The functionality of modern appliances — including kitchen essentials like ovens — improves every year. But for every new feature that your appliance has, several new problems can arise. So don’t be surprised if you run into some challenges with the display on your oven.

If your oven display isn’t working, it may be due to a power outage, water damage, a problem with the oven’s thermostat, or a software issue. It’s also possible that a child lock is activated or that a button on the display is jammed. If you can’t diagnose the issue, contact an electrician.

Because there are a handful of potential issues with oven displays, you may need to try a few different fixes before you get it right. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common problems and ways to address them.

7 Reasons Why Your Oven Display Isn’t Showing and How to Fix It

Modern oven displays are complex devices, and that means that an issue could arise in a handful of places. My oven display is touchscreen meaning without the display, the oven doesn’t work, so I know how annoying this problem can be!

That’s why I’ve tried to offer many solutions to an oven display that isn’t working:

1. Blown Fuse or Tripped Circuit Breaker

To check for a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker, you can follow these steps:

1. Locate the main electrical panel for your home. Usually, it’s in the garage, basement, or utility room.
2. Look for tripped breakers that appear in the off position or have a red switch. If you find a tripped breaker, switch it to the on position.
3. Check to see if the oven display is working now.
4. If the display still isn’t working, look for any blown fuses in the electrical panel. A blown fuse will have a broken wire or a visible gap in the metal filament.
5. If you find a blown fuse, you’ll need to replace it with a new one of the same rating.

If you’re unfamiliar with electrical work of this sort, it’s best to call a professional electrician to check the circuit and fuses — and to replace any necessary parts.

2. Power Outage or Electrical Issue

To check for a power outage or electrical issue that may be affecting your oven’s display, you can do the following:

1. Check your home’s main electrical panel to ensure that the circuit breaker for your oven has not tripped. If it has, switch it back to the “on” position.
2. Check other appliances in your home that may be connected to the same circuit as your oven, such as lights or outlets, to see if they’re also experiencing issues.
3. If other appliances won’t turn on, the issue is likely with the main electrical supply to your home rather than the oven specifically.
4. Check if there’s a power outage in your area by contacting your local utility company or checking their website or social media page. If you’ve determined that there is indeed a power outage, you’ll need to wait until power is restored to your home before your oven display will begin working again.

I wrote another article on how to fix your oven after a power outage.

If the issue isn’t with the main power supply, it could be a problem with your home’s electrical wiring or circuits. In this case, it’s best to contact a licensed electrician to diagnose and fix the problem.

3. Malfunctioning Control Panel or Display

To check for a malfunctioning control panel or display on your oven, you can follow these steps:

1. Confirm that the oven is properly plugged in and that the outlet has power.
2. Carefully check the control panel buttons to make sure they’re not stuck or jammed.
3. Check the oven’s manual to see if there is a troubleshooting section for the display or control panel. The manual might have a solution for a specific error message or issue.
4. Try resetting the oven by unplugging it for a few minutes and then plugging it back in. That can sometimes resolve software or firmware issues.
5. If the oven has a digital display, check if the contrast settings are too low or too high.
6. If the oven has a touchscreen display, check if the touchscreen is dirty or if you need to remove a protective film.

If none of the above steps resolves the issue, the control panel or display may need replacement. If that’s the case, it’s best to contact the manufacturer or a professional technician for further assistance.

4. Problem With the Oven’s Thermostat or Sensor

To check for a problem with the oven’s thermostat or sensor, you can follow these steps:

1. Check the oven’s manual to see if there’s a troubleshooting section for the thermostat or sensor. The manual might have a solution for a specific error message or issue.
2. Confirm that the oven is properly plugged in and that the outlet has power.
3. The thermostat or sensor may malfunction if the oven’s temperature is inaccurate. Check if the oven’s temperature is accurate. You can do this by using an oven thermometer (on Amazon) or checking the temperature of the food you’re cooking.
4. Inspect the oven’s thermostat or sensor for any visible damage, such as cracks, loose wires, or corrosion.
5. If there’s no visible damage, the issue is with the oven’s control board. It needs to be checked by a professional technician.

5. Software or Firmware Issues With the Oven’s Electronic Controls

To check for a software or firmware issue with the oven’s electronic controls, you can follow these steps:

1. Check the oven’s manual to see if there’s a troubleshooting section for software or firmware issues. The manual might have a solution for a specific error message or issue.
2. Confirm that the oven is properly plugged in and that the outlet has power.
3. Try resetting the oven by unplugging it for a few minutes and then plugging it back in. It can sometimes resolve software or firmware issues.
4. Check if the oven’s control board has a firmware update available and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
5. Check if the oven’s control board has a built-in diagnostic test and run it as per the instructions in the manual.

It’s best to contact the manufacturer or a professional technician for further assistance. Some manufacturers offer online support and troubleshooting guides that can help you diagnose and fix software or firmware issues.

6. The Panel Is Locked (Child Lock)

To check if the oven’s control panel is locked, you can follow these steps:

1. Refer to the oven’s manual to see if there is a section on how to lock or unlock the control panel. The manual might have a solution for a specific error message or issue.
2. Check for any button or switch on the control panel that may have been accidentally pressed and locked the control panel.
3. Check if a lock icon or message is displayed on the control panel or digital display.
4. Try to use the control panel buttons or touch screen. If the control panel is locked, the buttons or touch screen won’t respond.
5. If you’ve determined that the control panel is locked, refer to the manual or the manufacturer’s website to see how to unlock it. Some ovens have a specific button or sequence that you must press to unlock the control panel.

If you can’t unlock the control panel, contact the manufacturer or a professional technician for further assistance.

7. The Panel Has Water Damage

To check if the oven’s control panel has water damage, you can follow these steps:

1. Look for any visible signs of water damage, such as water stains, discoloration, or rust on the control panel.
2. Check for any visible signs of leakage or water damage around the oven, such as a water puddle or wetness on the floor.
3. Check if any unusual odors are coming from the oven, which could indicate a water leak or damage.
4. Inspect the control panel’s buttons, switches, and connections for any signs of corrosion or damage.
5. Check the oven’s manual to see if there is a troubleshooting section for water damage. The manual might have a solution for a specific error message or issue.

If you suspect water damage, it’s best to contact the manufacturer or a professional technician for further assistance. Water damage can cause electrical problems, and a professional must inspect and repair it to ensure the safety of the oven and its users.

Other Oven Articles You Might Be Interested In

Double Ovens: Why The Bottom Oven Isn’t Working But Top Is

Why Your Oven Light Won’t Turn On

Oven Door Hinge Stuck? Easy Fix