If you have previously set the timer but it didn’t turn on the oven at the set time, this must be happening due to one of the following reasons:
Potential fixes include inspecting the timer and clock settings on your oven, making sure there are no power outages or interruptions, diagnosing the oven elements, etc.
Continue reading this article to find more details about each possible reason and learn what you should do next to resolve the issue!
7 Reasons Why You Set the Timer, but It Didn’t Turn on The Oven?
Are you facing problems with your oven not turning on after setting the timer? Here are the seven most common causes that may lead your oven to encounter such failure:
The Oven Timer Is Not Set to The Right Mode:
One of the most common reasons why your oven won’t turn on even after setting the timer is setting the timer on incorrect mode.
There’s a specific method of setting the timer on an electric oven (The steps may vary slightly based on the unique brand model). Thus, if you fail to follow the correct instructions and set it in the wrong mode, your oven most likely won’t turn on.
Incorrect Clock Setting:
If you set the clock wrong or if there is a power outage, your oven will not turn on. If you have just bought a new oven, check whether it has an individual clock setting option where you need to set the AM or PM time first.
If it has and you haven’t set the AM or PM before setting the timer, you may encounter a similar issue after setting the timer. On some oven models, the clock time mode is set to 24 hours, while it may be set to 12 hours by default on other models.
Besides that, if something like a sudden power outage or load-shedding interrupts the power during the timer or clock setting, the setting will go back to the default mode when the electricity comes back.
So, if you do not reset the timer again, the timer feature will not work as it is supposed to.
Failed Door Switch(s):
Failed door switch(s) is another common reason why your oven won’t turn or will quit after setting the timer. This mostly happens with microwave ovens.
When you close the door on your oven, the door has four switches that trigger in succession to guarantee that the door is properly closed. So, when any of these switches fail, such an issue occurs.
Broken Or Malfunctioning Oven Timer:
Another obvious reason why the oven may not turn on at the set time is the broken or malfunctioning timer.
It is most likely due to a malfunctioning timer if you are noticing these when the oven doesn’t turn on:
- The timer countdown doesn’t start after pressing the “Start” button on your oven.
- Can’t reset the timer when the oven doesn’t respond (not turning on or off)
- The timer clock seems to be stuck at a specific time (the oven clock may be only displaying a specific time like 6.00 or 12.00).
An Issue with The Main Control Board, Relay, or Wiring:
The main control board or panel inside your oven is responsible for controlling all the functions, including the timer. The control board can fail over time or due to a sudden power outage.
Similarly, if the internal relay has turned bad over time, it may also cause a similar problem.
The main control panel can also fail due to connection errors due to wiring defects (loose or broken). When that happens, the control board will fail to send the right signal to let the timer work correctly.
Faulty Oven Temp Sensor:
Even if there’s an issue with your oven’s temperature sensor (broken, loose, or damaged), it may also prevent the timer from starting properly.
As a result, your oven may fail to turn on as it usually does.
Malfunctioning Oven Element:
You may also encounter a similar problem if one or multiple heating elements of your oven turn bad or faulty.
This can also cause the oven not to turn on even though you may see that the oven’s digital clock is displaying the timer.
What To Do If You’ve Set the Timer but Oven Didn’t Turn On?
If you’ve set the timer, but the oven doesn’t turn on and you can’t figure out what’s wrong, try the following steps to troubleshoot it:
Step_1: First, ensure that there’s no power issue and that the main power outlet or circuit breaker to which your oven is connected is secure enough.
Then, double-check and make sure that you’re following the right steps to set the timer on your specific oven model.
The following chart highlights the correct way to set the timer on some of the most well-known oven brand models:
If it’s an oven model with a multi-function timer, don’t get confused and just follow the instructions shown in this tutorial:
Also make sure that you’ve set the oven clock setting correctly, just like shown in the following video:
If your oven isn’t included in the above chart, check your model’s user/owner manual and follow the steps given there.
Step_2: If you’re following the right way to set the timer and have verified that there’s no power issue, you can try the following to resolve the issue:
- Turn off the circuit breaker or power outlet to your oven.
- Wait for at least 3/4 minutes.
- Turn the power back on and see if that solves the issue.
Step_3: If the problem persists, there must be an issue with one of the oven elements, such as the timer, control panel, wiring, temp sensor, heating element, or door switch(s).
However, it’s impossible to determine the main faulty part without a proper diagnosis or in-person testing, and only a professional should perform it.
Therefore, the best idea is to contact a skilled technician to do the in-person test and perform the required servicing.
Frequently Asked Questions -FAQs
Why won’t my oven turn on with the timer?
A power outage, a faulty timer, inappropriate usage, and damaged oven parts can all cause the timer to fail to turn on the oven.
Why won’t my oven turn on after a power outage?
Sometimes, power surges during an outage can cause temporary system errors in your oven. Try unplugging your oven from the main power outlet and plugging it back in to reset it. This may fix the problem.
Can I replace my oven’s faulty timer myself?
If you follow your oven’s manual carefully, you may be able to replace a faulty timer. However, it will still require certain technical expertise to perform the whole process, or you can end up making the situation worse. So, you should hire a professional instead of taking risks.
What do I do if my oven control board is faulty?
There’s no other alternative instead of replacing the control board.
