Chance'um Appliance Repair

When we bought our house 4 years ago, the oven/range was already installed. This was the first oven I've ever owned that is computer controlled. And quite frankly, I don't use any of the fancy features. I just want to turn it on, set the temperature, and put my roast or cake or whatever in. I don't need any fancy 350 for 15 minutes then 400 for 30 minutes.

Lately, the "on" button on the touchpad hasn't been working. I've tried repairing appliances before. In our old townhouse, I used to change the thermostat on the water heater all the time, and I once changed out a lot of parts on my dryer (though nothing worked so I ended up buying a new one).

But with my oven, I was a little hesitant to try it. I have this friend at work, Neal, who always fixes his own appliances, installs his own flooring, etc. Basically he tries anything and everything. With Neal as inspiration, I set out today to attempt to fix my stove. What's the worse that could happen? I mean, other than electrocution, sheet metal finger cuts, or faulty wiring fires?

After both cutting the power at the junction box AND unplugging the oven, here's the disassembly:


After a quick trip to Reliable Parts in Waipio Gentry, I had a new control pad (and my wallet was $220 lighter to boot!).

Here's the old touchpad on the top of the stove, with the new one already installed below it. The design changed pretty significantly so I had to buy the entire front panel as well as the control panel. I'm guessing the redesign was due in part to reports of failure due to faulty design.


Here's what the touchpad looks like on the back. Notice the traces all leading to the ribbon, which plugs into the computer.


Finally, look at the third trace from the left - that's the one that leads to the "on" button - notice how it's broken - a ha!!


After plugging back in, it works!! Yipee!! Now I can try out my new pizza stone!!