GE Oven Overheating? Here’s Why and How to Fix it.

A faulty temperature sensor or thermostat is the most common cause of overheating with GE ovens. You can use a multimeter to ohm test the sensor. Consider replacing the device if the resistance doesn’t fall between 1050 to 1100 ohms. There are other common causes of overheating with GE ovens, such as a defective thermostat, a blocked oven vent, or a faulty oven element. If you need assistance troubleshooting, I recommend calling a professional.

Burnt or overcooked food is the obvious problem with an oven that heats above the desired temperature. I’ve used a GE oven for 3 years, and overheating is somewhat common, so you’re not alone. This Overheating can be dangerous, potentially leading to fire accidents if not handled properly.

That’s why it’s important to know why your GE oven overheats, but it’s also crucial to know how to handle the issue. We’ll explore all the possible reasons why your GE oven overheats, plus DIY fixes to get you back to cooking soon enough.

This article breaks down the problems that cause your GE oven to overheat. It also provides simple guidelines on how to resolve the issues. Keep reading to learn more! 

A Faulty Oven Temperature Sensor

A defective temperature sensor is the most common cause of overheating with GE ovens. Here’s why:

The temperature sensor communicates with the oven’s control board to regulate the heat in the oven. The control board then adjusts the heat output of the heating element to maintain a specific temperature range in the oven.

A faulty sensor may not detect the oven reaching the desired temperature. Then the heating element continues to operate when it shouldn’t, raising the temperature even higher, causing overheating.

How To Fix a Faulty GE Oven Temperature Sensor

First, isolate and test the temperature sensor for continuity before replacing it (if necessary). Then, follow these steps:

1. Cut the power supply to the oven.
2. Remove the oven’s rear panel and disconnect the sensor wire.
3. Remove oven racks to clear your way to the sensor. You may also want to remove the oven door by lifting it. Removing the door will make it easier to access the sensor.
4. Locate the sensor screws at the rear of the oven and unscrew them to release the sensor. The sensor looks like a metal rod.
5. Pull out the sensor through the hole in the oven wall.
6. Test the sensor for resistance using a multimeter. The sensor should record a value of around 1100 ohms if it’s working normally. A value that deviates too far from this indicates a faulty temperature sensor that needs to be replaced.
7. To replace the sensor, pass it through the hole in the oven wall and screw it in place. Reconnect the wires at the oven’s rear and replace the oven’s rear panel. Fix the oven door back if you removed it. 

Here’s a video guide on how to replace the faulty oven temperature sensor:

A Defective Temperature Thermostat

The temperature thermostat controls heat in the oven by regulating the oven’s heat cycles. If the thermostat is defective, the temperature will keep going up when the oven should cycle off, leading to overheating. 

How To Fix a Defective GE Oven Thermostat

1. Disconnect the oven from the power supply.
2. Pull out the thermostat knob from the oven. If it feels hard to pull out, use a string to help get it out. 
3. Remove the rear panel of the range by taking away the screws.
4. Disconnect the thermostat wires.
5. Take out the screws holding the thermostat assembly. These screws are next to where you removed the thermostat knob. 
6. Remove the old thermostat. 
7. Place the new thermostat in place of the old one and screw it onto the panel.
8. Reattach the connection wires.
9. Remove the sensing bulb route from the old thermostat and connect it to the new one.
10. Screw back the panel and fit back the thermostat knob.

Here’s a video guide on how to fix a defective GE oven thermostat:

Defective Oven Cooling Fan

An oven cooling fan is designed to cool down the internal components of the oven after cooking. This is important to prevent damage to the oven and to ensure that it is safe to touch and handle.

So it’s evident that a defective oven cooling fan could cause your oven to overheat. The internal parts don’t cool off, the heat accumulates, and you’ll notice that the outside of your oven also becomes hot.

How to troubleshoot a defective oven cooling fan

This will require some basic knowledge of electrical circuits and safety precautions:

1. Turn off the power supply to the oven.
2. Locate the cooling fan, usually at the back of the oven near the top.
3. Remove the back panel of the oven to access the cooling fan.
4. Check the fan blades for any obstruction preventing them from turning.
5. If the fan blades are not obstructed, use a multimeter to test the motor for continuity.
6. If the motor does not have continuity, it may need to be replaced.
7. If the motor has continuity, but the fan is still not working, check the wiring connections to ensure they are properly connected.
8. If the wiring connections are okay, check the thermostat and thermal fuse to ensure they are working correctly.
9. If the thermostat or thermal fuse is faulty, it may need to be replaced.
10. Reassemble the oven and turn on the power supply to test the cooling fan.

I recommend calling a professional to do the troubleshooting. 

A Blocked Oven Vent

GE ovens have a vent that dispels steam and hot air when the oven is running. An oven vent is an opening or a channel that allows hot air and steam to escape from the oven during cooking. This is important to release excess heat.

If your GE oven’s vent is blocked, excess heat stays inside the oven, causing overheating that is eventually felt on the outside.

The vent and duct can get blocked due to grease buildup or if objects are placed on top of the vent trim. If this happens, hot air is not vented, causing the oven to overheat.

How To clean a Blocked GE Oven Vent

The GE oven manufacturer recommends regularly cleaning your oven vent area to prevent blockage. To clean your GE oven vent: 

• Ensure the oven is not running or hot from a just-completed cooking cycle.
• Use water, soap, and a non-abrasive pad to remove dirt and grease on the vent trim. You can also use a stainless-steel degreaser. A highly effective product in grease removal and one that leaves the oven with a luminous finish, like the Weiman Cooktop/Stove Top Cleaner (available on Amazon.com), is recommended. It’s safe and easy to use and works for a wide range of delicate surfaces.
• Use a soft cloth to dry the vent trim.

Here’s a detailed video guide on how to clean a GE oven vent trim:

A faulty oven element

Does your GE oven reach the desired temperature too quickly and then continue to get hotter and hotter? This indicates that the heating element is faulty. 

Your GE oven’s heating element produces heat inside the oven. A faulty oven element can produce more heat than necessary and fail to regulate the oven’s temperature properly. The obvious result is overheating.

There’s a relatively easy DIY fix:

How to fix a faulty heating element in a GE oven

Here’s how to troubleshoot and fix a faulty heating element:

1. Cut the power supply.
2. Find the heating element: Depending on your oven model, the heating element may be located at the top or bottom of the oven.
3. Carefully remove any wires or connectors attached to the heating element. Then, loosen and remove any screws or clips holding the heating element in place.
4. Inspect the element: If the heating element is broken, cracked, or otherwise damaged, it needs to be replaced.
5. Install the new heating element: Align it in the correct position and secure it with screws or clips. Then, reconnect any wires or connectors that were removed.
6. Test the oven: After replacing the heating element, turn the power back on and test the oven to ensure that it is no longer overheating.

Other less common causes of GE oven overheating include:

• A shorted-out heating element (broil or bake).
• A defective fan motor.
• A malfunctioning oven control board.
• A loose control knob that doesn’t show the exact temperature.

Remember to always contact a professional GE oven for issues technician for issues you’re not sure you can fix safely and successfully.

Conclusion

Your GE oven could overheat because of a faulty oven temperature sensor, a defective temperature thermostat, a blocked oven vent, a faulty oven element, or a defective cooling fan. Overheating can be dangerous, eventually leading to fire accidents, so it’s important to handle it. We’ve provided quick DIY guides to help you identify and fix overheating issues with your GE oven. We always recommend calling a technician if you’re comfortable following these guides.

Steve Rajeckas

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.