Whirlpool Oven Not Heating Properly

[Crash55]

Model Number: RF380LXKQ
Brand: Whirlpool
Age: 6-10 years

Hi,

My Whirlpool Super Capacity 465 (RF380LXKQ) electric range is not heating properly. I used a digital meat thermometer suspended below the middle rack to check temperature. This way I could have the display outside while the door was closed.

When set to a temperature the preheat indicator comes on and the oven counts down the time till ready. However when the time hits zero it is not at the proper temperature. If I set it for 400F it will only be 300F when the time ends. If I raise temperature to 415F it will eventually settle out around 400F.

I tried using the Oven Temperature Control adjustment in the manual but the amount that it is off by changes with temperature. In order to get it to settle around 450F I had to have the oven set to 470F.

Any suggestion on what the problem is / how to troubleshoot it? I really don't want to buy a new oven.

[Doc Ryan]

I would first check the oven temperature sensor. If that checks out okay, then I would replace both the oven sensor and control board. See the links below for more information. Let me know what you find.

http://blog.partsdr.com/how-to-test-...rature-sensor/

http://www.squidoo.com/the-truth-abo...ns-temperature

[Crash55]

I tested and the probe checked out OK at several temperatures.

Why would I need to replace the probe as well as the board?

[Doc Ryan]

Sometimes the sensor can act up only intermittently or at higher temperatures. It just covers both bases. Let me know how the repair goes.

I am not sure what color your range is... but the control board is only available in black. These are the parts for your model:

Oven Temperature Sensor - W10181986

Oven Control Board (Black) - 6610316

[Crash55]

I picked up a remanufactured control board in white. The oven appears to be doing better though it is still well below temperature after preheat. It does eventually get to temperature though which is better than before.

What would be the signs of an intermittent temp probe? Should I be looking for wide temperature swingsorwhat?

[Doc Ryan]

The oven temperature should average plus or minus 15 degrees of what the oven temperature is set to. If the control board is good, then you either have a bad oven sensor or a wiring problem. Let me know what you find.

[Crash55]

I think it is working like that at present. I havent' had a a chance to really check it though it seemed to work correctly when I made mufifns the other day. I may grab some thermocouples from work and really check it for temperature next weekend

[Doc Ryan]

Alright, sounds good.