Oven Not Heating but Broil Works — Possible Bake or Control Problem

If your oven will not bake but broil works in West Hollywood, the most common cause is a failed bake element or a control board relay. Broil uses a different element at the top, so when broil works but bake does not, it usually points to the lower bake element or the control that powers it. I test both elements and the control before replacing parts.

The problem

This is a very specific symptom, and it is helpful because it points us in a clear direction. You set the oven to bake, but it does not get hot, or it stays only slightly warm. Then you try broil, and the broil element at the top glows red and works fine.

The reason this matters: bake and broil use two separate heating elements (on an electric oven) or two separate parts of the system (on a gas oven). When one works and the other does not, the shared parts — like the main power and the door — are probably fine, and the problem is on the bake side.

Possible causes

Electric oven:

• Failed bake element — the lower element burns out. This is the most common cause. Sometimes you can see a break or a burn mark on the element, sometimes it looks fine but tests bad.
• Control board relay — the control board has separate relays for bake and broil. If the bake relay fails, broil still works but bake gets no power.
• Wiring or connection — a burnt wire or connector at the bake element, often where heat has damaged the terminal over the years.

Gas oven:

• Weak bake igniter — the bake igniter is the most common gas oven failure. When it weakens, it cannot open the gas valve to light the bake burner, even though the broil side still works.
• Bake burner or valve issue — less common, but possible when the igniter tests fine.

Both:

• Temperature sensor — a sensor reading wrong can cause poor or no bake heat, though this usually affects both modes.
• Control or selector problem — the bake setting itself not sending the signal correctly.

How I check it

1. I confirm the symptom — broil works, bake does not — and ask how long it has been happening.
2. On an electric oven, I test the bake element directly. A failed element is the most common cause and is straightforward to confirm.
3. On a gas oven, I watch the bake igniter. A weak igniter that glows but never lights the burner is the classic sign.
4. I test the control board relay for bake if the element or igniter is good.
5. I check the temperature sensor and wiring connections at the bake side.
6. I explain in simple words what failed and the repair option.
7. After the repair, I run a bake test and confirm the oven reaches and holds the set temperature.

What the client can do before service

• Confirm the exact symptom: does broil really glow and heat, while bake stays cold? This helps me bring the right part.
• Look at the lower bake element (electric ovens) for a visible break or burn spot — but do not touch it.
• Note any error code on the display.
• Take a photo of the model number, usually on the door frame or the side of the door opening.
• Do not keep trying to use the oven if you smell gas.

When to stop using the oven

Stop using the oven if you smell gas or burning, or if you see sparking or scorched wiring. A bake element that simply does not heat is not dangerous by itself, but burnt wiring and gas smells need to be checked before you use the oven again.

Local service note

WeHo Appliance Repair helps with oven repair in West Hollywood, Beverly Grove, Fairfax, Pico-Robertson, Beverly Hills, Hollywood, Miracle Mile, and nearby areas. Same-day visits are often available because we are local and work nearby. For more, see our oven and range repair page.

FAQ

Why does my broil work but my oven will not bake?
Bake and broil use separate elements or parts. When broil works and bake does not, the problem is usually the bake element, the bake igniter on a gas oven, or the control relay for bake.

Is the bake element easy to replace?
On most electric ovens, yes. It is a common, repairable part. I confirm it is the cause by testing before replacing it.

What is the most common gas oven cause?
A weak bake igniter. It glows but cannot open the gas valve to light the bake burner, so the oven does not heat for baking.

Could it be the control board?
Yes. The board has separate relays for bake and broil. If the bake relay fails, broil still works but bake gets no power.

Can I still use broil while I wait for service?
If broil works normally and you do not smell gas or burning, you can use it carefully. But have the bake side checked so you get the full oven back.

How soon can you come out?
Same-day visits are often available in West Hollywood because we are local and work nearby. Call 323-285-0520 for the soonest time.