If your Maytag oven is not heating up, It’s often caused by a blown thermal oven fuse, a dirty or faulty ignitor, a faulty heating element or control board. The thermal fuse is designed to protect the oven from overheating; if it blows, the oven won’t heat up. A dirty or faulty ignitor can prevent the oven from igniting properly, while a faulty heating element or control board can also cause the oven not to heat up.
I bought my Maytag oven recently because of the great reviews I’ve been seeing, but just like any great brand out there, Maytag appliances are not always perfect. There was a time when I was about to bake my birthday cake, and suddenly, my oven was not heating up. It took me about 20 minutes to figure out what was wrong and fix it.
If you’re just like me and have experienced this problem and want to be prepared in case it happens again, this article will help you. It contains 11 possible reasons why your oven is not heating, together with some basic and simple fixes you can do at home.
11 Reasons Why Your Maytag Oven is Not Heating
Here are the 11 most common reasons why your Maytag is not reaching your desired cooking temperature:
- A thermal fuse is blown
- Limited Power Supply
- The oven temperature is improperly set.
- The ‘Control Lock’ feature is enabled.
- ‘Delay Start’ is enabled.
- The range is now in ‘Sabbath Mode.’
- The range is now in ‘Demo Mode.’
- The temperature sensor is defective.
- The oven igniter has failed.
- The baking element has been damaged.
- The thermal fuse has blown.
- The control board is not working properly.
Let’s take a closer look at each of these reasons and how you can solve them.
A Thermal Fuse is Blown
A thermal fuse is a safety component designed to protect the oven from overheating. It’s a small device usually located on the back panel of the oven or near the oven control board. If the oven gets too hot, the thermal fuse will blow, cutting off power to the heating element and preventing the oven from heating up.
When a thermal fuse blows, it can be due to various reasons, such as a malfunctioning thermostat, a blocked ventilation system, or a problem with the heating element. Sometimes, the thermal fuse can also simply wear out over time and need to be replaced.
If you suspect that a blown thermal fuse is the reason why your Maytag oven is not heating up, here are some steps you can take to fix the issue:
How to Fix a Blown Thermal Fuse
Unplug the oven: Before you start any repairs, unplug the oven to avoid any risk of electric shock.
Locate the thermal fuse: Look for the thermal fuse on the back panel of the oven or near the control board. Refer to your owner’s manual for specific instructions on locating the thermal fuse.
Test the thermal fuse: Use a multimeter to test the thermal fuse for continuity. If the multimeter shows no continuity, then the thermal fuse has blown and needs to be replaced.
Replace the thermal fuse: Once you have confirmed that it has blown, you can replace it with a new one. You can purchase a replacement thermal fuse from a hardware or appliance parts store. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when installing the new thermal fuse.
Test the oven: Once you have replaced the thermal fuse, plug in the oven and test it to ensure it’s heating up properly.
If you’re not comfortable with replacing the thermal fuse on your own, it’s best to contact a professional to handle the repair for you.
Limited Power Supply
If you have an electric Maytag oven or range, connect it to a 240V wall outlet. The range will turn on if a 120V plug is used, but the oven’s heating capabilities will not operate. A 120V power supply is exclusively utilized in ‘Demo Mode’ with electric Maytag ranges or ovens in sales outlets. However, the oven heating components do not heat up in this setting.
If your Maytag oven turns on but does not heat up or reach your desired cooking temperature, you must test whether your outlet produces enough electricity.
How to Check the Voltage of Your Wall Outlet
To check the voltage of a wall outlet, you can use a multimeter and leave the outlet charged. To minimize electrocution incidents, it is recommended that you hire a skilled electrician.
However, if you have solid experience and knowledge with this kind of project, here’s what you can do to test your wall outlet’s voltage:
- Set the voltage range (AC) on the multimeter.
- Connect the multimeter’s black probe to the ‘Neutral’ (Right) prong of the wall outlet.
- Connect the multimeter’s red probe to the ‘Hot’ (Left) prong of the wall outlet.
- Examine the multimeter reading. It should display a voltage close to 240V. A number of 110/120V indicates that your Maytag oven or range has a lower voltage. A skilled electrician should be contacted to install a 240V wall outlet for your equipment.
If you are still not sure how to do the instructions above, you can watch this video by AMRE Supply on how to safely test your wall outlet’s voltage:
The Oven Controls Are Incorrectly Set
One of the most common reasons your oven is not heating up is that you have incorrectly set the oven controls. To get your Maytag oven to start heating, you must set it to a specified function, either baking or broiling. Your oven will not heat if you press the start button without first adjusting the temperature.
How to Set It Correctly
Check the “Electronic Oven Controls” section of your User Guide, or enter your model number to obtain Maytag oven Manuals and Literature for your model. But if you are looking for general instructions, here’s how you can do it:
Setting the Bake Function on The Maytag Oven
- On the control panel, select BAKE.
- Select your chosen temperature (between 170°F and 500°F / 75°C and 260°C) with the number pads. The temperature rises by 5°F or 1°C.
- Press the START button, and your oven shall begin heating.
How to Set Maytag’s Oven Broil Function
- On the control panel, choose BROIL.
- Set the broiling temperature by pressing the ‘3’ button for LOW (400°F / 204°C), the ‘2’ button for MEDIUM (450°F / 232°C), or the ‘1’ button for HIGH (500°F / 260°C).
- Press the START button.
Reminder: When utilizing the broiling function, keep your oven door at the broil position (open 6′′ / 15cm).
‘Control Lock’ Is Activated
On Maytag ovens, the ‘Control Lock’ option lets you lock out the oven while not in use to prevent children from accidentally accessing the oven controls. When the ‘Control Lock’ function is enabled, no keys respond to touch, so your oven is not heating. You must first disable the ‘Control Lock’ feature of your oven.
How to Disable Your Oven’s ‘Control Lock‘
Disabling the Maytag oven’s ‘Control Lock’ is activated in the same two easy steps as the function itself.
- Make sure the oven and timer are turned off.
- Hold down the ‘Control Lock’ pad for 3 seconds. When the feature is disengaged, the oven will beep and the message “Control Unlocked” will appear.
Models may differ in the control keys utilized for the ‘Control Lock’ feature. Just to be sure, see the user manual for your specific model.
‘Delay Start’ is Enabled.
‘Delay Start’ is a Maytag oven feature that delays the start of cooking when you don’t need to cook your meal right away. The cooking cycle begins at the given time, and the oven automatically shuts down when it is finished.
This is useful if you need to go out but want to return home with your dinner ready for you to devour. However, delayed cooking should not be employed for items that need to be preheated, such as bread and cakes.
When delayed cooking is enabled, and another oven user attempts to use the oven without knowing it, they might think your oven is not working. The oven will not heat until the delayed cooking mode is off.
How to Turn Off the ‘Delay Start’ Function
When a delayed cooking cycle is selected, the word ‘DELAY’ shows on the screen. Use the cancel’ button to terminate a delayed cooking cycle on a Maytag oven. Any previously scheduled cooking cycles will be canceled, and the current time will be shown. It will now allow you to cook your food immediately.
‘Sabbath Mode is Activated
The ‘Sabbath Mode’ is a Maytag oven function that, when used, maintains your unit in bake mode until it is turned off.
Other oven features are disabled when in ‘Sabbath Mode,’ and the heating components do not switch on immediately. This is why you may believe your oven isn’t heating up.
If your oven shows ‘Sabbath,’ ‘Sab,’ ‘5Ab’, or ‘5A6’, then it is in ‘Sabbath Mode.’ Deactivating’ Sabbath Mode’ will restore regular functionality to your oven.
How to Disable Maytag’s “Sabbath Mode”
The method for disabling your oven’s ‘Sabbath Mode’ will differ depending on the model. Here are three popular alternatives:
- Click the CANCEL button.
- Hold the screen down for 3 seconds.
- Take the following steps:
- Remove the oven door.
- Tab 7-8-9-6.
- Select ‘SABBATH OFF.’
- To save the changes you made, press the ‘START’ button.
- Shut the oven door.
Check your model’s user manual to ensure it works for your oven.
The Range is in ‘Demo Mode’
Your Maytag oven’s ‘Demo Mode’ is utilized for sales display. The oven is linked to a 120V power supply so potential purchasers can test the controls. When your oven is on ‘Demo Mode,’ the heating elements do not turn on.
If you are just starting to use your Maytag oven, it may still be in ‘Demo Mode,’ which is why it is not heating. Deactivate’ Demo Mode’ to make your appliance operate.
How to Turn Off ‘Demo Mode’
To exit ‘Demo Mode’ on your Maytag oven, you can follow these steps:
- Tap the Clock/Settings pad until the ‘Demo Mode’ message appears.
- Adjust the control settings by pressing the number ‘1’ (or ‘3’ in some models).
- To save the settings and quit, press START or CANCEL.
If you have a Maytag Smart Appliance Model (Connected model), you can follow these steps:
- Navigate to the Maytag App and select ‘TRY THE PRODUCT.’
- Scroll through the available choices and choose ‘EXPLORE.’
- Select ‘TOOLS.’
- Select ‘STORE DEMO MODE’ from the menu.
- Choose ‘OFF.’
- To confirm, press the ‘YES’ button.
A Defective Temperature Sensor
The oven temperature sensor is a narrow metal tube located at the top of the inside of the oven. The temperature in the oven cavity is sent to the control board via this component. The control board can adjust the oven cycles to keep the temperature set.
If the temperature sensor in your Maytag oven fails, it may provide incorrect temperature signals to the control board, resulting in the heating cycle not commencing.
Replacing Your Oven’s Temperature Sensor
Before replacing your Maytag oven’s temperature sensor, you may check the following to see whether it is faulty:
- Check whether the oven temperature is off by more than 50°F (10°C).
- Check whether the temperature sensor has moved from its original location since this might affect temperature readings. The sensor should be positioned at a 90° angle to the back wall of the oven.
- Check the resistance of the sensor. If there is no resistance, it is defective.
If None of These Issues Seems to Explain or Fix the Temperature Problem, Replace the Temperature Sensor as Follows:
- Disconnect the oven’s power supply and remove the power cable.
- Remove the back panel of the range and set it aside.
- Locate the sensor wire and detach it from the wiring harness.
- Remove the rod by loosening the sensor’s attachment screw.
- Insert the replacement sensor and tighten the mounting screw.
- The sensor wire should be connected to the harness.
- Reinstall the screws and reinstall the back panel.
- Reconnect the oven’s electricity and see if it begins heating up again.
A Weak Oven Igniter
The igniter in your Maytag oven is the component that ignites the burner to heat the oven. It will not heat sufficiently if the igniter malfunctions. Consequently, the igniter will not tell the gas valve to be open and feed gas to the burners, preventing them from turning on. In this situation, you must replace the igniter immediately.
How to Replace a Weak Oven Igniter
Check to see whether the igniter lights when the oven is switched on. The igniter is located near the back of the oven, adjacent to the burner tubes. If the igniter does not glow, it is either not heating or heating sufficiently to light the burners.
Replace the Igniter by Following These Steps:
- Turn off the gas and electricity in the oven and remove them from the power cord.
- Remove the oven from the wall to create an area for working.
- Remove the oven’s rear panel.
- Locate the igniter connection wire and separate it from the harness by squeezing the two tabs on either side. Pass the wire end connected to the igniter through the passage hole into the oven.
- Remove the oven door and racks from the front.
- To get access to the burner area, unscrew the oven bottom panel.
- Remove the screws that hold the igniter in place and take it out.
- Replace the old igniter and tighten the screws. Pass the igniter’s connecting wires through the passage hole to the rear.
- Replace the bottom panel and insert the rack back into the oven. Replace the oven door.
- Connect the igniter wire to the harness from the back and screw back the rear panel.
- Turn on the electricity and gas, and heat the oven.
This AppliancePartsPro video shows you how to change a gas oven igniter step by step:
Defective Bake Element
Your Maytag oven’s bake element is used for everything except the broil setting. To achieve the best baking or roasting results, switch on the oven bake element and set the temperature between 250 and 375 degrees Fahrenheit (121 and 190 degrees Celsius).
If the baked element isn’t glowing red when the oven is set to bake or roast, then the element is broken and has to be replaced.
How to Replace a Damaged Bake Element
If your Maytag oven’s bake element is damaged, here’s how you can replace it:
- The oven must be removed from the power.
- Take the oven racks out and open the oven.
- Loosen the screws holding the baking element in place.
- To access the wires and detach the component, gently pull it toward you. Keep the cables from slipping behind the unit.
- Connect the new baked element’s wires and gently feed them to the back of the oven.
- Make sure the baking element screws are snug.
- Restore the oven’s shelves and re-shut the door.
- Turn on the oven again to see if the baking element turns hot and lights up.
In case you are finding it hard to follow written instructions, you can watch and follow this Repair Clinic video on how to change your broken bake element:
Tripped Thermal Fuse
In the event of an overheated oven, the thermal fuse in your Maytag appliance will cut power to the unit. However, the same extreme heat that might cause a thermal fuse to blow can also cause it to trip.
A blown thermal fuse prevents the oven from heating. Overheating might be the result of a constantly blinking oven fuse warning light. The thermal fuse must be changed in any of these instances.
Replacing a Shorted Maytag Oven Thermal Fuse
To fix a thermal fuse that has been tripped in a Maytag oven, do as follows:
- Turn off the stove and remove it from the power source.
- Remove the panel from the rear of the oven and lift it up to open it.
- Remove the fuse’s connecting wires.
- To get to the thermal fuse, you need to unscrew it from the oven assembly.
- Put the replacement thermal fuse in the same spot as the old one. Screw it down as tightly as you can.
- The fuses should be reconnected.
- Put on a new rear panel.
- Turn on the stove and see whether the oven still works.
In case you need to see a visual demonstration of how to perform the enumerated steps above, you can watch this AppliancePartsPro video on YouTube:
Defective Oven Control Board
Your Maytag oven control board may be broken if you can set the timer and use the other controls but still can’t get the oven to heat up.
The control board inside your oven is where the magic happens; it regulates how everything works. However, identifying a faulty control board in an oven may be challenging without proper training.
A Maytag oven with a faulty control board often displays an F (and a number) error code. In the end, replacing the faulty control board will be necessary.
How to Resolve This Issue
Try resetting your Maytag oven before you buy and replace it with a new one. If your oven is not heating and an error code is shown, or if the display panel is functional but the heating operations are not, you should try resetting the oven.
Here Are the Steps to Resetting Your Maytag Oven
- Turn off the circuit breaker supplying the device and leave it that way for a full minute.
- Activate the circuit breaker and switch on the stove.
- After a minute, check whether the oven’s problem message has vanished. If it vanishes, make sure your oven is working properly.
If the Problem Persists After a Reset, You Will Need to Replace the Control Board
- Turn off the stove and remove the plug.
- Take off and set aside the rear cover of the control panel.
- Take apart the assembly by removing the red and white harness connectors from the control board.
- Remove the control board by taking out its four screws. Make sure you have the new control board from Maytag Replacement parts.
- Replace the old control board with the new one, being sure to use the same screws.
- Connect the red and white plugs to the harness.
- Take the back off again.
- Turn on the power, and double-check to make sure the oven is operational.
You can watch this video by AppliancePartsPro.com on YouTube if you need a live and visual representation of changing/replacing your control board:
It is important to always consult a professional oven technician if you have any doubts about your ability to fix a Maytag oven or replace a part in it. The number to use if you need assistance is 1-800-253-1301. You may also use Maytag’s Schedule Service feature to contact a local repairer.
Conclusion
Maytag is one of the oldest brands in the industry. It has been trusted by millions of people and their homes. However, one or two problems can’t surely be avoided in any appliance.
If you ever find yourself wondering why your oven suddenly stops heating up, the first thing you must do is check if all your oven controls are correctly set. If the problem is not in your oven controls and settings, then there’s a great possibility that a defective part inside your oven needs to be checked or replaced immediately.
If you are not sure what to do or how to do it, contact a skilled technician or your manufacturer to avoid any unnecessary accidents. After a few fixes, you may now enjoy a healthy and delicious dinner made in the comfort of your own home.
Remember that any time you are not sure you can successfully troubleshoot or replace a Maytag oven component, you should seek help from a trained oven technician. You can also call for help at 1-800-253-1301. Alternatively, Schedule Service and let Maytag connect you to an expert near you.
