Oven won't turn off or keeps heating after being switched off

Symptoms

• Oven stays hot or the element stays glowing after pressing off/cancel
• Display shows off but heat continues
• Oven won't respond to any button presses to stop it
• Temperature keeps climbing beyond the set point

Likely causes

• CommonStuck relay on the control boardA relay that fails in the closed position keeps sending power to the heating element regardless of commands.
• PossibleFailed door lock switch interfering with normal shutoff logic (self-clean models)A malfunctioning safety switch can sometimes interfere with normal cycle-ending behavior.
• PossibleControl board software faultA more general glitch can prevent the board from properly executing a stop command.
• Less commonWiring fault bypassing the control board's shutoff signalA direct short is less common but more serious than a relay failure.

What to do

1. If the oven won't respond to the off or cancel button and continues heating, shut off power immediately at the breaker.
2. Do not leave an oven that won't turn off unattended, even briefly.
3. Once powered down, do not attempt to use the oven again until it's been repaired.
4. Avoid repeatedly flipping the breaker on and off to test it, since this doesn't fix a stuck relay and risks a hazard each time.
5. Note exactly what happened (heat continuing, no response to buttons) to relay to a technician.
6. Have an appliance technician diagnose and replace the stuck relay or control board.
7. Do not attempt to open or repair the control board yourself, since this involves high-voltage components.

Tools and parts

When to call a pro

This always requires a professional to diagnose and replace the stuck relay or control board; never attempt to bypass or force a shutoff yourself.

Safety