Are you having issues with the light in your oven? A faulty or burned-out oven light can make it difficult to see inside and monitor your food while cooking. Replacing the light yourself is usually a pretty straightforward task that can be done in about 10-15 minutes, saving you the hassle and cost of calling an appliance repair technician. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the complete process of removing and replacing the light in your oven, with useful tips to make the job easy.
Gather the Right Tools and Parts
Before starting, make sure you have gathered all the necessary tools and replacement parts:
- Standard screwdriver
- Needle-nose pliers
- Replacement oven light bulb (check your oven manual for the correct wattage, usually 25W to 40W)
- Gloves for protection
- Flashlight for better visibility
Make sure to unplug your oven or turn off the power supply at the circuit breaker before starting. Working with the power on can result in electric shock or burns.
Removing the Oven Light Cover and Old Bulb
The first step is accessing the light housing and removing the existing bulb:
- Locate the oven light housing: This is usually on the top rear wall inside the oven, although the location can vary by model. Look for a glass light cover held in place by a bracket or screws.
- Remove the oven racks and other contents: Take out all racks, pans, foil or anything else inside the oven to give you unobstructed access.
- Remove the light cover: Using a screwdriver, unscrew or loosen the bracket or screws holding the glass cover in place. These are usually found around the edges or on tabs of the metal housing.
- Wear gloves and pull out the old bulb: Gloves will protect your fingers from getting burned by the hot bulb. Pull the bulb straight out to remove it.
Installing the New Oven Light Bulb
Once the old bulb is removed, installing the new one is fast and easy:
- Inspect the socket for damage: Look for any cracked or blackened areas on the ceramic socket, frayed wires or burnt areas. Damage may require replacement of the entire housing.
- Insert the new bulb: Line up the bulb pins correctly and push the new bulb straight into the socket all the way. The pins should click into place. Don’t apply excessive sideways force.
- Check the fit: Gently wiggle the bulb to verify it is firmly seated and doesn’t come loose. Loose connections can interrupt power.
- Replace the light cover: Put the glass cover back into position and screw in or attach the metal bracket or screws exactly as they were removed. This secures the cover safely back in place.
Helpful Tips and Precautions
Follow these useful tips for safely and successfully removing and replacing your oven light:
- Let the bulb, housing and glass cover cool completely before handling to avoid burns.
- When unscrewing the cover, hold one hand underneath to catch it when loose in case it falls.
- Avoid touching the glass of new halogen bulbs with bare fingers as oils can cause them to fail prematurely.
- Double check the wattage and type of the new bulb to match what is specified for your oven’s model.
- Don’t apply any outward force when inserting the new bulb. Rocking or bending can damage the socket.
- If the wires, housing or bracket are damaged, have a professional install the replacement parts.
- After replacing the bulb, run your oven empty on bake at 300°F for several minutes. This burns off any oils or residue.
- Call an electrician if you experience any shocks, shorts or blowouts when replacing the bulb.
Troubleshooting Common Oven Light Issues
If your oven light is still not working after replacing the bulb, there may be a deeper electrical issue. Try these troubleshooting tips before calling a technician:
Bulb burns out again quickly
- Wrong wattage bulb used. Double check requirements for your model.
- Socket is cracked or connections are loose, causing interruptions in power.
- Grease or moisture buildup conducting extra heat to the bulb. Clean connections with rubbing alcohol.
Light flickers, buzzes or doesn’t come on
- Wire, terminal or housing damage. Inspect closely and replace any corroded or cracked parts.
- Faulty power supply. Check circuit breaker and any fuses or wiring leading to oven.
- Faulty light switch. Test for continuity with a multimeter when switched on and off.
Light comes on but is very dim
- Weak, old bulb. Lights dim over time. Replace for maximum brightness.
- Loose bulb connection. Wiggle bulb gently and ensure it’s firmly seated in socket.
- Wrong wattage bulb. Lower wattages produce less light. Check requirements.
When to Call an Electrician
While a straightforward light bulb change is usually within the ability of most homeowners, there are some oven light issues that do require a professional:
- Any sign of an electrical short, shock or sparks when working on the oven light
- Heavily damaged or burned out light housing that won’t secure a bulb safely
- Problems with oven functionality, display or controls along with the oven light issue
- Faulty power supply to the oven or broken internal electrical connections
- Older oven with a history of electrical problems and fuse blowouts
Oven lights are simple in design, but are still connected to the dangerous high-voltage circuits that power the oven. Any repairs or troubleshooting beyond a basic bulb change should be handled by experienced electrical pros able to safely and properly diagnose and repair electrical faults.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of bulb does my oven light use?
Most oven lights use a 40-watt appliance bulb. Always check your owner’s manual for the specific wattage and bulb type recommended by the manufacturer. Using the wrong wattage can lead to premature failure.
Do I need to unplug the oven before changing the light?
Yes, you should always unplug the oven or shut off the circuit breaker supplying power to it before replacing the light bulb as a safety precaution.
Why does my new oven light bulb keep burning out?
Frequent burning out is usually caused by a loose socket connection or incorrect wattage bulb being used. Make sure the bulb is securely pushed straight into the ceramic socket. Compare the bulb wattage to recommendations.
My oven light only works sometimes. What should I check?
Intermittent operation is typically caused by a failing bulb, damaged socket or loose wiring connections. Replace the bulb, inspect the wires and housing for any corrosion or cracks, and ensure wires are tightly joined.
I touched my new halogen bulb and now it won’t light. Can I fix it?
Oils from skin can cause halogen bulbs to fail. Try cleaning carefully with rubbing alcohol and reinstalling. You may need to replace a bulb that was directly handled.
Why is my oven light switch not working properly?
If the lights don’t operate when the switch is turned on, the switch itself may be faulty. Use a multimeter to test it, and replace the switch if necessary.
How do I remove the light cover on my oven model?
Consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions on removing the light cover. On most models, a bracket or screws around the perimeter of the glass lens can be loosened with a screwdriver to detach the cover.
Conclusion
With some basic DIY skills and tools, removing and replacing your faulty oven light can be done quickly and easily. Just be sure to fully disconnect power, use the proper wattage bulb, inspect for damage and follow safety precautions. If electrical issues arise, contact a trained oven repair technician to properly diagnose and fix the problem. Investing a few minutes in replacing your oven bulb will restore the interior visibility you need to monitor cooking performance and enjoy greater convenience using your appliance.