How To Fix An Oven Door That Won't Open After A Self Clean Cycle

If the door will not unlock at the end of the clean cycle then you may have a problem with the oven temperature sensor. Most electronic control ovens will display a fault code to indicate that the sensor has failed. If you suspect that the sensor is at fault, you should first remove the power to the oven for a few moments and then reconnect. This may reset the control and allow you to unlock the door. If you still cannot unlock the door, then you can check the oven temperature sensor from the back. Remove power again and remove the back panel. Locate the oven temperature sensor wire harness connector and unplug.

How to test an oven temperature sensor with a multimeter:

1. Ensure that you have disconnected the power supply from your appliance before beginning.
2. Locate and remove your oven temperature sensor. It will be found inside the oven, likely attached to the back wall near the top.
3. Using a multimeter on the Rx1 setting, touch the probes to the sensor’s terminals. You are testing for continuity, & the reading you should receive will vary depending on what model you own. Refer to your owner’s manual to determine what the reading should be. If you have recently used your oven, allow your sensor to cool before conducting this test as the sensor needs to be at room temperature to produce a proper reading.
4. If your reading is outside the manufacturer’s recommend range, you will need a replacement temperature sensor.

If the door will not unlock at the end of the clean cycle then you may have a problem the door lock/motor assembly. You should first remove the power to the oven for a few moments and then reconnect. This may reset the control and allow you to unlock the door. If you suspect that the door lock/motor assembly is at fault, then you will need to unlock the door manually. The assembly is normally located between the main top and the oven and can only be accessed by raising the main top. This is very difficult to do because the screws that hold the top in place are inaccessible with the door closed. If the assembly cannot be accessed then you will have to form a wire hook,(coat hanger) and insert it between the door and the latch and manually pull the latch to the open position. Remove power to the oven before attempting this procedure and be careful not to damage the finish.

How to test an oven door lock switch with a multimeter:

1. Unplug your oven before beginning this test.
2. Depending on your model, the switch could be found in several places, refer to your owner’s manual to determine the exact location. Common locations include the control panel & the door frame. Once you have located it, remove it in order to test for continuity.
3. Set your multimeter to Rx1 and ensure the switch is turned to the “clean" position. Using the probes, touch the terminals of the switch, this should produce a reading of zero or nearly zero.
4. If your test results show that there is no continuity, you will need a replacement door lock switch