Electric Stove Knob Won’t Turn: Reasons and Basic troubleshoots

Electric stove knobs are used to turn on and off the heating elements on the stove. Over time, these knobs can become worn out or damaged, making them difficult or impossible to turn. Usually by changing the knob, you can resolve this issue.

And if your electric stove knob won’t turn right after you have changed it, that indicates there is another reason to blame. To know what can be the reason behind your electric stove knob stuck and how to fix stove knobs.

Key Takeaway

Why my Electric Stove Knob Won’t Turn? Causes and Fixes

Here are the most common causes and fixes if your electric stove knob won’t turn: 

1. Dirt and Grime: 

Over time, dirt and grime can build up around the knob, making it difficult to turn. They can get into the knob mechanism, causing it to become sticky and difficult to move.

Dirt and grime can also corrode the electrical connections between the knob and the heating element, making it difficult to turn the knob.

Use a damp cloth to wipe away any dirt and grime. You can also use a mild soap and water solution if needed. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the knobs. And dry the knobs thoroughly after cleaning.

2. Loose Connections:

The connections between the knob and the heating element may become loose, making it difficult to turn the knob. This can make it difficult to grip and turn the knob.

Loose connections can cause the electrical current to flow erratically, which can cause the knob to become stuck.

Make sure that the connections between the knob and the heating element are tight. If they are loose, tighten them. 

3. Broken or Damaged Knob:

The knob itself may be broken or damaged, making it impossible to turn. Over time the knobs get broken if it is made of plastic. And whenever it happens, there is no way you can turn them. 

Fix:

Inspect the knob. Look for any signs of damage, such as cracks or breaks. If the knob is damaged, it will need to be replaced. Go to a store and buy a knob according to your stove size. 

You can install them easily all by yourself. Use a torque wrench to tighten the connections and check the connections regularly for signs of corrosion or damage.

4. Faulty Heating Element:

If the heating element is faulty, it may prevent the knob from turning. The digital stoves are made in a way that whenever it senses any problem it won’t let you turn on the stove. It can be the heating element or the inside electrical components.

To fix this: Take a multimeter, and test the heating element to see if it is faulty. If it is, the heating element will need to be replaced. 

Watch this video to check how to test it.

5. Control Lock Feature:

The control lock feature on electric stoves is a safety feature that prevents accidental activation of the stovetop burner. This can help prevent children or pets from turning on the stove, or for preventing accidental activation of the stovetop when you are cleaning or working on the stove.

If the feature is activated, your electric stove knob won’t turn and prevent you from turning on the stove.

To fix this you have to deactivate the feature and then try turning it on. To deactivate the control lock feature, you typically press and hold the same combination of buttons that you used to activate it. Once the control lock feature is deactivated, the stove knob will turn.

If you cannot find how to turn the feature off, check the user manual or watch this video.

6. Stove Element Still Hot:

Modern electric stoves have a safety feature that doesn’t allow you to turn the stove knobs when the stove element is very hot. When the stove gets to a certain temperature, the safety feature locks the stove knob. 

To fix this you have to wait for the stove to cool down. 

Related Post: Why Is My Gas Stove Knob Stuck On?

How to Fix a Knob on an Electric Stove

Here are the simple steps you can fix or change an electric stove knob:

• Unplug the stove from the power outlet.
• Remove the knob from the stove. This is usually done by gently pulling on the knob. If it is difficult to grip, you can use a rubber glove or a towel to get a better grip.
• Inspect the knob for any signs of damage. If the knob is cracked, broken, or warped, it will need to be replaced.
• Check the connections between the knob and the heating element. Make sure that the connections are tight. If they are loose, tighten them.
• Apply a small amount of lubricant to the knob mechanism. This will help to prevent the knob from getting stuck in the future.
• Reinstall the knob on the stove.
• Plug the stove back into the power outlet.

Watch this video to have visual instructions on changing a knob of an electric stove if it won’t turn. And here is a video by Enopto if you want to fix the stove knob. 

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