How to Fix an Oven Display Not Working

Learn how to fix an oven display not working with our guide. Troubleshoot and repair common issues to get your oven back in order.

By
Kris Escueta

Is your oven display not working and leaving you guessing? Don’t worry—fixing an oven display that’s not working is easier than you think! Whether it’s a power issue, control lock feature, or something more complex, we’ve got the solutions you need. Read on to discover simple troubleshooting steps that can get your oven display back in action, ensuring your cooking plans stay on track. Let’s dive in and get that display glowing again!

Initial Checks

Before we diagnose the oven display, let’s do some quick initial checks first. This can help identify some simple issues that may be preventing the display from working properly.

Power Supply

Is the oven getting power? Here are a few things we can check:

  • Check Power Connection: Make sure the oven is plugged all the way into the electrical outlet. Check that the plug is not loose or damaged. Try unplugging it and plugging it back in to ensure a good connection.
  • Inspect Circuit Breaker: Go to your home’s main circuit breaker panel. Locate the circuit breaker controlling the kitchen outlets. Make sure it has not flipped to the “Off” position. If it has, flip it fully to “On”.
  • Test the Outlet: Plug a small appliance like a lamp into the same outlet as the oven. If it doesn’t turn on, you know there is no power getting to the outlet. Try resetting the circuit breaker or use a different outlet.

Control Lock Feature

Many ovens have a control lock feature that disables the buttons on the display. Here’s how to check for that:

  • Identify Control Lock: Check your oven’s manual and look for any instructions about a “control lock” or “child lock” function. This feature may lock the buttons or disable the display.
  • Disable Control Lock: If the control lock is on, the oven manual should have instructions on how to unlock it. There may be a special button combination to press and hold. Turning this lock off could restore function to the display.

Diagnosing the Display Issue

If the initial checks didn’t reveal the problem, it’s time to start diagnosing the oven display itself. Here are a couple ways we can narrow down the issue.

Error Codes

Many oven displays will show an error code when there is a technical problem.

  • Common Error Codes: Check if your display is showing any numbers or letters like “F1”, “F3”, etc. These often indicate faults with the touchpad, temperature sensor, or control board.
  • Refer to Manual: Your oven’s manual should have a list explaining what the different error codes mean. This can help you identify the exact issue.

Inspecting the Control Panel

Let’s take a close visual look at the display and buttons:

  • Visual Inspection: Are there any cracks, damage, or loose parts on the display or control panel? Make sure all wires are securely connected.
  • Button Functionality: Try pressing every button to see if the display changes or oven responds at all. See if any buttons are stuck, unresponsive, or not functioning.

Carefully inspecting the display and buttons can reveal physical issues that are preventing normal operation.

DIY Fixes

Before calling in a professional, here are some troubleshooting steps you can try yourself to get the oven display working again.

Resetting the Oven

Resetting your oven can often resolve minor software glitches that are preventing the display from functioning normally.

  • Soft Reset: Unplug the oven from the wall outlet. Wait 30 seconds, then plug it back in. This may force the display to reboot and reset any errors.
  • Factory Reset: Check your manual to see if your oven has a factory reset option. This will reset all settings and clear any faulty data.

Resetting your oven is an easy fix you can do yourself that could get the display back up and running.

Replacing the Display Board

If resetting the oven doesn’t work, the display board itself may need replacing.

  • Identify the Display Board: The display board is the circuit board behind the control panel that powers the display. It relays data between the buttons and screen.
  • Step-by-Step Replacement: Locate and remove any screws or brackets securing the display board. Unplug all cable connections. Install the new display board, reconnect cables, and reinstall screws/brackets. Consult your manual for full safety precautions and directions.

Replacing a faulty display board can restore functionality if resets did not solve the problem. This is an advanced DIY fix to attempt.

Advanced Troubleshooting

If you’ve made it this far but the oven display still isn’t working, some more advanced troubleshooting may be needed. Let’s go over a couple of these steps.

Checking the Wiring

Loose or damaged wiring can disrupt communication between oven components.

  • Inspect Wiring Connections: Unplug the oven. Safely open the back panel to access the wires. Check that all wire connections are secure with no exposed copper.
  • Using a Multimeter: A multimeter can check for continuity in wires. Touch the multimeter probes to different points in the wiring to ensure electricity can pass through.

Inspecting wiring requires safely accessing internal components. If you are uncomfortable doing this, it’s best to call for service.

Professional Help

If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps and the oven display still does not work, it’s probably time to call in a professional.

  • When to Call a Professional: Error codes you can’t diagnose, wiring issues, unresponsive control panels, and faulty display boards often require professional service.
  • Finding a Qualified Technician: Search for local appliance repair technicians with strong reviews and expertise in oven repair. Ask about experience with your oven model.

At this point the oven likely needs internal repair a trained technician can provide. While frustrating, an expert can get your oven display working again safely and correctly!

Also read about Don’t Get Burned! 14 Quick and Easy Oven Safety Tips

Conclusion

We’ve covered a lot of steps for troubleshooting an oven display that won’t turn on or respond. Here’s a quick recap:

  • Initial Checks: Verify power connections, inspect breakers, and disable control locks. This can reveal simple issues.
  • Diagnosing Issues: Check for error codes and inspect the control panel for damage. This helps identify the problem.
  • DIY Fixes: Try resetting the oven and replacing the display board if you’re comfortable doing so.
  • Advanced Troubleshooting: Inspect internal wiring connections and continuity.
  • Professional Help: If needed, don’t hesitate to call an appliance repair technician for assistance.

We hope this guide gives you a better understanding of how to diagnose and fix an unresponsive oven display. The steps take time and patience, but can help restore your oven’s functionality. Safety should always be the number one priority. With careful troubleshooting, you’ll be cooking away in no time!