Viking ovens are a popular choice among homeowners, thanks to their exceptional performance and ease of use. Although quite durable, they are also plagued by several problems, just like any other electrical appliance.
We have been filtering users’ feedback to isolate the common problems that users have faced. If you are to buy a Viking oven, it is important to familiarize yourself with those issues so you’d know how to deal with them.
So, in this troubleshooting guide, we will take you through common problems associated with Viking ovens, along with their simple fixes. Consider trying the solutions mentioned in this article before contacting customer care service. Let’s delve deeper without any further ado!
Viking Oven Problems
Here are a few problems that you will likely come across while using a Viking oven.
- Igniter Keeps Clicking
Many users have reported that the igniter of the Viking ovens keeps clicking sometimes. Regardless of the loudness, this clicking sound is pretty annoying. Without an iota of doubt, the igniter is one of the most important components of your oven.
It is responsible for sparking the gas, thus helping your oven to generate the heat it requires to perform its function. If there is some problem with the igniter, it must be resolved to ensure a smooth performance of the Viking oven. There could be several reasons for the clicking sound problem.
Start by inspecting the igniter for debris. Food particles or debris can get stuck inside the igniter, often leading to this problem. No matter how hard you try, you can’t keep the food crumbs from getting stuck in the igniter system.
And when they do, the igniter may start making the clicking sound. In addition to the clicking sound, the heating performance of your Viking oven will also take a hit. Therefore, you must keep the igniter clean, even if the clicking sound is not bothersome.
- Cleaning the Igniter
Cleaning the igniter is a pretty simple process and can be done at home without any professional assistance. First, disconnect the power to ensure your safety. Then, take out the igniter and see if it needs cleaning.
If you are doing it for the first time and are unsure of its location, it would be a good idea to read the operator manual of your Viking oven. This manual acts as a guide and provides information about all the components.
If the igniter appears dirty, remove the food residue with a pin or toothbrush. Once done, put everything back together and turn on your Viking oven to see whether it has fixed the issue or not. If it hasn’t, check to see if there is moisture around the igniter.
- Moisture
Excessive moisture is another major reason for the clicking noise problem. This is because moisture can cause the igniter and other components to corrode, and when the components corrode, they will likely make weird noises while working.
If that’s the case, remove the igniter and use a dry cloth to absorb the moisture. It is recommended to keep the components in a well-ventilated area to dry them quickly. Moreover, be careful while cleaning your Viking oven.
Oftentimes, users clean the oven with a soaking-wet cloth, which allows water to find its way to the igniter. So, clean the area with a slightly damp cloth to avoid this problem.
- Damaged Components
Furthermore, if the ignition switch of your Viking oven has worn out, the ignition may make a clicking noise. So, take a look at the ignition switch and make sure it is in good working condition. If it’s not, get it replaced to fix this problem.
However, if the problem is not with the ignition switch, a damaged ignition bar could be the problem. So, check the ignition bar for any signs of damage and replace it if it is damaged or worn out.
On the other hand, if the igniter of your Viking oven is severely damaged or corroded, replacing it is your best bet. The igniter is among the most commonly-replaced components.
So, it is readily available all over the world. Go to your nearby electrical store and get a replacement. If you do not have enough knowledge, consider hiring an electrician for this purpose. They have the essential tools and will surely install a new igniter correctly.
- Oven Not Working
Although the Viking oven works fine most of the time, it is seen that the unit does not turn on sometimes. An oven that seems to not turn on could be suffering from numerous failures.
- Damaged Power Cord
Begin by making sure that the power cord is properly plugged in. If it is, examine the power cord for obvious signs of damage.
The power cord supplies power to your Viking oven, so it won’t power up if the power cord is damaged or frayed. If so, replacing the power cord will likely bring your oven back to life.
- Faulty Power Outlet
If the power cord is intact, the power outlet could be the culprit. So, check the power outlet and make sure it is working fine. You can use a voltage tester to check the power outlet, or if you have a multimeter at home, it can also be used for this purpose.
Before testing the outlet with a multimeter, make sure to set it to voltage. Then, insert its leads into the socket. The display of your multimeter will give a reading when you connect the leads. Note this reading and compare it with the recommended reading.
Lastly, make sure that the circuit breaker is not tripped. Circuit breakers trip when they detect some problem in the circuit to protect the wiring from overheating. If the circuit breaker has tripped, reset it, and your Viking oven will start working.
However, if the circuit breaker wasn’t tripped, the problem could be a bit deeper. So, it would be better to bring in an electrician. An oven is a complicated appliance, and repairing it on your own can cause additional damage. A professional will inspect all the components and identify the culprit.
- Oven Not Heating Properly
If your Viking oven is not reaching high temperatures, the temperature sensor could be at fault. An ohmmeter can be used to test the temperature sensor. If the sensor is defective, consider replacing it. And yes, make sure that the temperature sensor is not in contact with the wall in your oven.
The Bottom Line
Viking ovens are known for their incredible performance and ultimate durability. However, they can also develop problems over time.
If you hear a clicking sound emanating from the unit, clean the igniter. If the oven has stopped working, be sure that the power cord and wall outlet are working fine.