How to Repair Your Oven Clock & Timer

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Authorized Service
November 11, 2019
Oven Repair

For many households, life centers around the oven clock and timer. Those glowing numbers let you know what time it is and can be used to time everything from baking cakes to your children’s time-outs. The unmistakably loud beeping assures you that nothing will burn (and no one sits in time-out for too long) and some ovens will even turn themselves safely off when the timer completes.

So when your oven clock or timer goes kaput, this can be a real problem. If the digital display is faded, blank, or not responding properly to the buttons, it’s time for a replacement. If you are confident with a screwdriver, this is actually something you can accomplish at home with the right replacement part and a little elbow grease. Stick with us for the play-by-play on how to replace your oven clock and timer.

The following instructions are generalized for mechanical based controls and specifics can vary by brand and model.

Gather Your Supplies

The first step is to make sure you have everything you need for the project. For this repair, you’ll need a screwdriver, a cloth, and of course, the correct replacement part. Use your oven’s make and model to identify the right part number and order it directly.

  • Screwdriver
  • Hand Towel or Cloth
  • Replacement Oven Timer Part

Safety First

Once you’re ready to start, it’s important to take safety precautions to ensure no one gets hurt during this simple replacement. 

– Cool Oven and Stove

If you have recently cooked, let your stove and oven cool before beginning the repairs. Just to be sure you don’t accidentally burn yourself or melt your supplies on a hot stovetop.

– Unplug Your Oven

Because this is an electrical repair, you will need to disconnect power from your oven to be safe. The easiest way is to pull the plug. Especially since this repair also requires getting behind the oven to work on the back panel.

– Push Oven Away from Wall

Carefully pull your oven away from the wall and give yourself enough room/access to stand behind it and reach the back panel.

Remove Manual Buttons (If Any)

Most ovens made today have touch-pad buttons. But if you have an older or unique model with manual buttons, these will need to be removed from the front first.

– Take a Photo of Your Buttons

Snap a quick phone photo of your buttons to make sure you get them back on in the right order and alignment later.

– Use Screwdriver to Pop Off Buttons

Use a flat-head screwdriver braced on the cloth to pry each button away without damaging your oven finish. Set the buttons aside, as you’ll need them again later.

Remove the Old Clock/Timer

Now you’re ready to remove the old broken part. Ready your screwdriver.

– Unfasten Back Panel Mounting Screws

Walk to the back of your oven and identify the mounting screws that secure the top back-plate behind the control panel. Remove these screws and then pull the back plate away. Set the whole set, screws and all, aside to reinstall when you’re finished with the timer.

– Identify Your Timer

Identify the oven timer piece, which will be mounted behind where you’re used to seeing the digital display. The easiest way to identify the correct part is to compare it to the replacement part you have ready to go.

– Take a Photo of the Wiring

Take a phone photo of how the wiring connects to use as a guide for reinstallation.

– Remove the Wiring

Detach the wiring from the old-timer by carefully releasing the wire clip and pulling the two halves apart. You can also use colored electrical tape to ensure you know how to reattach them with the new part.

– Unmount the Timer and Toss

There will likely be a mounting bracket and at least one screw holding the timer in place. Unfasten the screws and remove the bracket, then throw away the old-timer.

Reinstall the New Clock/Timer

Next, it’s time to install the new clock and timer piece. Make sure you have removed all the packaging before you begin this step.

– Set the New Timer Into Place

Set the new timer into place exactly where the old-timer was located. Make sure it is right-side up and looks identical to the previous installation. Check your phone photos for reference to be confident.

– Fasten New Timer with Mounting Screws

Use the mounting screws to fasten the timer and its mounting plate into place. Firmly secure the screws so the part cannot wiggle.

– Attach the Wiring According to Your Photo

Check your wiring photo and re-attach the oven wiring to the wiring components of the new timer using the clip mechanism.

– Close the Back Panel and Re-Fasten the Mounting Screws

Finally, close up the back panel and re-fasten the screws that hold it in place. Again, secure the screws tightly so your back panel is firmly held.

Return the Manual Buttons (If Any)

If you had manual buttons to begin with, it’s time to reinstall them.

– Check Your Photo

Double-check the photo you took to be sure you know exactly where and which direction to place each button.

– Push the Buttons Back Into Place

Retrieve your manual buttons and press them onto the new posts provided by the timer.

Test Your Success

With the new part installed and your oven reassembled, it’s time to test your success.

– Plug the Oven Back In

Plug your oven back in and push it into place. The timer clock should flash zeroes as if you just experienced a power outage.

– Reset the Clock

Use your know-how to reset the oven clock to the current time. If the buttons respond correctly, you have likely done your job well.

– Test the Timer

Last but not least, set a short-timer and watch the oven count down to the beep.

Pat Yourself on the Back

If all has gone well give yourself a big pat on the back. Congratulations! You have just completed a considerable electrical repair and restored your oven to its full digital functionality! For more helpful home appliance repair guides, contact us today or check out the other articles in our repair blog archive. Contact us today for more guides, tips, or in-home repairs!

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