One morning, you may wake up, put a bagel in the toaster oven, then switch it on, and nothing happens! That welcoming ‘ding’ you’re accustomed to doesn’t come, and the display remains dark. So, what do you do when your toaster oven doesn’t turn on? Do you fix the appliance or toss it in the recycle bin?
There are several reasons your toaster oven doesn’t turn on. It could be a damaged outlet, power cord, or main control switch. Other causes may be a defective door switch, blown thermal fuse, and faulty internal wiring.
Toaster ovens have become a staple in many kitchens. And when it doesn’t work, you’re unable to have your favorite treats. This guide will help you if you don’t know how to fix this vital kitchen appliance.
Why Won’t My Toaster Oven Turn On? (Fix)
Toasters are small kitchen appliances known as countertop ovens, and they are pretty resilient. But now and then, something goes wrong.
Here are several possible reasons your toaster oven fails to turn on.
1. No Electricity
When something disrupts the flow of electricity in your home, the toaster doesn’t get any power.
2. Damaged Power Cord
Examine the cable for cuts or exposed wires. If the cable has these signs, it must be replaced; there’s no question about it.
3. Faulty Power Outlet
The socket connects the toaster oven to the main power supply. Any damage to the outlet means no power can flow through to power the device. So, the toaster simply doesn’t turn on.
4. Broken Controls
If the main control switch is broken, there is no way to turn the oven off. Some brands have knobs instead, which could wear out, leading to this issue.
5. Defective Thermal Fuse
A thermal fuse is a cutoff for heat-producing devices utilizing a one-time fusible connection. They serve as a safety device, cutting off the power to the toaster oven during a malfunction.
6. Internal Wiring is Compromised
If you have ever disassembled the appliance after purchasing, the problem may arise from the internal wiring. The toaster oven will not work if the connections are wrong.
How Do You Fix a Toaster Oven That Won’t Turn On?
Begin by checking the most obvious reasons. Turn on a light to confirm that there is power in the house. Then check the power outlet. Plugin another home appliance to see if it turns on; the outlet is OK if it does.
The power cord of the toaster oven should be inspected next. Replace it if there is visible damage or exposed wires.
If the problem isn’t with the electrical current, make sure nothing prevents the door from closing completely. It could be a crumb or morsel of food that fell. After checking this, proceed to the next possible problem: A blown thermal fuse or a faulty main control switch.
Consult the toaster oven’s service manual to identify the components that need to be disconnected and inspected. A continuity test should reveal which one requires replacing. Continuity tests are performed using an ohmmeter or multimeter.
You can disconnect each malfunctioning element and test it to see if it needs to be fixed. If none of the elements are faulty, test the solenoid and, if necessary, replace it.
How to Replace the Main Switch
- Remove the side panel.
- Detach the clips, screws, or rivets that fasten the switch to the chassis.
- Replace if contacts are fused or the leaves are broken.
To Replace the Solenoid
- Locate the solenoid assembly.
- Unscrew the brackets to access the unit.
- Use a continuity tester or multimeter to verify your suspicions.
- Replace the solenoid and return the brackets.
If replacing the unit necessitates cutting or desoldering, take it to an appliance repair shop.
How Do I Find the Thermal Fuse on a Toaster Oven?
The fuse is located inside every toaster oven. Although brands vary, the basic mechanism is similar across the board. This means that the inside of the appliance is often the same.
Here’s how to locate the thermal fuse.
- Remove the feet. These are the screws holding the housing.
- Detach the back panel by removing the screws.
- Slide off the metallic panel gently. It’s a thin sheet of metal, so be careful not to bend it.
- Remove the inner panel as well.
- Pull the insulation back. Please handle it with care as it easily falls apart. You’ll see the thermal fuse assembly.
- Remove the two screws that hold the bracket that secures the thermal fuse in place. You may have to do so from the inside of the toaster oven.
Without a thermal fuse, a countertop oven would have no way of stopping the temperature from rising to unsafe levels, increasing the likelihood of causing a fire.
Should you decide to DIY, try to be as organized as possible. Label every component as you removed them from the toaster oven. Otherwise, you will have quite the puzzle to solve trying to figure out which screws go where.
Remember to unplug the appliance from the power outlet before taking it apart. I don’t have to reiterate just how dangerous it could be should you attempt to do so with the power still on.
How Do You Tell a Thermal Fuse is Blown?
To determine whether the fuse has blown, you need to use a digital multimeter. Touch the fuse’s wire leads with the multimeter probes and take note of the reading.
If you receive a low value, such as zero or a few ohms, the fuse is continuous and thus works correctly. Consider the fuse blown if the reading is extremely high, such as several Megohms. Similarly, if the multimeter needle does not move, the thermal fuse isn’t conducting electricity, thus, faulty.
If the fuse is defective, disconnect it and replace it with another of the same capacity. Any debris on the assembly is removed with a can of compressed air.
Other Common Toaster Oven Problems
Toaster oven users have reported several other issues even when the toaster oven turns on and off.
Here is a list of the most common problems and their possible solutions.
Dim or Flickering Oven Light
When you open the door or begin the heating process, the light’s main function is to provide illumination, allowing you to view the food within and determine when it is cooked.
When the bulb flickers or remains dull, it might be due to faulty wiring, a defective control board, or something trivial like the toaster oven settings. When used for low-power tasks like reheating and defrosting, the light bulb might glow dimly.
To fix the issue, replace it with a new one. It is recommended to seek a qualified technician for this procedure since you risk damaging components attached near it, such as the capacitor.
The Oven is Not Heating Up
This is one of the most common problems that oven owners encounter. It can happen even when the light is turned on and could be caused by a damaged diode, a broken door switch, or a faulty capacitor.
It is not recommended to repair toaster oven heating problems unless adequately skilled. Only a professional technician can determine whether the heating failure is caused by a capacitor burnout, faulty diodes, or a defective door switch.
Food is Burning in the Oven
This occurs when heat is dispersed too quickly and unevenly due to the heating rods producing unequal heat. The result is one side of your dish cooks faster than the other.
Examine the color of the rods. If one is brighter than the other, this is a red flag. It means that one of the rods generates more heat, causing the food to burn on the side with the bright red rod.
It could be the result of a defective solenoid. Although solenoid failure is uncommon, it does occur. A solenoid’s primary function is to convert electrical energy to heat energy, thus activating the heating elements. And a malfunction leads to overheating, thus, the burnt toast.
Beware of any burnt smells coming from the toaster oven because it’s how you diagnose a solenoid issue. And I’m not talking about the lovely aroma of pastries in the oven – No! This one has a fairly acrid smell that resembles burning plastic.
To resolve this, you must replace the solenoid. However, a skilled technician is best for this job due to its proximity to vital components.
Is It Worth Repairing a Toaster Oven?
Even though repairing a toaster oven might be challenging, it is worth every minute and cent. Most repairs cost less compared to buying another appliance.
Replacement parts are also readily available. Components that need replacing, like the solenoid, thermal fuse, and light bulb, can be easily purchased online.
Tip for Thought
Consult a maintenance specialist if you cannot pinpoint the specific problem (even after going through the toaster oven instruction manual and this guide). Attempting to do so blindly may cause further damage, which might be irreversible.
Ensure the technician has the necessary technical skills and is conversant with your specific brand.