[Burner27]

I just moved into a house that has a Whirlpool Gold Super Capacity 465 electric range. I was baking and I noticed that things took a lot longer than they should at the temperature I set the oven at. I bought a 'dial type' oven thermometer and set the oven temp to 400F. The oven thermometer register 325F - 350ish F.

Is there a way to calibrate the oven or should I replace the sensor unit inside the oven?

[denman]

Here are your parts
Replacement parts for WHIRLPOOL GR396LXGB2 | AppliancePartsPros.com

Here is the tech sheet
http://www.servicematters.com/docs/w...%208053302.pdf

The temperature can be adjusted (see the tech sheet) but only 30 degrees and since the unit used to work OK I doubt this is the way to go.

The sensor can be checked with a meter.
See the following link Items 7, 8, 20 and 21.
http://www.applianceaid.com/elecrange.html

Check that both elements work as they are both used during bake.

[Burner27]

This is the part I need?

Part Details - WHIRLPOOL Sensor, part number: AP3037062

[denman]

Yes if the sensor is the problem.

[Burner27]

I know both elements work as I can broil with it without issue (Top one) and when I bake i can see the bottom one turn on as well.

So you would not recommend changing the offset calibration for the oven then?

[denman]

You might as well try recalibrating the oven, after all you have nothing to loose.

If that does not work then the most likely culprit is the sensor.

This assumes that the elements both heat up (get red) fairly evenly along their length.
You may also want to check that the door seal is good and closing properly.
Also that the oven vent is clear.

[Burner27]

Bumped calibration from 0 to +20 and set oven temp to 425F. The thermometer I bought registers 405F. Going to try bumping the calibration to +30. If it is not within 5 degrees F of the set temp, i should replace that sensor, correct?

[denman]

i should replace that sensor, correct?
Probably.

You will notice in my first post link (Item 7) that the sensor is a positive device (resistance increases as temperature increases) so if the sensor connection is dirty or corroded resistance is added to the circuit and the oven thinks it is hotter than it actually is and therefore runs cooler.
Perhaps just disconnecting the sensor and cleaning the connections would solve your problem.

[Burner27]

Thank you for the advice. What do you recommend to use to clean the sensor?

[denman]

What do you recommend to use to clean the sensor?
Just to be clear it is the contacts/plug that should be cleaned.

Often you can use a piece of extra fine sandpaper.
I like this better than emory cloth as the grit on some emery cloths is conductive.
If not a spray electronics cleaner or isopropyl alcohol and a tooth brush.
Just be sure that all the solvent has evaporated before reconnecting.