Which oven settings use the fan?
Fan and fan-assisted settings use the fan at the back of the oven. Conventional top and bottom heat, grill and some defrost settings work differently, and on some models the fan does not run on those. Check the symbols on your oven before assuming the fan has failed.
Common causes
These are the usual causes, starting with the ones you can check yourself.
At a glance
| Cause | Who fixes it |
|---|---|
| The setting does not use the fan | You can check this |
| The fan blade is loose or blocked | You can check this |
| The fan motor has failed | Technician |
| The fan element has failed | Technician |
| The selector switch or control board has failed | Technician |
- 1
The setting does not use the fan
You can check thisChoose a fan or fan-assisted setting and check whether the fan starts. Compare with the manual for your oven.
- 2
The fan blade is loose or blocked
You can check thisA blade that has come loose on its shaft, or a tray or foil touching the fan cover, stops the fan or makes it scrape.
- 3
The fan motor has failed
TechnicianFan motors wear out with heat and age. A fan that grinds, squeals or turns slowly before stopping usually has worn motor bearings.
- 4
The fan element has failed
TechnicianIf the fan turns but the oven does not heat on fan settings, the element around the fan has probably failed. See our guide on an oven not heating up.
- 5
The selector switch or control board has failed
TechnicianIf the motor is fine but gets no power, the selector switch, wiring or control board is at fault.
What you can safely check yourself
- Check the settingSelect a fan setting and look through the door to see if the fan turns.
- Check the fan coverWith the oven off and cool, make sure no tray, foil or rack is touching the fan cover at the back.
- ListenA hum with no movement, grinding or squealing points to the motor.
- Check the powerIf the light, display and fan all stopped together, check the isolator switch and the circuit breaker.
When to stop and call a technician
The oven trips the power, there is a burning smell, the fan grinds or squeals, or you would need to remove the back panel or the oven from its cabinet. Ovens use high current and the wiring is behind the panels.
Still having trouble with your oven?
Our technician comes to your home, usually the same day. The R450 call-out falls away if you go ahead, and you get a fixed price in writing before any work starts.
How a technician diagnoses it
- Setting and power checkThe technician checks which settings should run the fan and whether the motor gets power.
- Motor testThe fan motor and blade are tested and checked for worn bearings.
- Element and switch testThe fan element, selector switch and control board are tested.
- Fixed priceYou get a fixed price in writing before any part is replaced.
Is it worth repairing?
Usually worth repairing when
- The fan motor or element has failed
- It is a built-in oven
- The oven door and seal are in good condition
Consider replacing when
- The control board and motor have both failed on an older oven
- The oven cavity is rusted
- Parts are no longer made for the model