Please!!!! I need help!!! Basically, I forced the oven latch to the right and now it won't return all the way to the left. I tried everything I could think of and if the latch assembly wasn't broken before, it is now. I just want to release the latch to open the door--- BEFORE MY HUSBAND GETS HOME AND HAS A FIT!!!!! It's a GE JBP26GK Electric

Hi gabohr,

Try moving the lever back to the right as far as it will go. Find something to wedge between the lever and the opening on the left side to keep it from moving, then bend it back to the left.

Rick

__________________
SERVICE TECHNICIAN: BEEHIVE APPLIANCE....... 1985-1988
SERVICE TECHNICIAN: HANSEN REFRIGERATION. 1988-1998
OWNER/SERV TECH: RICK'S APPLIANCE REPAIR...1998-2001
SERVICE MANAGER:Used Appliance store..... 2004-PRESENT
ONLINE SERV TECH: ApplianceBlog.com ApplianceJunk.com
LINCOLN TECHNICAL INSTITUTE:..................... 1977-1979
CERTIFIED TYPE 1; TYPE 2.....REFRIGERATION SERVICE E.S.

Hi Rick,
I tried your suggestion... I put a wedge between the lever and the opening on the left side to keep it from moving, then bent it back to the left. Unfortunately, it didn't work. I think I must have completely destroyed the assembly. Is it possible to open up the stove top to access it??

Hi gabohr,

You're not going to like this, there are two screws, one on each side of the latch lever. Take them out first. Take the back off of the range and you'll see a solenoid attached to a double set of rails that extend forward to the latch assembly. The solenoid, rails, and latch assy come out the back as a unit. Be sure to mark your wires so you put them back in the right place.

Rick

__________________
SERVICE TECHNICIAN: BEEHIVE APPLIANCE....... 1985-1988
SERVICE TECHNICIAN: HANSEN REFRIGERATION. 1988-1998
OWNER/SERV TECH: RICK'S APPLIANCE REPAIR...1998-2001
SERVICE MANAGER:Used Appliance store..... 2004-PRESENT
ONLINE SERV TECH: ApplianceBlog.com ApplianceJunk.com
LINCOLN TECHNICAL INSTITUTE:..................... 1977-1979
CERTIFIED TYPE 1; TYPE 2.....REFRIGERATION SERVICE E.S.

Ok...Rick,
I can do this. I do have a question though. I hope this doesn't sound too stupid... but how do I get to the two screws on either side of the latch lever if the oven door is locked and in front of them?? I do remember seeing screws there when the door was open and I was cleaning up a bit.