Why is My Oven Light Blinking? [Quick Guide to 6 Causes & Fixes]

Imagine you're in the kitchen, whipping up a delicious meal, and suddenly you notice your oven light blinking.

It's not something you come across daily, and it can be pretty concerning.

Oven lights can blink for various reasons, such as sensor failure or a faulty door latch.

As you read this article, you'll discover 6 possible causes for your oven light blinking and helpful tips for addressing each issue.

So keep reading, and soon you'll have your oven light working correctly in no time!

Is it Normal for My Oven Light to be Blinking?

The short answer is no. A properly functioning oven light should remain steadily illuminated when the oven is on or when you open the door.

However, there are several reasons why an oven light might blink or flicker unexpectedly.

In the section below, let's explore some of these common causes and their solutions.

Why is My Oven Light Blinking [Reasons + Fixes]

Door is Not Closed Properly

When the oven door is not closed correctly, it can cause the oven light to blink.

The issue can happen if you do not push down securely into place or if there is damage to the door hinge or latch.

How to Fix

To fix this issue, you can follow these steps:

1. Turn off the oven and unplug it from the electrical outlet for safety.
2. Open the oven door. Inspect the hinge and latch for any visible damage or wear.
3. If you notice any damage, flip the door hinge locks forward with a flat-blade screwdriver.
4. Next, detach the oven door and carefully remove the top and bottom screws.
5. After removing the oven door, you will now have to lift off the inner door, which keeps the hinges secure. Carefully unscrew it from each side.
6. You can now remove the old hinges and install the new ones.
7. Set the new hinges in the inner door. Then, set the inner door to the outer one.
8. Return the screws at the top and bottom of the outer door.
9. Finally, lift your oven door and insert the hinges properly into the slots on the side of the oven.

You might also like: Should You Leave The Oven Door Open After Baking?

Faulty Door Gasket

Another reason is due to a faulty door gasket that needs replacement.

The door gasket creates a tight seal when the door is closed, preventing heat from escaping.

Heat leaks when the gasket is damaged or worn out, causing the oven light to blink.

How to Fix

Here are the steps to fix the issue.

1. Again, turn off the oven and unplug it from the electrical outlet for safety.
2. Open the oven door and locate the door gasket around the perimeter of the oven opening.
3. Carefully detach the old gasket by removing the metal clips from the sides of the oven. Use pliers if you find some stuck metal clips.
4. Clean the area around the oven opening to remove any debris or residue left by the old gasket.
5. Install the new gasket by securing them with clips into place around the perimeter of the oven opening.
6. Close the oven door properly, ensuring that the gasket is in place.

Issues With the Door Switch

The door switch activates the light when you open the oven door and turns it off when you close the door.

If the door switch malfunctions, the light might blink irregularly.

How to Fix

Follow the steps below to fix your oven gasket.

1. Turn off the circuit breaker for safety.
2. Remove the screws in the back of the oven using a Philips screwdriver.
3. Next, lift the oven panel and set it aside.
4. Locate the door switch on the right side of the oven door latch assembly, and disconnect the wire harness connected to it.
5. Use a multimeter to check the switch's continuity. If there's none, it's time to replace the door switch.
6. Take screws that secure the door switch to the latch assembly to remove it safely.
7. Install the new oven door switch onto the door latch assembly using screws. Reconnect the wire harness to the switch.
8. Put back the oven's back panel and secure it with screws.
9. Plug in the power cord or switch on the circuit breaker. Finally, return the oven to its original position.

Blocked Ventilation And Faulty Cooling Fans

Proper oven ventilation is essential to keep temperatures consistent and prevent overheating.

If the vent has a block or the cooling fans malfunction, the oven light may blink as a warning.

How to Fix

Here's a step-by-step guide to fix the issue:

To clean the vents:

1. Before cleaning the oven, unplug it first.
2. Check the vents for obstructions and clean them if necessary.
3. Use a soft cloth or vacuum to clean the vents of any dust or buildup.

To replace the cooling fan:

1. Unplug the oven and remove the screws holding the cooling fan in place.
2. Next, disconnect the electrical connections to remove the old fan.
3. Finally, install the new fan and connect the electrical connections before replacing the screws.

Sensor/Thermistor Failure

The thermistor is a thin metal piece that conducts heat and measures the oven temperature.

When the oven heats up the sensor, a temperature reading is provided by measuring the change in resistance of the thermistor.

Ovens that blink on and off due to faulty thermistors are some of the most common issues that homeowners encounter.

How to Fix

You can replace a faulty temperature sensor using a screwdriver and a small Phillips head to fix this issue. Here's how to do it:

1. Unplug the oven.
2. Remove the screws holding the old sensor in place.
3. Once the connections have been loosened, detach the capillary tube located at the back of the oven.
4. Make sure to disconnect all electrical connections by removing any remaining screws securing the sensor on the back end.
5. Install the new sensor.

Heating Element Failure

Heating elements are used to cook food in ovens; if something is too close to the heating elements, it can burn out.

The temperature sensor or thermostat might malfunction if your baking temperature isn't working well.

Moreover, your oven's heating elements can become damaged or bent, causing it to overheat. Oven wiring issues can also lead to underpowered heating elements.

How to Fix

You can easily fix the issue by replacing the heating element if it's defective or malfunctioning. Here's how to do it:

1. Unplug the oven.
2. Remove the screws that hold the old heating element in place.
3. Disconnect the electrical connections to remove the defective heating element.
4. Install the new heating element. 

Continue reading: Why Is My Oven Smoking While Preheating? [& How to Fix It?]

How Long Should it Take an Oven to Light?

Generally, it should take 30-45 seconds for a gas oven to ignite, while an electric oven should preheat within 15 to 20 minutes.

Gas ovens rely on an ignition system to light the natural gas or propane fuel, creating a flame that heats the oven.

If you have a gas oven, it's normal for the ignitor to take a few seconds to light the gas.

However, if it takes longer than a minute, there could be a problem with the ignitor or gas supply.

On the other hand, electric ovens use heating elements to warm the oven.

You can help speed up the preheating process by keeping the oven door closed and minimizing the number of times you open it while cooking.

Related Article: Do Ovens Turn Off Automatically After Timer Ends?

Wrapping Up

There you have it—6 common causes for your oven light blinking and how to fix them.

With these tips, you can tackle that blinking oven light and restore your appliance to working flawlessly. Happy fixing!