How to Fix the Clock on Your Electric Stove

Repairing a clock on an electric stove is a task that can be dangerous and one that should not be taken on by an inexperienced handyman. The 220 volts from the range's power source can be lethal. Still, if you have a basic knowledge of electrical wiring and repair, and if you use care and work with the power to your range shut off, you should be able to accomplish this task successfully. Just follow the seven steps below.

Step 1 – Disconnect the Power

Don't take chances. Disconnect power to your range before you begin any repairs. Either disconnect the range's power cord from its wall receptacle, or shut off power at the circuit breaker panel. Be sure to test the power to insure that it's off.

Step 2 – Consider Clock Replacement

Because today's range clocks are electronic, rather than manual, it may be necessary for you to simply replace the clock. if there is a defect in the clock, itself. If you plan to do this repair project, yourself, you'll need to determine the failure cause.

Step 3 – Gain Access to the Clock

You'll need to remove the range's back panel to get at the clock. To do this, pull the range away from the wall. Remove screws from the back cover panel and remove the panel. This should expose the clock. You may need to refer to your range's owners manual for instructions to get at your range's clock.

Step 4 – Test the Clock's Power

The most likely source of your range clock's malfunction will be in its electrical wiring or connections, so you should begin by first checking this. First locate the fuse and, using your voltmeter, touch one terminal of the meter to each end of the fuse to check for continuity. If the fuse is burned out, note the fuse size and replace it. If it is good, set the selector on your voltmeter to the ohmmeter function, and set the range to R x 1. Locate electrical leads of the clock motor and disconnect these leads from the clock. Now, check continuity of each clock motor wire. If there is no continuity, this will indicate the clock motor is bad, and you'll need to replace it.

Step 5 – Test the Clock's Timed-Bake and Self-Cleaning Cycle Operation

Remove electrical wires from the switches that operate the self-clean and timed-bake functions. Test for continuity on each switch and on the "start" and "stop" knobs. If there are electrical problems in any of these switches, they will show no continuity on the voltmeter and the clock will need to be replaced.

Step 6 – Remove the Inoperative Clock

Remove retaining clips, screws, or nuts that hold the clock in place. Remove clock knobs, then remove the clock. All wires connected to the clock will need to be disconnected, but before disconnecting them, mark them so you'll be able to reconnect them to the right terminals.

Step 7 – Insert and Connect the New Clock

Mount the new clock and attach the wires you disconnected and marked. When finished, restore power and test the new clock.