Common Symptoms of Oven Control Board Failure (and how to repair)

Common Symptoms of Oven Control Board Failure (and how to repair)

20th Aug 2025

If you’re having issues with any of the electrical functions of your oven such as the heating elements or display, you know how disruptive it can be. Troubleshooting appliances is often challenging because there is usually very little information available from the manufacturer. On top of that, finding replacement parts can be difficult or even impossible once an oven reaches a certain age, as many manufacturers stop supporting models after only a few years. This can leave you in a frustrating situation where your oven is unusable and the only option seems to be replacing it entirely.

What is an oven control board?

The oven control board is essentially the “brain” of the appliance. It regulates the oven’s temperature, controls the heating elements, manages timers, and operates the display. In many modern ovens, it also monitors sensors and safety mechanisms. When the control board fails, it can cause a wide range of electrical or operational problems that can render the oven unreliable or completely inoperable.

One of the best places to start when diagnosing an oven issue is to look for error codes. If your oven is displaying an error code on the screen, you can usually determine what it means by researching your oven’s specific model number. The model number is often located on a label inside the door frame or underneath the cooktop. Once you have it, you can search online for the code’s meaning, which often points directly to the problem. This could be something like a faulty touchpad, a bad temperature sensor, a failed door lock mechanism, or a defective control board. Spending a few minutes on this step can save you hours of frustration and prevent you from replacing parts that aren’t actually broken.

What are the symptoms of a bad oven control board?

If your oven is overheating, underheating, or not maintaining the correct temperature during a bake or broil cycle, start by disconnecting it from power completely. Then, carefully inspect the wiring and connections to make sure everything is secure and intact. If all the wiring checks out, there is a strong possibility that the issue lies with the oven control board or the relay board. These boards contain electronic components that wear out over time from constant heating cycles, making them one of the most common failure points in all ovens.

A failed control board can cause a variety of symptoms. The most common ones include:

  • Intermittent error codes such as F1, F2, F3, F4, and F2 E6
  • The oven running far hotter than the set temperature or failing to shut off
  • The oven never reaching the desired temperature
  • The display becoming dim or completely non-functional

Depending on your model, you may experience one or several of these issues at the same time. Even if you only notice one problem, the control board could still be the cause.

Why do oven control boards fail?

Oven control boards are exposed to high levels of heat every time the oven is in use, and over years of operation this takes a toll on the delicate electronic components inside. The relays on the board, which open and close circuits to control the heating elements, can wear out or stick due to electrical arcing and heat damage. Capacitors and resistors can also degrade, leading to unstable performance or complete failure.

Another common reason for control board failure is power surges. A sudden spike in voltage, caused by a lightning strike, a problem with household wiring, or even a utility company issue, can damage sensitive circuitry instantly. Moisture from steam or spills can also contribute to corrosion, further shortening the lifespan of the board. All of these factors combined mean that oven control boards are naturally prone to failure over time, even in otherwise well-maintained appliances.

How much does it cost to replace an oven control board?

The cost to replace an oven control board varies greatly depending on the brand and model of your oven, as well as the availability of parts. In many cases, a new board can cost anywhere from $100 to over $700, not including labor if you hire a technician. If the manufacturer no longer produces the board, the cost can be even higher since the only available parts may come from second-hand or salvaged appliances.

Because of this, many homeowners choose not to replace the oven control board at all, especially when the price of a new appliance might not be much more than the cost of parts and labor for a board replacement. This is why repair can often be a far more affordable and practical option.

Can an oven control board be repaired?

While some people choose to replace a faulty control board, this can be expensive and difficult if the manufacturer no longer makes the part. At Circuit Board Medics, we offer repair services for a variety of oven control boards that can save you time and money. When you send your faulty control board to us, we rebuild it within one business day of receiving it and return it to you ready to plug in and use. In many cases, our repair costs a fraction of what you would pay for a replacement board. We also back our repairs with a comprehensive two-year warranty and provide world-class customer support to assist you with any additional troubleshooting before or after the repair.

If your oven control board is failing, you don’t need to live without your oven or spend hundreds on a replacement appliance. You can browse our repair services here, or call us at (800) 547-2049 to get started. Our team is ready to help you restore your oven’s performance so you can get back to cooking with confidence.