Jenn-Air self cleaning oven problem

[ralphthedog]

My Jenn-Air range, model #2023781, ser # 883383BQ, will no longer self clean. I followed the instruction in the manual to set up the self cleaning. It says the following:

Turn selector and temperature knob to clean.
Closed and locked the oven door.
Hit enter for start and stop times.

The fan turns on with the selector knob, but the clean lite no longer turns on and the oven does not heat up.  I looked at the micro switches for the latch and they are making and braking. I used an ohm meter to verify that I could read through the switches.  The latch solenoid makes but then drops out once the door is locked...not sure if this should happen?

What else can I check?

Ed

[apptech]

The latch solenoid makes but then drops out once the door is locked...not sure if this should happen?

So the door does lock then or does it lock and then unlock?

[ralphthedog]

When I move the lock lever to about 3/4 locked position I see the solenoid close, as I continued to move the lock lever fully to the right the solenoid drops back out. (seems like it should stay engaged)  I am able to open and close the lock lever after I enter the start and stop times on the clock. 

[apptech]

Yes, it should stay engaged.

I can not find any info on that model number. How old is it?

I have seen these door locks get bent out of shape from people trying to unlock the door before the oven has cooled down and the lock release.

Take a look at the end of the lock lever to see if it got bent or twisted.

[ralphthedog]

The range was purchase on 9/15/90 at Sears.  I'll check the latch for damage, thank you for your help.  Ed

[AJ]

Being a sears model number there maybe three digits in front of the 2023781 that you listed for a model number.

Something like ***.2023781
Please take another look at the model/serial number tag on the oven to see if there are some other digits.

Thanks,
 AJ

[ralphthedog]

Dear AJ: I checked the serial number and it does not have anything in front of the 2023781 number. The model number is on a Jenn-Air sticker, but the stove may be made special for Sears.

I also checked the latch I didn't see any damage or anything bent.  I found the microswitch that engages the solenoid. The micro switch has a roller bearing on it. When the door lock lever is moved to the right, a cam on the door lock lever rides on this roller bearing causing the micro switch to close, and this picks the solenoid.  When the door lock lever is moved complete to the right the cam allows the microswitch to open and that is when the start time appears on the clock.  So I think the solenoid has to drop out for the start and stop time to appear on the clock for the cleaning cycle.   Ed