How to Check the Limit Switch on a Kenmore Wall Oven

Accessing the Switch

• Before testing any electrical appliance, switch off the circuit breaker to prevent injury. Because the Kenmore wall oven is built in, you'll typically need to turn off power at the breaker. The front bottom plate on this appliance comes off when you remove the screws on the left and right sides. Pull downward on the panel by the sides to take it off and expose the oven wiring.

Locating the Limit Switch

• The wiring inside the Kenmore extends from the heating element terminals downward to the round limit switch. Two pairs of wires connect to the switch. One pair runs to the broiler element and the other pair connects to the baking element at the bottom of the oven.

Checking the Switch

• Pull off each pair of wires, one pair at a time, by gripping the Y-shaped clip on the end of each wire. If necessary, write down which wire connects to which contact on the switch as a reference for reconnecting them later. To check the switch, dial the multimeter to the resistance setting, which is usually labeled Rx1, and press the probes on the multimeter against the two bare contacts on the switch. A zero reading means the switch is open, or disconnected, and is defective.

Removing the Old Switch

• Defective limit switches cannot be repaired, only replaced. To ensure you buy the correct part, remove the screws holding the switch to the mounting plate inside the Kenmore. Take the part with you to an appliance parts store or a repair shop.