How to Replace Your GE Oven’s Thermostat for More Even Cooking

Without a functioning thermostat, your oven won’t be able to heat evenly. Depending on the damage, the appliance’s fan might not turn on or off. If you want to replace the part yourself, order a replacement part #WBK20K10004 for GE model ovens and follow this procedure:

Every appliance repair should start with you unplugging the appliance. Because this repair involves directly manipulating electrical parts, you need to make sure the power is entirely disconnected before getting started.

Locate the thermostat knob on the front access panel. Pull the knob covering free from the shaft. Then pull the oven away from the wall. Unscrew the main rear access panel and set it aside.

Locate the boxy exterior of the thermostat assembly. It usually has an ‘X’ shape on the back. Next, uninstall the mounting screws on the front access panel that were concealed under the thermostat knob. Then remove the wires attached to the part. Because there are a lot of different wires, take a picture of the orientations before you remove any. This will give you an easy guide when you install the new part.

The thermostat includes a temperature sensing bulb that runs down the back of the appliance and into the oven itself. Release it from the retaining clips at the rear of the oven interior and thread it up to the back of the appliance. Set the whole thermostat aside.

Unlike most installation procedures, don’t reassemble the oven in backward order. First, secure the box of the thermostat assembly to the back of the oven by tightening the front-facing screws under the knob. Once the part is tightly in place, attach the wires. Use your picture as a guide to ensure everything is connected correctly.

Next, thread the sensing bulb down through the back of the oven and into the interior. Clip it to the rear wall under the element.

Slide the rear panel into position and make sure the bottom clips are in place. Then replace the screws along the panel’s edge. Move to the front of the appliance and push the knob back into position.

For more appliance repairs and tips, go to Jerry’s Appliance Repair here.