Is the oven self cleaning and if so how does it work?

SOURCE: Self-cleaning feature of GE Built-In Oven does not work

Simply set the Clock and Delay Start to the current time, then set the Stop Time ahead 3 hours. For example, if it is currently 8:00 then set the Stop Time to 11:00. The lights on the console will come on and the cleaning cycle will begin. At some point during the cycle when the oven gets hot enough, the lock mechanism is "fixed" and will not release until the cycle is complete.

SOURCE: how to use self cleaning oven

• When using the self-cleaning feature on your oven, the temperature within the oven rises to an extremely high temperature, usually around1000 degrees. The oven will remain at this temperature for a set periodof time, often from 1 to 3 hours.

• Self-cleaning ovens differ from traditional ovens in that they require a timer to control the amount oftime that the self-cleaning feature operates. They also require extrathermostatic controls to control the extremely high temperatures.

• While the mechanisms inside aself-cleaning oven are quite complex, the concept behind aself-cleaning oven is fairly straight forward. The extremely hightemperatures incinerate dirt and debris from your oven, thus cleaningit for future use.

• Safety is very important when using yourself-cleaning feature. You must ensure that the oven door is completelyclosed while the self-cleaning cycle is running. 1000 degreetemperatures are obviously extremely dangerous. Self-cleaning ovenswill come equipped with a secure oven door latch for this reason.

• The crucial door locking system isinitially engaged to signal that you are ready to use the self-cleaningfeature. When the oven reaches a certain temperature, the door locksystem will ensure that the oven door cannot be opened until the cycleis complete and the temperature has returned to a manageable level.The result is a clean oven without the use of harsh oven cleaners orabrasives.

SOURCE: self cleaning oven won't start self clean mode

NO IN ORDER TO ENGAGE IN SELF CLEANING THE LOCK MUST FIRST ENGAGE. DOOR LOCK ASSEMBLY FAILURE

SOURCE: My oven stopped heating after using self clean.

all whirlpool ovens have a thermal fuse on the back that will break when the oven gets to hot replace it and you will be working again

SOURCE: whirlpool self cleaning oven 465 capacity model oven doesn't get

Hi,
Check out this tip that I wrote about this problem...

http://www.fixya.com/support/r4511800-oven_problems_electric_oven_heating

heatman101