How to Replace an Oven Light Receptacle

Narrowing Down the Problem

• If the light receptacle does not have obvious damage, you may want to rule out the switch as a potential source of the failure. An ordinary Christmas light tester can be used to ensure electricity is reaching the wires that feed into the light receptacle. Unplug the oven and unscrew the back of the unit or inner service panel to reach the wires that power the receptacle. Plug the oven back in and turn the light on. If the receptacle is to blame, electricity should reach the wires right up until they enter the receptacle. If no power reaches these wires, a faulty switch is likely to blame.

Check the Manual

• Check the user manual for the appliance. The first section you should look at is troubleshooting. See if the manual mentions any tests that can be performed, or possible causes, for an oven light receptacle that is not working. There should also be a list of parts and their corresponding manufacturer identification numbers. Look up the part number for the oven light receptacle and contact a local dealer or authorized service center to place an order for a new receptacle.

Examine the New Part

• One way to figure out how an appliance part is secured and consequently how it can be removed is to get the new part before attempting to remove the old one. You will be able to get a better look at where the screw holes are and how the unit is secured. Many light receptacles will have clips that need to be compressed before pulling the outlet free from its housing. Examining the new part will allow you to see how your particular model's light socket fits into the wall of the oven.

Remove the Old Receptacle

• Ensure the gas line is shut off, if it is a gas stove, and the unit is unplugged for safety. The light may contain a lens cover that needs to be removed before the receptacle can be accessed. Remove the lens cover and unscrew the light bulb. Remove any access panels and take note of where each part fits to aid in reassembly. When removing the wires from the back of the old receptacle, be sure to take note or label where each attaches to the socket and replicate this exactly on the new fixture. Replace the access panels, bulb and lens cover and then plug in your oven before testing your new fixture.