When you try to turn on your toaster oven and it doesn’t respond, leaving the display dark and without the familiar ‘ding’ sound, you may wonder whether to repair or dispose of the appliance.
If your toaster oven is not turning on, it could be due to various reasons such as a damaged outlet, power cord, or main control switch. Additionally, a defective door switch, blown thermal fuse, and faulty internal wiring can also cause this issue.
Toaster ovens have become a common sight in many kitchens. If yours isn’t working, you won’t be able to enjoy your favorite snacks. This guide will help you figure out how to repair this essential kitchen device.
Why Won’t My Toaster Oven Turn On? (Fix)
Countertop ovens, commonly known as toasters, are generally durable kitchen appliances. However, occasional malfunctions may occur.
There are various potential causes for your toaster oven not turning on.
1. No Electricity
If there is an interruption in the electrical current in your house, the toaster oven will not receive any electricity.
2. Damaged Power Cord
Inspect the cable for any indications of cuts or exposed wires, and if such signs are present, it is imperative to replace the cable.
3. Faulty Power Outlet
If there is any harm to the socket, it will prevent the flow of electricity from the main power supply to the toaster oven, resulting in the device not turning on.
4. Broken Controls
If the main control switch is faulty, it becomes impossible to turn off the oven. In some cases, certain brands may have knobs instead that could become worn out and cause this problem.
5. Defective Thermal Fuse
A thermal fuse is a safety mechanism that uses a one-time fusible connection to cut off power to heat-producing devices like a toaster oven in case of malfunction.
6. Internal Wiring is Compromised
If you’ve ever taken apart your appliance, the issue could be due to the internal wiring, causing the toaster oven to not function properly if the connections are incorrect.
How Do You Fix a Toaster Oven That Won’t Turn On?
To start troubleshooting, begin with the most apparent causes. Verify that there is electricity in the house by turning on a light. Afterward, examine the power outlet and connect another household device to determine if it turns on; if it does, the outlet is functioning correctly.
Next, examine the power cord of the toaster oven and replace it if there are any signs of visible damage or exposed wires.
Assuming the electrical current is not the issue, verify that there are no obstructions preventing the door from closing entirely, such as crumbs or bits of food. Once this has been confirmed, move on to investigating potential causes like a blown thermal fuse or a malfunctioning main control switch.
To identify the faulty component that needs replacement, refer to the service manual of your toaster oven. You can perform a continuity test using an ohmmeter or multimeter to determine which part needs to be disconnected and inspected.
To determine the cause of the toaster oven not turning on, it is recommended to disconnect and test each malfunctioning element individually. In case none of the elements are defective, it is advisable to test the solenoid and replace it if required.
How to Replace the Main Switch
Remove the side panel.
Remove the clips, screws, or rivets that secure the switch to the chassis.
If the contacts are fused or the leaves are broken, it is necessary to replace them.
To Replace the Solenoid
Find the solenoid assembly.
To access the unit, remove the brackets by unscrewing them.
To confirm your doubts, employ a multimeter or continuity tester.
Install the new solenoid and reattach the brackets.
If you need to cut or desolder the unit, it is recommended to bring it to an appliance repair shop when replacing it.
How Do I Find the Thermal Fuse on a Toaster Oven?
The fuse can be found internally in all toaster ovens, with a similar mechanism across different brands.
Discovering the thermal fuse’s location is the following step.
Take out the screws that secure the housing by removing the feet.
To remove the back panel, unscrew it.
Be cautious not to bend the thin sheet of metal as you gently remove the metallic panel.
Take out the inner panel too.
With caution, move aside the insulation to reveal the thermal fuse assembly that is delicate and prone to breaking.
To access the thermal fuse bracket, it may be necessary to remove two screws, which could require accessing the interior of the toaster oven.
Countertop oven would be at risk of overheating and causing a fire if it lacks a thermal fuse, which is responsible for preventing the temperature from reaching dangerous levels.
If you choose to do it yourself, it is recommended that you stay organized by labeling each component as you remove them from the toaster oven. Otherwise, it may become difficult to reassemble the parts correctly and figure out which screws belong where.
It is important to disconnect the appliance from the power source before disassembling it, as attempting to do so while it is still connected could be extremely hazardous.
How Do You Tell a Thermal Fuse is Blown?
Using a digital multimeter is necessary to check if the fuse has blown; simply touch the wire leads of the fuse with the probes of the multimeter and record the measurement.
If the multimeter reading shows a low value, such as zero or a few ohms, it indicates that the fuse is functioning properly. On the other hand, if the reading is extremely high, like several Megohms, it means that the fuse has blown. Additionally, if the multimeter needle remains stationary, it implies that the thermal fuse is not conducting electricity and therefore defective.
If your toaster oven is not turning on, try checking the fuse and replacing it with one that has the same capacity if it is defective. Additionally, use a can of compressed air to remove any debris from the assembly.
Other Common Toaster Oven Problems
Users of toaster ovens have reported various problems, even if the toaster oven is functioning properly in terms of turning on and off.
Below are some of the typical issues and their potential remedies.
Dim or Flickering Oven Light
The primary purpose of the light in your toaster oven is to provide illumination, enabling you to observe the food inside and determine its cooking status when you initiate the heating process or open the door.
If the light bulb in your toaster oven flickers or stays dim, it could be caused by faulty wiring, a malfunctioning control board, or simply incorrect settings. Additionally, if you are using the toaster oven for tasks that require low power such as reheating or defrosting, the light bulb may appear dimmer than usual.
If you want to resolve the problem, it is advisable to replace the toaster oven with a new one. It is suggested to consult an expert technician for this task as there is a possibility of harming nearby components like the capacitor.
The Oven is Not Heating Up
Encountering this issue is prevalent among oven owners, and it can occur even when the light is on. The root causes could be a damaged diode, a broken door switch, or a faulty capacitor.
Fixing toaster oven heating issues should only be attempted by a qualified technician as they are the only ones capable of identifying the root cause, which could be due to a burnt-out capacitor, faulty diodes, or a malfunctioning door switch.
Food is Burning in the Oven
If the heating rods in your toaster oven produce unequal heat, it can cause the heat to disperse too quickly and unevenly, resulting in one side of your dish cooking faster than the other.
Inspect the color of the rods, and if you notice that one is brighter than the other, it indicates a problem. This suggests that one of the rods produces more heat, which can result in food burning on the side with the brightly glowing rod.
One possible reason for a toaster oven not turning on is a faulty solenoid, which is rare but can happen. The solenoid’s main purpose is to transform electrical energy into heat energy, which then triggers the heating components. If it malfunctions, it can cause overheating and result in burnt toast.
Be cautious of any odors of burning emanating from the toaster oven as it can indicate a problem with the solenoid. This is not the pleasant scent of baked goods, but rather a harsh odor similar to that of melted plastic.
If you want to fix the issue of your toaster oven not turning on, you will need to replace the solenoid, but it is recommended to hire a professional technician for this task as it is located near important parts.
Is It Worth Repairing a Toaster Oven?
Although fixing a toaster oven can be difficult, it is a worthwhile investment of time and money since most repairs are less expensive than purchasing a new appliance.
Replacement parts can be easily obtained online for components such as the solenoid, thermal fuse, and light bulb that require replacement.
Tip for Thought
If you are unable to identify the exact issue with your toaster oven even after referring to the instruction manual and this guide, it is advisable to seek assistance from a maintenance expert as attempting to fix it without proper knowledge may lead to irreversible damage.
Make sure that the technician possesses the required technical expertise and is familiar with your particular brand.
You can also check this video about “Why Won’t My Toaster Oven Turn On? (Fix)”
