Kitchen Gas Appliances - Oven Latch Stuck

HI. The latch on my Kenmore Gas Range 790.77471790 is stuck and will not move. I cannot close the oven door. The latch oddly appeared while I had the oven door open to check on dinner. I do not know what caused it to malfunction.

Normally, the only time the oven will latch is when the it is on Self-Clean and automatically latches itself. I know of no way to manually turn it on to lock the door.

Any suggestions on what happened and how to close the latch??

I guess we'll be microwaving for awhile

Thanks-:confused:

Hello Kristin and Welcome to the Do It Yourself Web Site and my Gas Appliances forum.

In order to manually release the locking device, you will most likely have to remove the front glass panel. In doing so the locking device can be manually released.

Some part is holding the locking device outwards. Once you determine how or what part is holding it, determine how it gets held in place and what caused it to become released.

You must turn off the electrical power or unplug the appliance first. Than proceed to remove the panel and other parts to access the locking mechanism. Use caution to not damage or break the glass front. All knobs have to be removed.

On some models it is possible to release the lock device without removing any panels, etc. Often times it can be done using a thin bladed knife or screwdriver. the trick is to know what is holding the latch outwards and where to release it.

Look for clues. Shine a bright light into the slot opening. Look behind the latching device. Attempt to activate the latch manually and watch it's actions for clues.

Thank you! We managed to unlock it and appreciate your help.

Kristin