any appliance experts on here ? Kenmore wall oven

[rfuerst911sc]

We have a single Kenmore electric wall oven that was in the home when we purchased last year , it hasn't worked right since we moved in . It does come on and heat but doesn't get anywhere near the shown oven temp . As an example set the oven to 350 and it only gets to 175 - 200 per a separate oven thermometer . It is a Kenmore model # 911 ( hey how about that ! ) . We have gone through several re-calibration attempts per online tutorials with limited success . Everything appears to display correctly on the digital panel so lets assume the control board is functioning correctly . So what's left to diagnose ? Two electric burners and what I think is a temperature probe in the top left corner of the stove . It is a tube maybe 6 - 7 " long , pinched on the end and aprox. 3/16 in diameter .

Regardless of how we set the oven the top heating element does not get hot , should I assume the element is bad/worn out ? Or is whatever controls the element coming on gone bad ? There are no error codes displayed on the digital display . Any help on how to diagnose is appreciated .

[legion]

I would start by replacing that top heating element.

If that doesn't work, start checking the wiring to that heating element.

[LWJ]

Check resistance on the top element? I bet it is toast. (Assuming of course it is supposed to turn on during 'bake' operation.).

Check simple stuff first. And be certain to flip the breaker before poking around the circuitry!

[John Rogers]

I have bought parts from these folks before and in many cases they have help available:

http://www.appliancepartspros.com/

https://www.repairclinic.com/

Appliance411 - Appliance Purchasing, Service and Repair Parts Information Center for Major Home Appliances

Good luck

[tcar]

Assume you tried 'Broil'...
The top element (is this what you call a 'burner'?) is always supposed to come on with Broil.

Top doesn't usually come on during 'Bake'.

[Sooner or later]

When the oven is set at 350 does the oven digital display show it has heated to 350? Or does it show the actual 175 to 200?

[T77911S]

Originally Posted by tcar

Assume you tried 'Broil'...
The top element (is this what you call a 'burner'?) is always supposed to come on with Broil.

Top doesn't usually come on during 'Bake'.

that's why I am questioning checking the TOP element.
the bottom is the one that is mostly used.

try setting it to broil and see how hot it gets.
if the elements are interchangeable then swap them.

[1990C4S]

The top might come on during preheat, not during bake. It is unlikely to be the upper.

Are you sure you have both phases? It's possible you only have 110VAC. The controls will work but the element won't.

[rfuerst911sc]

When the oven is set to " bake " only the bottom element gets hot . When we set to " broil " only the top element gets hot . In both cases the elements glow orange . So does that point to temp probe /sensor ? My example of bake at 350 degrees the display always states 350 . In theory when the oven " beeps " it is at 350 but it never gets to 350 based on independent thermometer in the oven .

[Sooner or later]

My money (just a little ) is on the temp sensor.

Make sure the probe itself is not touching the oven wall or the wire racks

[1990C4S]

If you get the 'at temp' signal, and the elements glow when required, then it is likely your temp sensor.

Looks like a $45 part, and it says that when the temp is out 50 degrees that is likely the problem.

https://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Temperature-Control-Thermostat/WB20K10026/1394432

[tcar]

Originally Posted by rfuerst911sc

When the oven is set to " bake " only the bottom element gets hot . When we set to " broil " only the top element gets hot . In both cases the elements glow orange .

That is normal operation.

So, temp sensor....

[A930Rocket]

Try another independent temp gauge?

[rfuerst911sc]

Originally Posted by A930Rocket

Try another independent temp gauge?

Not a bad suggestion but the oven is not getting hot enough when in bake mode . Recipes that should take 30 minutes are taking well over an hour . In some cases my wife is adding one hour over the suggested time to cook . I'm going to pull the temp sensor , compare it to one on Amazon and order it today . For $13.96 it is worth a shot .

[peppy]

What happens when you set the temp. for 450? The top element should only work on preheat and broil.

[rfuerst911sc]

I removed the two screws holding the sensor and slowly pulled it out hoping to see a connector . Unfortunately I got to the end of the slack in the wires but no connector so it appears hard wired . So now I have to remove the oven from the cabinet. I hate appliances !!!

[john70t]

With rental electric stove-tops it's usually the element or the charred connectors.
I only replaced a potentiometer switch once.

If both elements are glowing orange quickly, both delivery power and the elements should be considered good.

[SCadaddle]

Originally Posted by 1990C4S

Are you sure you have both phases? It's possible you only have 110VAC. The controls will work but the element won't.

This. Check your breakers first. Pre-heating to 400F to cook a frozen pizza won't work when you are missing a phase of power to the oven. You'll wind up at 200F and a limp pizza. Worked for me.

[billybek]

Originally Posted by SCadaddle

You'll wind up at 200F and a limp pizza.....

We need a pizza fluffer....

[tcar]

Originally Posted by SCadaddle

This. Check your breakers first. Pre-heating to 400F to cook a frozen pizza won't work when you are missing a phase of power to the oven. You'll wind up at 200F and a limp pizza. Worked for me.

I don't think the elements will glow at 110... His glow.