Step-by-step fix
Step 1: Make sure the temperature sensor is a likely fix
- Look for symptoms that point to a sensor problem, such as the upper oven heating too hot, too cool, unevenly, or showing a temperature-related error.
- Confirm the issue is limited to the upper oven if you have a double oven.
- Open the upper oven and find the sensor probe on the rear wall or upper rear area inside the cavity. It is usually a thin metal rod held by two screws.
- Let the oven cool fully before touching anything inside.
If it works: You have upper-oven-only temperature symptoms and you can identify the sensor inside the upper oven cavity.
If it doesn’t: If the upper oven will not power on at all, trips the breaker, or has no heat from any bake or broil function, this may not be the right repair path.
Stop if:- You smell burned wiring, see melted insulation, or find obvious damage around the sensor area.
- The problem affects the whole appliance rather than just the upper oven.
- You cannot clearly identify the upper oven temperature sensor.
Step 2: Shut off power and prepare the work area
- Turn the oven off at the control panel.
- Shut off power at the breaker so the oven cannot energize while you work.
- Open the upper oven door and remove any racks that block easy access to the sensor.
- Put on gloves and set a flashlight nearby.
If it works: The upper oven is cool, empty, and safely disconnected from power.
If it doesn’t: If you are not sure the correct breaker is off, stop and verify before removing any screws.
Stop if:- The breaker will not stay off or the oven still shows signs of power after shutdown.
- The oven is still hot enough to burn you.
Step 3: Remove the old upper oven temperature sensor
- Remove the two mounting screws holding the sensor to the oven wall.
- Pull the sensor straight toward you a few inches so the wire harness comes through the opening.
- Support the connector so it does not slip back into the insulation or wall cavity.
- Disconnect the sensor plug by separating the connector halves without yanking on the wires.
If it works: The old sensor is free and the wire connector is accessible.
If it doesn’t: If the connector is tight, use needle-nose pliers carefully on the connector body, not on the wires.
Stop if:- The connector falls back where you cannot safely reach it.
- The wires are brittle, burned, or too short to reconnect securely.
- The mounting area is badly rusted or damaged.
Step 4: Install the new sensor
- Compare the new sensor to the old one so the probe length, connector style, and mounting bracket match.
- Connect the new sensor plug firmly until it seats fully.
- Tuck the wire connection back through the opening without pinching the wires.
- Line up the mounting holes and reinstall the screws snugly. Do not overtighten and strip the metal.
If it works: The new sensor is mounted flat, connected securely, and the wiring is tucked back safely.
If it doesn’t: If the new part does not match the old one, stop and verify fit before forcing the installation.
Stop if:- The replacement connector does not match the oven harness.
- The wires cannot be tucked back without being pinched or stretched.
Step 5: Reassemble and restore power
- Reinstall the oven racks.
- Close the upper oven door.
- Turn the breaker back on.
- Power up the oven and clear any simple fault message if the control allows it.
If it works: The oven is reassembled and powered back up normally.
If it doesn’t: If the display stays blank or shows a new fault immediately, shut power back off and recheck the connector and breaker.
Stop if:- You hear arcing, smell burning, or see an error that appears as soon as power returns.
Step 6: Test the repair in real use
- Set the upper oven to bake at a normal cooking temperature such as 350°F.
- Let it preheat and watch for normal operation without unusual delays, overheating, or fault codes.
- If possible, let it cycle for another 10 to 15 minutes to make sure it holds temperature steadily.
- Cook or warm a simple item later the same day to confirm the upper oven behaves normally in actual use.
If it works: The upper oven preheats, cycles heat normally, and holds temperature without the original symptom returning.
If it doesn’t: If the upper oven still heats incorrectly, the problem may be elsewhere in the control, wiring, or heating circuit and further diagnosis is the better next step.
Stop if:- The upper oven overheats, will not heat, or shows the same fault again after the sensor replacement.
- You notice burning smells, sparking, or repeated breaker trips during the test.
Replacement Parts
Repair Riot may earn a commission from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
FAQ
Where is the upper oven temperature sensor located?
It is usually mounted inside the upper oven cavity on the rear wall or near the upper rear area. It looks like a slim metal probe held in place by two screws.
What does a bad upper oven temperature sensor do?
It can make the upper oven run too hot, too cool, heat unevenly, take too long to preheat, or show a temperature-related error.
Do I need to pull the whole oven out to replace the sensor?
Usually no. On many ovens, the upper oven temperature sensor can be removed from inside the oven cavity. If the connector is not accessible from the front, the job may become more involved.
Can I replace the upper oven temperature sensor myself?
Many homeowners can handle it if the sensor is accessible from inside the upper oven and the wire connector reaches the opening. The key is shutting off power first and working carefully around sharp edges.
What if the new sensor does not fix the upper oven heating problem?
Then the root cause may be in the wiring, electronic control, or another heating component. At that point, further diagnosis makes more sense than replacing more parts at random.