A GE oven light that doesn’t turn on is due to a burnt-out light bulb, a faulty light socket, or a broken light switch. First, try replacing the light bulb with a new one. If the problem persists, examine the light socket for damage or corrosion and replace it if necessary. If the light still doesn’t turn on, the issue may be the light switch, which will need replacing.
GE ovens and ranges typically come with an oven light to monitor food during cooking. However, if the light fails to turn on, it can be inconvenient to check on the food. I once faced this issue while baking and learned through research that a burnt-out light bulb is a common culprit.
In this article, I’ll show you the most common reasons why your GE oven light won’t turn on and provide simple solutions to get it working again. Get ready to learn how to light up your oven and take the guesswork out of cooking!
Common Reasons Why Your GE Oven Light Won’t Turn On
- The Oven Light Bulb Is Burnt
- The Oven Light Bulb Is Loose
- The Light Pad on the Control Board Is Defective
- The Door Switch Is Faulty
From burnt-out bulbs to faulty sockets and switches, we’ve got you covered with solutions that will help you get your oven light shining bright again in no time. Let’s get started and explore the top reasons why your GE oven light might not be working.
The Oven Light Bulb Is Burnt
Like an ordinary light bulb, the filament on your oven light bulb will eventually feel the strain of consistent use and burn. If this happens, your oven light will not turn on, and replacing the bulb is the simplest fix.
How To Replace a Burnt Oven Light Bulb
- Disconnect the oven from the power supply.
- Take out the oven racks.
- Lift the oven door to remove it (if that makes it easier to reach the oven light).
- Place your hand under the oven light bulb and push the wire holding the bulb’s glass cover.
- Lift the cover out. You don’t need to remove any screws. In some models, you’ll need to make an anticlockwise quarter-turn until the tabs of the glass cover are released from the socket, then pull the cover out.
- With the oven light bulb cover removed, turn the bulb anticlockwise to remove it.
- Check if the bulb is burnt. A burnt bulb will have a broken filament, a dark shade inside the bulb, or make a broken piece sound when you shake it.
- Replace a burnt bulb with a new one by inserting it into the holding socket and turning it clockwise until it’s held tightly. Ensure you use the same type of bulb. Oven light bulb types on GE ovens can be:
- An appliance bulb. This should be 40 watts.
- Halogen bulb (2 straight pins). Use a 120/130V bulb, and do not exceed 50 watts.
- Halogen bulb (2 looped terminals). Use a 120/130V bulb, and do not exceed 50 watts.
9. Replace the oven light bulb cover, following the steps you used to remove it in reverse.
10. Turn on the oven and check if the bulb lights.
For a better illustration, watch the steps for replacing a GE oven light bulb in this GE Appliances video on YouTube.
Note: GE Oven owner’s manuals may have different ways to replace an oven light depending on your model’s light bulb and cover. Always check the “Light Bulb” section of your owner’s manual to find specific instructions for changing your oven light bulb.
The Oven Light Bulb Is Loose
When you constantly open and close doors or pull out racks and cookware, the light bulb in your oven can shake and become loose.
How To Fix a Loose Oven Light Bulb
To check and fix a loose oven light bulb, follow steps 1 – 5 in the above section, “replacing a burnt oven light bulb,” to remove the bulb cover. Then, proceed with the following steps:
- Check the oven light bulb to see if it’s loose. If so, tighten it back into the socket.
- Replace the oven light bulb cover by placing it into the groove of the bulb receptacle.
- Pull the holding wire forward until the cover snaps in place. If your model has the glass cover tabs fitting into a socket, place the tabs into the socket grooves and make a clockwise quarter-turn to fasten the cover.
- Turn on the oven and test if the oven light now works.
The Light Pad on the Control Board Is Defective
If you’ve checked the bulb to see whether it’s burned or loose and everything seems in place, the next possible problem would be a defective light pad. The light pad is a small electronic component that controls whether the oven light turns on or off. If it is defective, you will need to replace it.
How To Replace A Defective Light Pad
- To replace the light pad, you must first turn off the power supply to the oven. This can be done by switching off the circuit breaker that powers the oven.
- Next, you will need to remove the control panel cover to access the light pad. This can be done by unscrewing a few screws on the back of the panel and gently pulling it away from the oven.
- Once you can access the control board, locate the light pad and carefully disconnect it from its wiring harness. Note how the wires are connected to the light pad so you can reconnect them properly later.
- With the light pad disconnected, you can now remove it from the control board. Take care not to damage any other components on the board as you do this.
- Once you have removed the defective light pad, you can install the new one. Carefully connect the new light pad to the wiring harness, ensuring the connections are secure.
- Next, carefully place the new light pad back onto the control board and ensure it is in the correct position. Double-check that you have not accidentally dislodged any other components while doing so.
- Once everything is securely in place, screw the panel back onto the oven and test the new light pad. Turn on the oven and check that the light turns on when you press the button on the pad.
The Door Switch Is Faulty
Many ovens have a door switch that prevents the light from turning on when the door is open. If the switch is faulty, it can cause the light to stay off even when the door is closed. You will need to replace the faulty door switch to fix this issue.
How To Fix
Begin by unplugging the oven and opening the door.
Locate the door switch, which is usually located near the top of the oven cavity.
Carefully remove the wires from the old switch and note which wires are connected to which terminals.
Next, use a screwdriver to remove the old switch from the oven.
Take the old switch with you to the hardware store to ensure you get the correct replacement. Once you have the new switch, attach the wires to the correct terminals on the new switch.
10 Maintenance Tips To Keep Your GE Oven In Working Condition
Regular maintenance is vital to keeping your GE oven functioning at its best. However, with so many different parts and features, it can be challenging to know where to start. That’s why I’ve compiled this list of 10 easy maintenance tips to help you keep your GE oven in top working condition. From cleaning to inspections, this list has got you covered. So, let’s dive in and ensure your oven stays in tip-top shape!
| Maintenance Tips to Keep A GE Oven In Working Condition |
| 1. Clean the oven regularly to prevent the accumulation of grease and debris that can damage the light bulb or socket. |
| 2. Use the right light bulb for your oven and make sure it is securely screwed in to avoid loose connections or breakage. |
| 3. Check the oven’s power source to ensure it is properly grounded and has no loose wires or electrical issues. |
| 4. Don’t slam the oven door shut, as this can cause vibrations that can loosen or damage the light bulb or socket. |
| 5. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or materials on the oven’s interior or light bulb, which can cause scratches or other damage. |
| 6. Replace a burnt-out light bulb immediately to avoid damaging the light socket or switch. |
| 7. Inspect the light socket for any signs of damage, such as cracks or discoloration, and replace it if necessary. |
| 8. Use caution when removing or replacing the light bulb or socket, as they can be hot and cause burns. |
| 9. Test the light switch periodically to ensure it is functioning properly and replace it if it is not. |
| 10. Consider scheduling regular maintenance and inspections with a qualified appliance technician to keep your oven in good condition. |
Bottom Line
Don’t let a broken GE oven light ruin your cooking experience! With the information and solutions provided in this article, you can easily troubleshoot and fix most issues. However, always be cautious when dealing with electrical components; if you’re ever unsure, it’s best to call a professional. Happy cooking!
FAQs
How do I reset my GE oven?
To reset your Ge oven, you can try to unplug it for a few minutes and then plug it back in. This may reset any error codes or malfunctions causing issues with the oven’s performance. If that does not work, consult the manual or contact a professional for assistance.
How can I check the door switch to see if it’s causing the oven light issue?
You can do this by removing the oven door and checking the door switch with a multimeter. First, unplug the oven and remove the screws holding the door. Carefully lift the door off of the hinges and place it on a flat surface. Locate the door switch, which is typically located near the top of the oven cavity.
How do I reset my GE control panel?
You can reset your GE control panel by pressing and holding the “Bake” and “Broil” buttons simultaneously for 3 seconds. This will reset the control panel and clear any error codes that may be present. If this does not work, consult the manual or contact a professional for assistance.
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.