Whirlpool RF396PXYW2 - 16yrs.

Somewhat recently we started noticing that it would take longer to cook meals in the oven.

Preheating the oven to 350 and using a new separate oven thermometer, we found that when the oven signaled it was up to 350, the separate thermometer said it was 215. If we waited long enough, approx 45 min, the oven would eventually get to 350. (+/- 15 as outlined in the manual)

I replaced the bake element and while this element does glow consistently hotter the oven still signals preheating is up to 350 and the separate thermometer says 215.

After reading some other posts, I am thinking of replacing the Oven temperature sensor. I did disconnect and reconnect the existing temperature sensor to make sure of the connection, but no change.

Alternatively I could adjust the electric oven temp gauge but I am thinking that will just mask the issue and would not completely solve it.

Any other suggestions?

Thanks

Thank you Denman.

I set the oven for 350 broil. Once the oven signaled that it was at 350 ('heat' was no longer illuminated) I checked the separate oven thermometer. It was 215. After it turned off a second time - at presumably 350 (it turned back on after I closed the oven door), it went off again this time at around 225. I left broil 350 on for about 30 minutes and the oven was upto 305 on the separate thermometer. As a test I turned off the oven, waiting about 30 seconds and turned on bake at 350. The oven immediately beeped that it was at 350 already. I let it cool some and then set to bake 350 again. After a few minutes it beeped that it was at 350, yet the separate oven thermometer read 270.

During the tests, when broil, only the top 'broil' element glowed. When bake, only the lower 'bake' element glowed.

I will test the temp sensor with a multi-meter tomorrow when I have help pulling the stove out. I read the site notes regarding taking ohm readings. I am assuming the probes will need to be placed on the 2 connection points after disconnecting the quick release.