Oven Display Gone Dark? Expert Advice to Help You Fix It

Is your oven display no longer lighting up as it used to?

You’re not alone! Trying to read faded numbers or struggling with a completely dark screen while cooking can be quite frustrating.

Luckily, you’ve come to the right place to fix the problem.

If your oven display has gone dark, you’ll need to power cycle the unit, clean the display, check the settings, and inspect the wiring. If the issue persists, try replacing the display or checking the control board.

Read on to learn how to fix your oven’s display!

How to Fix a Dark or Dim Oven Display: 6 Steps

In this section, I’ll guide you through the various reasons that can explain why your oven’s display has gone dark and provide tips that will help you solve the issue today.

Keep in mind that in order to fix your oven’s display, it’s essential to have the manufacturer’s manual handy since we’ll be accessing different internal components.

If you can’t find your manual, don’t worry! Check out our detailed guide on how to find any product’s manual online.

Recommended:

Find Your Product Manual Online

Are you ready? Let’s dive in!

#1 Power Cycle Your Oven

When fixing an oven display that has gone dark, I usually begin by power cycling the unit.

Electronic devices like ovens often encounter temporary software errors that can cause different performance issues. By power cycling the appliance, you can clear out any glitches causing the display to malfunction.

You can power cycle your oven by simply unplugging it from the power outlet, waiting for a few minutes, and plugging it back in.

Keep in mind that if you can’t reach the power cord, you can also turn off the power to the oven by switching off the circuit breaker that supplies power to it. Wait for a couple of minutes, and switch it back on.

While you’re at it, please check the power supply. An intermittent power supply can cause a dim or flickering display and other performance issues. So, ensure the oven is properly plugged in and the power outlet works correctly.

Tip: To test the power outlet, plug in a different device, such as a lamp. If the device doesn’t work, it indicates that the outlet is the problem, and you should contact a certified electrician because you probably have an electrical problem in your home.

Recommended:

Find A Repair Professional You Can Trust

#2 Clean the Display

If you’re still struggling with a dim oven display, it’s time for us to clean it.

Sometimes, dust and dirt can accumulate on the display surface, making it appear dim or dark. Luckily, cleaning the display is very simple and can help you improve clarity and brightness.

Here’s how to clean your oven’s display:

1. Turn off your oven, and if you’ve used it previously, please allow it to cool down.
2. Mix a few drops of mild detergent with warm water and moisten a cloth with the cleaning solution. The cloth should only be slightly damp, not soaking wet.
3. Gently wipe the display to remove dirt, grime, and food debris.
4. Use a dry microfiber cloth or paper towels to dry the display.
5. Turn your oven back on and check the display.

Unfortunately, if your oven’s display appears dim even after cleaning, there’s a good chance that the glass has been discolored by heat.

You see, while most materials can handle high temperatures, excessive heat can cause wear over time. So, if you notice that your oven’s display has been discolored by heat, you’ll need to replace it with a new one. Check out fix #5 for step-by-step instructions on how to do it.

#3 Check the Settings

If your oven’s display seems too dim, it’s worth checking the settings.

You see, many modern ovens come with adjustable display brightness settings that can be accidentally changed. Therefore, referring to the manufacturer’s manual is important to confirm whether your oven provides brightness adjustment options.

The process of adjusting the brightness level will vary depending on the specific model you own. So if your oven offers brightness settings, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to access the brightness menu. Then, use the control knobs or buttons to increase the brightness to your desired level.

However, if you can’t adjust the brightness or the issue persists, you’ll need to check the wiring, display, and control board. Keep reading to learn how to do it.

#4 Inspect the Wiring

When I see an oven display that has gone dark, I usually advise inspecting the wiring.

A loose connection or a damaged wire can disrupt the power or signal to the display, causing it to malfunction. Therefore, you should look for any visible signs of damage, such as cuts, burn marks, discoloration, or unsecured connections.

Follow these instructions to inspect the wiring:

1. Unplug your oven from the power source to prevent electrical hazards. You should also wait for it to cool down.
2. Remove the panel covering the control panel and look for the wires leading to the display.
3. If there are any loose connections, carefully push them back into place.
4. If you find damaged wiring, please get a replacement.
5. Once you’ve checked the wiring, please reassemble the oven and plug it back into its power source.
6. Test the display.

Keep in mind that if you’re uncomfortable inspecting or repairing the wiring yourself, you should call a professional. They’ll be able to safely diagnose and solve the issue.

#5 Replace the Display

If the wiring appears to be in good condition, there’s a good chance the issue lies elsewhere, such as the display board itself.

Unfortunately, the individual components on the display board can fail due to manufacturing defects or other issues. In such cases, my usual advice is to replace the display board.

Here’s how to replace your oven’s display:

1. Check your oven’s model number and get a compatible display.
2. Unplug your oven from the power outlet or turn off its circuit breaker.
3. Remove the necessary covers to access the control panel area. Keep in mind that you’ll need a screwdriver.
4. Take a picture of the wiring so that you can easily install the new display.
5. Carefully remove the screws or fasteners holding the old display in place. Then, detach the old display from its connectors and wiring.
6. Carefully connect the wiring and connectors to the new display. Then, position the display in place using the screws and fasteners you removed in step #5.
7. Reassemble your oven.
8. Plug your oven back in or turn it on at the circuit breaker. Then, test the display.

Find any replacement part:

How to find your model number →

#6 Check the Control Board

If you’ve tried all of the fixes above, but your oven’s display is still dark, the control board is probably faulty.

You can think of the control board as your oven’s brain, as it manages different functions and components. It is also responsible for sending power to the display board.

Unfortunately, if the control board malfunctions, the display and other components will not work correctly.

To check if the control board is indeed the issue, please unplug your oven and refer to the manufacturer’s manual to access the board. Then, look for any obvious signs of damage or test the relays and other components with a multimeter.

If the control board is faulty, you can replace it. However, it’s worth mentioning that it can be both costly and challenging. So, if all the other components are functioning properly and the display is the only issue, you can save yourself both the trouble and the expense by opting not to replace the control board.

Wrapping Up: Fixing Your Oven’s Display

Hopefully, now you know how to fix your oven’s display.

Remember that if your oven display has gone dark, you’ll need to power cycle the unit, gently clean the display, and adjust the brightness (if possible). However, if the issue persists, don’t forget to check the wiring, replace the display, or check the control board.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this guide. If you ever experience a different issue while using your oven, please check out our site.

Good luck!