Oven Control Board Issues – Diagnosis, Repair & Replacement Guide

If your oven suddenly won’t heat, shows weird error codes, or stops mid‑cycle, the control board could be the culprit. The control board is the oven’s brain – it tells the heating elements when to turn on, regulates the temperature, and manages the timer. When it goes bad, the whole cooking process can grind to a halt.

Common Signs of a Bad Control Board

Here are the most frequent clues that the board is failing:

• Display flickers, shows blanks, or displays random numbers.
• Oven heats unevenly or doesn’t heat at all, even though the knob is set correctly.
• Self‑clean cycle won’t start, or the oven keeps shutting off during the cycle.
• Repeated error codes that don’t match any user‑adjustable setting.
• Burnt smell or visible scorch marks inside the control panel.

If you notice two or more of these, it’s time to dig a little deeper before calling for help.

DIY Checks and When to Call a Technician

Before you order a new board, try these quick checks:

1. Power reset: Turn off the oven at the mains for a few minutes, then restore power. A reset can clear minor glitches.
2. Check the wiring: Open the back panel (make sure the oven is unplugged) and look for loose wires or corroded connectors. Tighten any loose screws.
3. Test the heating elements: Use a multimeter to see if the elements themselves are functional. If they’re good, the board is more likely at fault.

If the oven still misbehaves after these steps, the control board probably needs replacement. While swapping the board isn’t impossible for a handy person, it involves dealing with high‑voltage components. Mistakes can lead to further damage or safety hazards.

Most homeowners find it safer to let a qualified technician handle the swap. A pro will:

• Confirm the exact model number of the board needed.
• Ensure the new board is correctly seated and all connections are secure.
• Run a full diagnostic after installation to verify the oven works across all functions.

Typical costs for a control board range from £80 to £180 for the part, plus £60‑£120 for labour, depending on your location and the oven brand.

In summary, a misbehaving oven often points to a faulty control board. Look for error codes, erratic displays, and heating problems. Try a simple power reset and wiring check first, but don’t risk working with live electronics if you’re not comfortable. When in doubt, call a professional to avoid costly mistakes and get your oven back to cooking reliably.