When an oven's temperature sensor breaks but nothing else is malfunctioning, several potential scenarios can occur, depending on the type of oven and its control system. The temperature sensor, also known as the oven thermostat or oven probe, is responsible for measuring the internal temperature of the oven cavity and sending that information to the control board. The control board then uses this data to regulate the oven's temperature.
Here's what may happen when the temperature sensor breaks:
Inaccurate temperature readings: If the temperature sensor is faulty, it may provide incorrect temperature readings to the control board. As a result, the oven might not heat to the desired temperature or may overheat.
Oven not heating: If the temperature sensor fails completely or provides consistently incorrect readings, the control board may not activate the heating elements properly. This could lead to the oven not heating at all.
Overheating: In some cases, a broken temperature sensor may send a continuous signal to the control board, indicating that the oven is not hot enough. As a safety measure, the control board might keep the heating elements active, causing the oven to overheat.
Error codes or alerts: Modern ovens often have built-in diagnostics and error detection systems. A broken temperature sensor could trigger an error code or alert on the oven's display, indicating a temperature-related issue.
Uneven cooking: When the temperature sensor provides inaccurate readings, the oven may not maintain a consistent temperature throughout the cooking process. This can result in unevenly cooked food.
Delayed preheating: If the temperature sensor is not functioning correctly, the oven may take longer to preheat because it can't accurately gauge the internal temperature.
To diagnose a faulty temperature sensor, you can use an oven thermometer to compare the displayed oven temperature to the actual temperature inside the oven. If there's a significant discrepancy between the two readings, it could indicate a problem with the temperature sensor.
If you suspect that your oven's temperature sensor is broken, it's best to have it inspected and replaced by a qualified appliance technician to ensure proper functioning and safe operation of the oven. Avoid using the oven until the issue is resolved to prevent any potential hazards or further damage to the appliance.