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Is your oven’s fan refusing to turn off?
You’re not alone! I know how frustrating it can be when the oven’s fan keeps running, even when you’re done cooking.
Luckily, you’ve come to the right place to solve the problem.
If your oven fan won’t turn off, try waiting for the unit to cool down, perform a reset, inspect the wiring, or check the temperature sensor. If the issue persists, please examine the control board or replace the fan.
Read on to fix your oven’s fan!
Why trust us? This article was written by Craig Anderson and James Blackford.
Craig has helped thousands of other homeowners repair their appliances since 2016.
James is one of our resident appliance experts with over 16 years of experience. He currently works as a Master Technician for SquareTrade, and runs his own appliance repair business.
Oven Fan Won’t Turn Off? Try These 6 Fixes
Different reasons can explain why your oven fan is refusing to turn off. But don’t worry – in this section, I’ll guide you through the six simple fixes you can try to forget all about the issue.
Note: You’ll need to access some internal components to fix the oven fan. So, it’s crucial to have the manufacturer’s manual handy.
Are you ready? Let’s get started!
#1 Allow the Oven to Cool Down
If your oven’s fan keeps running after you’re done cooking, please allow the unit to cool down.
You see, some modern oven fans will keep running to dissipate residual heat even after you’ve turned off the appliance. So, give your oven some time before delving into more complicated troubleshooting or calling a professional.
Please note that the cooling duration will vary depending on how long you used the oven and the temperature to which it was set.
However, if your oven fan continues to run for hours or even days, you’ll need to check some of its internal components. Read on to find out how!
#2 Reset Your Oven
When I see an oven fan that won’t turn off, I always perform a reset.
Modern ovens, like computers and other electronic devices, can experience software errors or glitches that could cause internal components, such as the fan, to malfunction. Luckily, by performing a reset, you can clear these temporary errors.
The easiest way to reset your oven is by unplugging it from the power outlet, waiting for a few minutes, and plugging it back in.
If you can’t reach the power cord and your oven is too heavy to move, please go to the circuit breaker box. Locate the “Oven” switch, flip it to the “Off” position, and then back to the “On” position.
Once you’ve performed the reset, check the fan. Is it still running? Try the next fix.
#3 Inspect the Wiring
If performing a reset didn’t solve the issue, it’s time for us to inspect the wires connected to the oven fan.
Sometimes, loose or damaged wires can disrupt the normal operation of the fan and cause it to continue running. Therefore, it’s important to inspect the wiring. Here’s how to do it:
- Unplug your oven from the power outlet to prevent any electrical hazards.
- Open the oven’s back panel. Keep in mind that you’ll probably need a screwdriver.
- Locate the fan motor and its power cables. If necessary, consult the manufacturer’s manual for detailed instructions.
- Carefully inspect the wires. Look for any loose connections or signs of damage.
- If you find a loose connection, please tighten it. It’s also important to replace any damaged cables.
Please note that it’s best to call a professional if you’re uncomfortable inspecting the wiring yourself. They can safely diagnose and solve the issue.
#4 Check the Temperature Sensor
In my experience, an oven fan won’t turn off if the temperature sensor malfunctions.
The sensor is responsible for regulating the internal temperature and ensures it is consistent with the selected settings.
Unfortunately, if the temperature sensor is malfunctioning, it will think that the oven is still hot and send incorrect signals to the control system, causing the fan to run longer than it should.
Don’t worry, though. Checking the temperature sensor is very simple. You’ll just need to:
- Unplug your oven from its power source to prevent electrical hazards.
- Access the back panel to locate the thermostat sensor.
- Check for any visible signs of damage and inspect the wiring.
- Use a multimeter to test the sensor’s resistance. You should get a reading of 1100 ohms at room temperature (or the one recommended by the manufacturer). Then, heat the sensor with a hairdryer. The resistance should change as the temperature increases.
- If the temperature sensor is malfunctioning, please replace it with a new, compatible one.
Remember that if you’re not an experienced DIYer, it’s best to check your warranty status and call a professional to avoid the risk of damaging other internal components.
#5 Replace the Fan Motor
From what I’ve seen, a malfunctioning oven fan motor could also explain the issue.
You see, electrical malfunctions or mechanical obstructions can keep the fan from turning off. So, if you’ve tried all of the fixes above, but the problem persists, I recommend replacing the fan motor.
To replace your oven’s fan, you’ll need to:
- Unplug the oven from the power outlet.
- Access the fan motor. To do so, you’ll need to remove the oven racks, door, and covers, so please consult the manufacturer’s manual.
- Once you’ve accessed the fan motor, please take a picture of its connections so you know how to install the replacement.
- Carefully disconnect the wires from the fan motor and use a screwdriver to remove the fan from its housing.
- Install the new fan motor and reassemble the oven.
Keep in mind that replacing the fan can be quite challenging. There’s absolutely no shame in calling a professional if you need help!
#6 Examine the Control Board
The control board is probably faulty if your oven’s fan is still stuck on.
The control board is the “brain” of your oven, as it manages various functions and components, including the fan. If one of its relays responsible for turning the fan on or off becomes stuck, it will keep supplying power to the fan, causing it to run continuously.
To check if the control board is indeed the issue, you’ll need to make sure the oven is unplugged from its power source. Then, access the board, which is typically behind the control panel, and check the wiring that connects the fan to the board.
Unfortunately, fixing problems with the control or power relay board can be challenging and costly, especially when the oven has a separate board just for the relays. Therefore, I strongly recommend calling an appliance repair expert so they can accurately diagnose and solve the issue.
Don’t forget to consult the warranty documents that came with your oven. If you’ve recently purchased your appliance, there’s a good chance you can repair it for free.
It’s worth noting that running the oven fan continuously won’t increase your energy bills significantly. So, if it’s not bothering you, you can simply leave it running instead of replacing the control board or fan motor.
Fixing an Oven Fan That Refuses to Turn Off
Hopefully, now you know how to fix your oven’s fan issues.
Remember that if your oven’s fan is stuck on, you’ll need to allow the unit to cool down and perform a reset. However, if the issue persists, don’t forget to inspect the wires connected to the oven fan, check the temperature sensor, and examine the fan motor and control board. Replace any components as needed.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this guide. If you’ve found it helpful, please check out our other related posts below.
Have a wonderful rest of the day!
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