Are you going about your daily activities, and you find that your oven has started by itself? Rest assured, you are not the only one to have suffered this inconvenience! Is it a supernatural phenomenon? Is it a technical failure? Discover the main reasons why your oven may turn on by itself and the steps to take to prevent this from happening again in the future.
The reasons why your oven turns on by itself
It exists 5 main reasons why your oven turns on by itselfIncluding:
1. Technical failure
A technical failure of a component (thermostat, electronic board, timer, program selector) may cause the oven to turn on unintentionally. In most cases, the problem stems from one of the following:
- the program selector on your oven allows you to start the oven and select the appropriate cooking mode and temperature for each dish. If it is clogged or defective, a bad contact may be created and cause the oven to start uncontrolled and involuntarily.
- The temperature probe your oven controls the temperature and can turn the oven on and off as needed. If the thermostat is faulty, it may start the oven unexpectedly. A faulty thermostat can also cause the oven to overheat or, conversely, not heat up.
- The power card of your oven is responsible for powering the various functions of the oven. If it malfunctions, it may turn the oven on and off on its own.
Note: If an error code is displayed when your oven starts by itself, it is best to contact the technical support of the oven manufacturer in order to determine the cause of the fault. Indeed, the error code means that the electronic card has detected a failure. Thanks to the error code, a technician from the brand will certainly be able to tell you the fault identified.
2. Accidental activation
Sometimes your oven may turn on automatically becausea function was activated by mistake. This can happen if someone accidentally presses on the control panel or if buttons are pressed by mistake.
3. Electrical problems
Electrical problems such as surges to power outages = blackout can also cause the oven to start unintentionally. This is more likely if your oven turns on and off quickly or sporadically. This is because power surges can occur when there is a sudden increase or decrease in voltage, and they can affect devices that are plugged in or wired.
The problem may also come from the power source of the oven, namely the electrical outlet.
4. Faulty wiring
If there is a faulty wiring in your oven, it may start involuntarily following a false contact. Faulty wiring can be caused by a variety of factors, including age, wear, or heat-related damage.
5. Problems with the alarm system
If you have an alarm system connected to your oven, it is possible that this has triggered the ignition of the oven by mistake. In this case, we advise you to contact the manufacturer of the alarm system for assistance.
If your oven triggers the pyrolysis mode without you asking it, we invite you to read our specific article on this subject: why does my oven go into pyrolysis on its own?
How to fix an oven that turns on by itself?
Now that you know the main reasons why your oven starts on its own, let's see the solutions to prevent this problem from happening again :
Note: some technical manipulations require electronic skills. If you don't have one, call a professional. In any case, remember to always unplug the oven before carrying out any operation.
1. Unplug the oven
If the problem appeared once and only once, the autostart problem may be due to a minor oven system bug.
In this case, you can simply try unplug it for 5 minutes then plug it back in. Indeed, this technique makes it possible to electrically reset the oven and sometimes simply resolve the malfunction.
If that doesn't work, try unplugging it for 30 minutes. However, if the problem occurs again, you will need to investigate further.
2. Check the control panel
The second step to take if your oven turns on by itself is to check the control panel.
Be sure that the buttons are not stuck or pressed accidentally, or that the timer was not set unintentionally. If the control panel is dirty, clean it with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or debris that may be causing the problem.
3. Check and clean the program selector
The program selector or switch may also be dirty. In this case, he can generate a bad contact and start the oven, without you asking him. This cause is one of the most common. You will then need to clean the program selector.
After unplugging the oven from the electrical outlet, you will need to remove the program selector knob, sometimes remove the metal panel from the top of the oven, then disconnect the connector that connects the program selector to the electronic board. In order to carry out an effective cleaning of the connectors of the program selector, use a electronic contact cleaner spray and a soft cloth.
In some cases, it will also be necessary replace this part so that the oven operates normally again.
4. Check oven power source
It may also be that the problem of the oven starting on its own comes from the electrical outlet which is faulty.
Check that it delivers a direct current by plugging another powerful device into it and running it for several minutes (e.g. a hair dryer). If you notice microcuts, the socket is faulty. Contact an electrician to have it repaired.
If your oven is connected to a strip, electrical noise or voltage variations may also be the cause of the problem you are having. Remove the power strip and plug your oven directly into the wall socket. Note that it is strongly recommended to plug each electrical device into a dedicated electrical outlet, without intermediate accessories.
Finally, note that if the problem with the automatic start of the oven has occurred only once, it may be due to a power cut (voluntary by the electricity supplier or involuntary, for example in the event of a storm). In this case, there is nothing serious. You can continue to use your oven normally.
5. Replace the thermostat
If the oven turns on automatically and you hear a fan noise, the problem probably comes from faulty temperature sensor. Indeed, when the latter detects an abnormally high temperature, it gives the signal to the oven to turn on its ventilation in order to avoid burning you.
The thermostat is usually visible inside the oven (metal point sticking out from the bottom of the oven). You can test it using a multimeter if you have the knowledge and skills to do so.
– Test the oven temperature probe
If you want test the temperature probe of your oven, it is important to take some safety precautions. First, be sure to unplug your oven before you start the disassembly of the probe. Then, remove your oven from its location to access the back of the appliance. You will then need to remove the back plate using a screwdriver to access the probe.
Once you have located the probe inside the oven, you must disassemble it by unscrewing the screws that hold it in place. Before completely removing the probe, be sure to disconnect the wires that connect it to the device.
Now that you've disassembled the probe, here's how to test it:
- Set the multimeter to " OhmΩ«
- Select the caliber 200 kilo ohms
- Put the two terminals of the multimeter on the connectors of the probe
- The value indicated on the multimeter must correspond to the resistance expected according to the type of probe. In all cases, if the indicated value is equal to 0, 1 or OL, it means that the probe is out of order. You will then have to order a new temperature sensor for your oven.
- If a value is displayed, place the probe in a glass of very hot water for a few seconds. Then take a measurement again. If the indicated value does not change, the probe is faulty.
By following these simple steps, you can safely test your oven's temperature probe. Do not hesitate to seek professional help if you have any doubts about the procedure to follow.
Read also: Why does my oven blow cold air?
– Replace the temperature sensor
If you think that the temperature probe is responsible for the fact that your oven turns on by itself, you will need to replace it. Be sure to find the equivalent and compatible thermostat for your oven model before you buy it and start working on your oven.
The thermostat is relatively easy to replace, but you may need to contact a professional technician if you are unsure of what you are doing.
6. Check the wiring of the oven that turns on by itself
It may also be that the connection of your oven is faulty and that the voltage delivered randomly gives the order to turn on the oven without you having touched a button.
To check the connections, you will need to remove the back panel of the oven, and probably also the top panel. Check if the wires are damaged (melted, stripped, burnt, unhooked, etc.).
If you suspect that your oven's wiring is faulty, we advise that you have the repair carried out by a professional technician. Faulty wiring can be dangerous and it is important to have it repaired by a professional. A technician will be able to diagnose the problem and repair the faulty wiring to avoid any potential danger.
7. Check the control board
It may also be that your oven turns on by itself because the control board is faulty. As its name suggests, it sends operating information to the other components of the oven. If it no longer works correctly, it can start working on its own, and send random information such as starting the oven.
You can then test control board of the oven, which is usually located behind the control panel, using a multimeter set to 20 volt gauge voltmeter. Measure the output voltage. If you find a value consistent with that of your board (usually between 5 and 12 volts), it is working correctly. Otherwise, it will need to be replaced.
Control boards can be expensive to replace and difficult to find, but this may be the only option if faulty. If you are unsure of what you are doing, contact a professional technician to diagnose and repair your oven's control board.
8. Test the oven power board
Finally, it is possible that the problem of untimely and uncontrolled oven starts comes from the power board which is worn out. This cause is one of the most common.
Note that many ovens are now equipped with two electronic boards: the power board and the control board. Entry-level ovens and older models can be fitted with a single board that combines both roles.
You can then test the input and output supply voltage of the power board using a multimeter set to alternating current voltmeter caliber greater than 240 volts. If the voltages are not correct, you will need to replace it with an equivalent card.
If your oven continues to start on its own or if you have not been able to diagnose or repair the fault on your own, we advise you to request assistance from the manufacturer from your oven or to a professional technician to help you along the way.
FAQ
Is my oven dangerous if it turns on by itself?
Yes, if your oven turns on by itself, it can be dangerous. There may be a risk of fire if the oven is left on unattended. It is important to diagnose and repair the problem as soon as possible to avoid any potential danger.
Can I repair my oven myself if it turns on by itself?
If you're comfortable with electrical repairs and know what you're doing, you can attempt to fix your self-igniting oven yourself. This will of course be cheaper than contacting a professional.
However, if your oven is still under warranty, contact your oven manufacturer's support (Bosch, Siemens, Electrolux, Ariston, Beko, Brandt, Whirlpool, etc.) to obtain repair or replacement free of charge. Likewise, if you are unsure of what you are doing, it is best to contact a professional technician to avoid the risk of electric shock, cuts, or irreversible damage to the device.
Conclusion
It exists several reasons why an oven turns on by itself. An electrical problem, a defective component (temperature probe, program selector, control board), accidental activation or even faulty wiring can all be factors contributing to the problem.
When your oven turns on by itself, you will need diagnose the origin of the problem in order to réparer as soon as possible to avoid any potential hazard. Depending on your skills, you may be able to do this yourself or contact a professional for additional help.
Read also: Oven breakdowns: how to repair the most common ones?
