Why Is My Whirlpool Double Oven Control Not Working? A Troubleshooting Guide

You’re getting ready to cook a meal, you go to preheat your Whirlpool double oven, and… nothing happens. The control panel is blank, the buttons are unresponsive, or the display is frozen. A non-working control panel can bring your entire kitchen to a halt, but it doesn’t always mean a major repair is needed.

We know how much a reliable oven matters, especially as we head into the fall cooking season this October. The team at AtoZ Appliance is here to help you troubleshoot the problem.

Step 1: Check the Power Supply

Before assuming the worst, let’s rule out the simplest problem: power.

• Check the Circuit Breaker: A double oven is a high-power appliance and requires its own dedicated circuit. Go to your home’s breaker box and find the one labeled for your oven. It may have tripped. If it’s in the ‘off’ or a middle position, flip it firmly back to the ‘on’ position.
• Power Cycle the Oven: If the breaker wasn’t tripped, you can still try a hard reset. Turn the circuit breaker for the oven off, wait for at least one full minute, and then turn it back on. This can often reboot the electronic control board and resolve minor glitches.

Step 2: Check for Control Lock or Sabbath Mode

Many Whirlpool ovens have features that can make the control panel seem unresponsive.

• Control Lock: This safety feature prevents accidental use of the oven, especially by children. Look for a “Control Lock” or a padlock icon button. Typically, you need to press and hold this button for 3-5 seconds to deactivate it. Your owner’s manual will have the specific instructions for your model.
• Sabbath Mode: This feature is designed for religious observances and can disable all sounds and display features, making the oven appear to be off. Check your manual for instructions on how to enter or exit Sabbath Mode, as the process varies by model.

Step 3: Potential Internal Issues (When to Call a Professional)

If you’ve checked the power and confirmed the oven isn’t in a special mode, the issue likely lies with an internal component. For your safety, diagnosing and replacing these parts should be left to a trained professional.

Here are the most common culprits our technicians find:

• Blown Thermal Fuse: The thermal fuse is a safety device that cuts power to the controls if the oven overheats. If the fuse blows, the control panel will go dark. This often happens during or after using the self-clean cycle. A technician will need to test and replace the fuse.
• Faulty Electronic Control Board: This is the “brain” of your oven. A power surge, moisture, or simple age can cause the control board to fail. If the display is completely blank, frozen, or showing error codes, the board may need to be repaired or replaced.
• Damaged Wire Harness: The wires connecting the control panel to the main power components can sometimes become loose or damaged, especially around the oven door where they flex.
• Defective Display Assembly: Sometimes the main control board is working, but the display itself has failed, making it seem like the entire unit is dead.

One Call Fixes It All: Your Next Step

While it’s frustrating when your Whirlpool double oven stops working, you don’t have to solve the problem alone. If the basic troubleshooting steps didn’t restore function to your control panel, it’s time to call the experts.

The experienced technicians at AtoZ Appliance have the tools and genuine replacement parts to accurately diagnose the issue and get your oven back in service, often on the same day. Don’t let a faulty oven disrupt your life.

Having trouble with your oven? Schedule your service call online or give AtoZ Appliance a call now. We’re ready to help!