Defective Oven Microcomputer aka Control Board?

Hello all, I have a KitchenAid double oven whose internal temperature for both the upper and lower ovens do not match up with what is displayed on the control panel. When the oven display says it is at 350, my oven thermometer says 250. It will eventually reach 350, but about 15 minutes after the oven thinks it is at the correct temperature, and it doesn’t do a good job maintaining the temperature. I have read that it is common for ovens to be slightly off since it takes a while for the entire oven to reach a constant temperature, but when trying the same test on my neighbor’s oven (a similar model), it is much closer once the oven says that it’s ready (only a 25 degree difference, and it only takes a couple of minutes to catch up). I know I am not imagining the problem because things are take almost twice as long to cook than they used to.

I have done some research regarding this problem, and from what I’ve read, the microcomputer (part #4448871) seems to be the defective part. I’m not certain though, as most people who discussed this problem referred to the defective part as a "control board". On the parts list I have, there’s a control panel, and a microcomputer. I am assuming the control panel doesn’t maintain the temperature, and that the control board is my case is the microcomputer.

Anyone have any ideas if I’m on the right track? Is there something else I can try before replacing this part?

That could be caused by an out of calibration oven temperature sensor (see the following link) or a problem in the electronic control itself.

LINK > http://www.appliance411.com/links/jump.cgi?ID=918

LINK > http://www.appliance411.com/data.php?ap=AP3008972

The "control panel" is the decorative face of the control console. The "microcomputer" would be the electronic control board that does the actual work, yes.

LINK > http://www.appliance411.com/data.php?ap=4448871

JFYI

Dan O.
http://www.appliance411.com/parts/?ref411=KitchenAid+Oven*The Appliance Information Site*
=D~~~~~~

I’m leaning towards the microcomputer since both the top and bottom ovens have the same problem. However, since I can test the oven temperature sensors, I’ll try that first before ordering any parts. I’m assuming there’s no way an amateur can test the microcomputer part. Thanks Dan O!

Good idea.

I doubt there is any way for an appliance technician to test it for your stated symptoms. Most often such controls are just assumed to be defective if everything that can be tested for the problem appears to be Ok. Aren’t electronic controls in appliances wonderful? :rolleyes:

JMO

Dan O.
http://www.appliance411.com/parts/?ref411=KitchenAid+Oven*The Appliance Information Site*
=D~~~~~~