If your Frigidaire electric oven isn’t heating properly, the oven sensor might be the problem. This part helps regulate temperature. If it’s faulty or damaged, replacing it can help get things working again.
How Oven Sensors Work
Understanding what the sensor does can help diagnose issues more confidently:
- It reads the temperature inside the oven and relays that info to the control board
- The sensor helps the oven maintain a steady cooking temperature
- If the sensor gives incorrect readings, the oven may overheat or stay cool
- Over time, exposure to high heat can degrade the sensor’s performance
- A multimeter can test the sensor’s resistance to confirm whether it’s functioning
- Most electric ovens use a sensor with a resistance of around 1,080 ohms at room temperature
Signs the Oven Sensor Might Be Failing
A faulty sensor can affect cooking results or stop the oven from heating entirely. Look out for:
- Inconsistent or incorrect oven temperatures
- Food taking longer than usual to cook
- Oven not heating at all
- Error codes related to temperature
- Burnt or undercooked results even with accurate settings
- Preheating taking noticeably longer than normal
- Oven shutting off unexpectedly mid-cycle
What You’ll Need
- 1/4-inch nut driver
- Replacement oven sensor (make sure it matches your range model)
Safety Tips Before You Begin
Working on appliances isn’t complicated, but safety matters. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Unplug the oven or switch off the circuit breaker. This removes the risk of electric shock.
- If the oven was recently on, wait until it’s completely cool before starting.
- Rushing increases the chance of mistakes or injury.
- You’ll want to see what you’re doing clearly.
- A clean work area helps avoid accidents. Keep pets and kids out of the way.
- Some models include extra details or specific steps for part replacement.
- Applying too much force can break components or cause injury.
- Insulated work gloves protect your hands from sharp edges or debris. Safety glasses and a dust mask can also help if there’s dust or loose material.
- Avoid direct contact with exposed wiring. Use non-conductive tools or gloves if you need to handle them.
How to Replace the Oven Sensor on a Frigidaire Electric Range
Here are the steps to replace the oven sensor safely and correctly.
- Turn off the range and unplug it.
- Remove the rear panel by taking out the 7 1/4-inch screws that hold it in place.
- Locate the oven sensor connection on the right-hand side, about a third of the way down.
- Disconnect the harness for the old sensor by pressing the push tab and pulling the connector apart.
- Remove the 2 1/4-inch screws holding the old sensor in place.
- Slide the old sensor out.
- Slide the new sensor in.
- Reinstall the 1/4-inch screws.
- Reconnect the sensor wiring harness.
- Reattach the rear panel using the 7 1/4-inch screws.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Replacement
To avoid extra repair costs or frustration, watch for these:
- Forgetting to disconnect the power before starting
- Mixing up wire connections when reinstalling the new sensor
- Pulling too hard on wires, which can disconnect or damage internal components
- Using the wrong replacement sensor (model compatibility matters)
- Dropping screws or small parts into the appliance cavity
- Skipping the manual—some models have extra steps or hidden fasteners
- Forcing the new part into place instead of aligning it properly
- Ignoring signs of additional damage like frayed wires or burnt connectors
Also Read: How to Clean an Oven
Summing Up
If your Frigidaire oven’s been heating unevenly or not at all, the sensor might be the reason. It’s small, but when it fails, the whole oven starts acting up.
Taking a bit of time to test and change the part can bring things back to normal. You’ll get more consistent results and avoid wondering why your food’s coming out undercooked or burnt. This fix doesn’t need special tools or expert skills. If you spot the signs early, you might be able to sort the issue with just one quick replacement.