The temperature sensor in an oven plays a very important role in making sure the oven heats to the correct temperature. The sensor monitors the air temperature inside the oven range and is electrically wired to a control board. The control board reads the oven temperature sensor to determine if it should switch on and off the oven’s heating elements. So how can we tell if the temperature sensor of the range is faulty and requires replacement? There are specific symptoms that we can observe with the oven to indicate if the problem lies with the sensor. 
How the sensor works with the thermostat
Range ovens have a thermostat and it is easy to understand how it works. The thermostat is just an on and off switch which controls the ovens heating elements. This works together with the temperature sensor so that the heating elements in the oven can be controlled to reach correct temperatures, the same as indicated on the dial. The sensor looks like a long narrow tube and can be found on the backside of the oven appliance towards the top.
The sensor has to indicate that the right temperature has been reached for the thermostat to shut off the heating elements. When you suspect that the thermostat is shutting off the oven at the incorrect temperature, then it may need to be recalibrated. You can do this by preheating the oven and then using a thermometer to test. If you get a difference of more than 10 degrees Celsius, then what you may need to do is to replace the temperature sensor.
Signs indicating the oven temperature sensor is not working properly and what to do
When the oven is not heating to reach the same temperature as indicated on the oven dial, then it means there’s a problem with the way the sensor is working. The way you will notice this is with the food taking longer to cook or if the food will still be undercooked after the normal time has completed. Sometimes it could be that the sensor is touching the oven wall and therefore it is not able to read the correct internal temperature in the oven. What is needed in that case is just the repositioning of the sensor. In ovens, sensors work as resistance temperature detectors or thermistors. The resistance on the sensor, depending on its type, either increases or decreases with the increase in temperature. Positive temperature coefficient thermistors increase their resistance with an increase in temperature while negative temperature coefficient thermistors decrease their resistance. The control reads the change in resistance on the thermistor to close or open electrical relays for switching on and off power to the oven’s heating elements.
An ohmmeter is used to test if the sensor is functioning correctly. When food is not cooking evenly with some parts overcooked and others still raw, it may be due to wear and tear of the thermistor. In that case you will need to replace the sensor. With the help of a professional appliance repair technician, you can easily get your oven tested for any problems with a temperature sensor that may need replacement.
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