On the covered Kenmore 2004 and 2014 self-cleaning range, nCAL means Kenmore's service table lists this code as: electronic oven control board failure. The chart says to replace the electronic oven control board for nCAL. Ask whether the range lost power or had a board fitted just before nCAL.
Differential
Likely causes of “Kenmore 2004 and 2014 self-cleaning range code nCAL”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
An electronic oven control board that has failed
What separates it nCAL shows and the oven will not start a cycle
How to confirm The chart says to replace the electronic oven control board for nCAL
- 2
A board whose calibration data was lost
What separates it nCAL appeared after a power surge or a board swap
How to confirm Ask whether the range lost power or had a board fitted just before nCAL
- 3
A replacement board that was never set up for this range
What separates it nCAL shows right after a new board was fitted
How to confirm Check the part number of the board against the model number
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- That the display shows nCAL, the electronic oven control board failure
- Whether the fault started after a power event or a board replacement
- Whether the oven responds to the keypad at all
Try in this order
0 of 19 completedCorrect only the documented fault domain
ReversibleDisconnect electrical power and replace the electronic oven control board. Parts named: electronic oven control board and overlay.
Disconnect electrical power to the range
ReversibleThe chart's fix for nCAL starts with disconnecting electrical power, since the board is the part that is reporting the fault.
Confirm the model number before you order the board
ReversibleThe chart names the electronic oven control board and overlay, and a board for a different model may not run this range.
Replace the electronic oven control board
ReversibleThe chart says to disconnect power and replace the electronic oven control board for nCAL; it lists no reset and no other part.
Write down the code exactly
ReversibleThe code is nCAL, with a lower-case n and capital letters, and Kenmore's table lists it as an electronic oven control board failure. Note when it appeared and whether the oven or the cooktop was in use.
Switch off the range at the breaker
ReversibleDisconnect electrical power as Kenmore directs before anyone touches the control. Leave it off for a minute, restore it and see whether the code returns.
Check that the controls respond
ReversiblePress Clear and try a bake setting. If the display is blank, flickers or the keys do nothing, the control board or its overlay may have failed, and you should stop using the oven.
Look for signs of heat damage
ReversibleA scorched smell, melted plastic or a discolored overlay near the control suggests a board failure caused by heat. Do not use the range, and tell the technician.
Order the part by the model number
ReversibleKenmore's table names the electronic oven control board and overlay as the parts involved. Give the technician the full model number from the frame so that the right board is ordered.
Do not run a self-clean
ReversibleA control board failure can affect the lock and the heating, so avoid any cleaning cycle until the board is replaced.
Check the breaker and the connection
ReversibleMake sure the range has both legs of its supply. A half-supplied range can show odd behavior. Reset the breaker once and test.
Photograph the display and the label
ReversibleTake a clear photo of the code and the model label. The technician needs the full model number to order the right board.
Ask for the board by its part number
ReversibleKenmore's table names the electronic oven control board and the overlay. Ask whether the overlay is included, since a new board may need a new overlay.
Plan around the repair
ReversibleUse the cooktop only if it works normally. A repair needs a part order, so ask how long it will take and whether the board is in stock.
Find out whether the cooktop shares the board
ReversibleOn many ranges the oven control board also reads the cooktop switches. If a surface element stops responding at the same time as the oven code appears, tell the technician, since the board may be the common fault.
Look at the clock and the display
ReversibleA display that shows nCAL and then goes blank, or one that flickers and resets, suggests a board or a power supply to the board. Note exactly what the display does and when.
Reset at the breaker
ReversibleTurn the breaker off for one minute and back on to clear a one-off fault.
Note the code
ReversibleWrite down the code and the model number for service.
Keep the oven off
ReversibleDo not use the oven if the code returns straight away.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Shown as
- nCAL (2014 model self-cleaning electric range table).
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !Disconnect power to the range, at the plug or the breaker, before you touch the control board, the wiring or the door lock for nCAL, and restore it only when a step says so
- !The chart gives no reset for nCAL, so do not order a board without the model number in hand
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Where the manufacturer's article stops. For nCAL: the power disconnect and the board replacement are chart text; nCAL is on the 2014 model table only.
Exact questions
Common questions
What does nCAL mean on a Kenmore 2004 and 2014 self-cleaning range?+
Kenmore's service table lists this code as: electronic oven control board failure.
Is there a reset?+
The chart lists none; it goes straight to replacing the board.
Is nCAL on the 2004 and newer table?+
No, nCAL is on the 2014 model table only.
Is the cooktop still safe to use?+
Only if it works normally; stop if you smell burning.
Which part is replaced?+
The electronic oven control board and overlay.
What does nCAL mean?+
Kenmore lists it as an electronic oven control board failure.
Is there a cheaper fix?+
Replacing the board is Kenmore's listed repair.
What is the overlay?+
The panel with the touch keys over the board.
Is a board replacement expensive?+
The board is a major part; ask for a quote with the model number and compare it with the range's age and value.
Can the code appear after a power surge?+
Yes, a surge can damage a control board.
Can a power surge cause a control fault?+
Yes, and a reset may clear it.
Do I need a new board?+
Only if the code returns right away.