnecting them.
Next, connect the wires to the new timer and secure it. Once you’ve done so, turn the oven’s power supply back on and test the timer to make sure it’s working properly. If the timer is functioning correctly, then congratulations! You have successfully fixed the broken timer.
But what happens if the timer is not the root cause of the issue? Perhaps the problem lies deeper within the oven’s electrical system. In that case, it’s important to seek professional help. Tampering electrical components without sufficient knowledge is hazardous and may cause future problems.
Maintenance Tips For A GE Oven Light
Here are some maintenance tips for your GE oven light to ensure it always works properly.
| Maintenance Tips for a GE Oven Light |
| Check the light switch regularly to ensure it’s functioning properly. |
| Clean the oven regularly to prevent moisture buildup. |
| Replace the light bulb if it’s faulty or has been installed incorrectly. |
| Inspect the door switch and replace it if it’s broken. |
| Tighten any loose connections in the wiring. |
| Keep the contacts of the light switch and relay clean. |
| Use surge protectors to prevent electrical malfunctions. |
| Inspect the thermal switch and thermostat regularly and replace them if faulty. |
| Check the control board for any signs of damage or wear. |
| Have a professional inspect the oven regularly for any potential issues. |
FAQs
Is the oven on light supposed to turn off?
The oven light is not supposed to turn off while the oven is in use. It is designed to stay on until the oven is turned off and cools to a safe temperature. However, if the oven light stays on even when the oven is off or if it flickers or dims, a problem may need to be addressed.
Why is my automatic oven light on?
Your automatic oven light may be on due to a malfunctioning switch or sensor. It’s important to check the user manual or contact a professional to diagnose and fix the issue properly.
Can leaving the oven light on be dangerous?
Leaving the oven light on for extended periods of time can be dangerous as it can cause the light bulb to overheat and potentially start a fire. It’s important to only use the oven light when necessary and turn it off when no longer needed.
Steve Rajeckas is an HVAC hobbyist with an avid interest in learning innovative ways to keep rooms, buildings, and everything else at the optimal temperature. When he’s not working on new posts for Temperature Master, he can be found reading books or exploring the outdoors.