How to Fix Oven Not Reaching Temperature on GE JB655SKSS (Electric Range)

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In my 15 years on the bench, a GE electric range that won’t reach temperature is one of the calls I get at least two or three times a week, and the JB655SKSS is a model I’ve personally worked on dozens of times — it’s a solid range, but it has some well-known weak points that make this failure pattern very predictable. The very first thing I check on this model is the bake element, because roughly 70% of the time that’s exactly where the problem lives, and a visual inspection alone can often confirm it before you even pull a single screw. If the element looks intact, I move straight to the oven temperature sensor, which is the second most common culprit on this series and a straightforward test with a basic multimeter. If you’re comfortable following instructions carefully and working safely with the power disconnected, this is absolutely a repair you can handle at home — I’ve walked plenty of homeowners through it over the phone.

Dave Holt — Certified Appliance Repair Technician

Experience: 15+ years servicing residential & commercial appliances  •  Certifications: EPA 608 Certified, NATE-recognized technician  •  Former lead technician at a multi-state appliance service company  •  Specialties: Washers, dryers, refrigerators, dishwashers, ovens, microwaves, ice makers

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Oven not reaching temperature

This guide walks you through diagnosing and fixing an oven that won’t reach the set temperature on the GE JB655SKSS electric range. We’ll cover the most common causes, the parts most likely to blame, and clear repair steps you can follow at home. Most homeowners with basic mechanical confidence can complete this repair in 1–2 hours, saving hundreds of dollars over a professional service call.

Common Symptoms & Causes

Before diving in, confirm your situation matches one or more of these common signs of a temperature problem on the GE JB655SKSS:

  • Oven preheats very slowly or never reaches the set temperature
  • Baked foods are consistently undercooked even after extended cook times
  • Oven shuts off early or cycles off before reaching the target temperature
  • Oven display shows the correct temperature, but the interior remains noticeably cooler

The most typical root cause on this model is a failed bake element or a faulty oven temperature sensor, either of which can prevent the oven cavity from reaching or maintaining the correct heat level.

Safety First

  • Unplug the range from the wall outlet or shut off the circuit breaker before beginning any work
  • Wear insulated work gloves when handling internal components with sharp edges
  • Photograph all wiring connections before disconnecting anything so you can reassemble correctly
  • Work in a well-lit space so you can clearly see connections, scorch marks, and component conditions

Tools & Parts Needed

Essential Tools

  • Phillips-head and flat-head screwdrivers
  • 1/4-inch nut driver or socket set
  • Digital multimeter (for continuity and resistance testing)
  • Needle-nose pliers
  • Flashlight or headlamp

Replacement Parts

Step-by-Step Repair Instructions

🔨 Pro Tip from Dave

On the JB655SKSS, the oven temperature sensor probe runs along the back wall and has a connector tucked behind the rear panel that is notorious for developing a loose or corroded pin connection — before you condemn the sensor itself based on a bad resistance reading, pull that connector apart, inspect the pins, and reseat it firmly, because I’ve seen that single step bring a ‘failed’ sensor back to life and save the customer an unnecessary part purchase.

Step 1: Disconnect Power and Access the Oven Interior

Unplug the range or turn off the dedicated 240V breaker at your electrical panel. Open the oven door fully and remove the oven racks to give yourself clear access to the oven floor and back wall. Never skip this step — the bake element carries 240 volts during normal operation.

Step 2: Visually Inspect the Bake Element

Look at the bake element along the oven floor for any visible cracks, blisters, burn holes, or areas where the element appears separated. A failed element often shows a visible break or a scorched spot. If the element looks intact, move on to multimeter testing before ordering parts.

Step 3: Test the Bake Element with a Multimeter

Remove the two screws securing the bake element to the back wall and gently pull it forward to expose the two wire terminals. Disconnect the wires and set your multimeter to the Ohms (Ω) setting, then touch one probe to each terminal. A healthy bake element on this model should read between 19 and 22 ohms; an open or infinite reading confirms the element has failed and needs replacement.

Step 4: Test the Oven Temperature Sensor

The temperature sensor is located at the upper-left or upper-right rear corner of the oven cavity, secured by one or two screws. Disconnect its wiring harness and measure resistance across the sensor terminals — at room temperature (approximately 70°F), the GE WB21X5243 sensor should read close to 1,080 ohms. A reading significantly higher, lower, or open indicates the sensor is faulty and causing the control board to misread oven temperature.

Step 5: Replace the Faulty Component

Install the new bake element by sliding the terminals through the back wall, reconnecting the wires securely, and fastening the mounting screws. For the sensor, plug in the new harness connector, position the sensor probe into the oven cavity, and tighten its mounting screw. Refer to the photos you took earlier to ensure all wiring is restored correctly.

Step 6: Restore Power and Run a Test Cycle

Plug the range back in or restore the breaker, then set the oven to 350°F and allow at least 20 minutes for it to preheat fully. Use an independent oven thermometer placed in the center of the rack to verify the actual temperature matches the set point within ±25°F. If the oven still fails to reach temperature, the issue may lie with the electronic oven control board.

Step 7: Calibrate the Oven if Needed

The GE JB655SKSS allows user temperature calibration of up to ±35°F through the Settings menu — consult your owner’s manual for the exact button sequence. If your thermometer shows a consistent offset after replacing the sensor, a quick calibration adjustment will bring the oven into accurate range. This step is not a substitute for replacing a defective sensor but is useful for fine-tuning after a successful repair.

How Much Does This Repair Cost?

A replacement bake element for the GE JB655SKSS typically costs $25–$55, and a new temperature sensor runs $15–$35, bringing your total DIY parts cost to roughly $25–$90 depending on which component needs replacing. Compare that to a typical appliance service call of $150–$300 — which often doesn’t include parts — and the potential savings of $100 to $250 or more make the DIY route well worth the effort for most homeowners.

When to Call a Professional

Most of the repairs in this guide are within reach for a careful DIYer with basic tools. In my experience, if you’ve already replaced the bake element and the oven temperature sensor and the oven still won’t reach temperature — or if your multimeter is showing voltage present at the element terminals but the element won’t heat — that points to a control board or relay board fault that requires component-level diagnosis and live-voltage testing that should be handled by a certified technician. When in doubt, a diagnostic service call typically costs $80–$120 and can save you from a misdiagnosis that costs more in parts.

Where to Buy Replacement Parts

The parts listed below are available on Amazon with fast shipping. Search these links to find the correct replacements for your GE JB655SKSS: