A clicking sound usually stems from a failing control board relay or a dirty spark electrode. Check for loose wiring connections and ensure the oven is receiving the correct voltage before replacing expensive control components.
Look, if you ignore constant relay chatter you're basically watching that control board die in slow motion. I've shown up to jobs where the homeowner waited two weeks and by then the relay contacts had welded shut, turning a $40 fix into a $280 board replacement. For gas models, rapid spark clicking can also burn out the igniter module if the short doesn't get addressed. Don't wait on this one.
OK so here's the deal with Whirlpool ovens and that clicking noise. These boards use mechanical relays to switch power to the elements, and honestly those relays are one of the weaker points on these units. I replaced three relay boards last month alone, two of them WFE550 models. Good news is the fix usually runs $80-300 depending on whether it's cleaning or a full board swap.
Most Likely Causes
Based on aggregated repair data, here is the probability breakdown for this error code:
Failing Control Board Relay55%
Defective Temperature Sensor20%
Grounded Spark Electrode15%
Faulty Door Latch Motor10%
Symptoms You May Notice
Constant rapid clicking that keeps going even after the oven's been at temperature for 20 minutes, like it's stuck in a loop.
Gas burner won't light at all but you hear the igniter clicking non-stop, louder than normal, sometimes 10-15 clicks per second.
Oven shuts itself off mid-cook and you hear a relay chatter right before it cuts out.
Clicking continues for several minutes after you turn the oven completely off, especially on gas models with moisture in the spark module.
Preheat takes way longer than usual and the clicking has a weird irregular rhythm instead of the steady once-every-few-minutes you'd normally hear.
Can you reset a Whirlpool oven to clear the CLICKING-FIX code?
Turn the oven off at the controls, then flip the actual circuit breaker off for at least 5 minutes. Don't just use the panel, kill it at the breaker so the capacitors on the board fully discharge. Flip it back on and wait 30 seconds before starting a cycle. If the clicking was from a board glitch or a weird state after a power event, this usually clears it completely.
Tools Required for Diagnosis
Phillips #2 screwdriverFlat-head screwdriverNut driver set (1/4" and 5/16")Digital multimeterNeedle-nose pliersFlashlight or headlampPhone or camera (to photograph wiring before disconnecting)
Diagnostic Checklist
Follow these steps in order. We start with the easiest external fixes before opening up the machine.
ComponentComponent Under Test
Expected Range1050–1100 ohms
ConditionIf Open (OL) or infinite, replace component.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it normal for my Whirlpool oven to click once or twice?
Yeah, totally normal. A few clicks when you start a cycle and then occasional clicks every few minutes while it's baking, that's just the relays doing their job switching power to the element on and off to hold your temperature. You'll hear maybe one click every 3-5 minutes during a normal bake cycle. What's NOT normal is constant clicking, rapid-fire clicking, or clicking that doesn't stop after the oven reaches temp. That's when you start digging.
Why does my oven click even when it's turned off?
On gas models this almost always means there's moisture in the spark module or a grounded igniter wire. The circuit is completing itself without you asking it to. Pull the power and check those igniter wire connections first. On electric models, a stuck relay on the control board can ghost-trigger even when the oven is off, especially after a power surge. Sometimes a full 10-minute power disconnect at the breaker fixes it. Sometimes the board needs replacing.
Can a bad heating element cause clicking?
Indirectly, yeah. If a bake or broil element has a partial internal short, it draws erratic current and the relay controlling it starts chattering trying to stay engaged. Look at your elements for blisters, cracks, or any spot where it looks like it arced. A shorted element usually has a visible burn mark or hole somewhere on it. Element replacement is straightforward, usually under $50 for the part and about 20 minutes of work.
How much does it cost to fix a clicking control board?
Board parts run $150-300 depending on the model. Labor adds another $100-150 if you hire it out. If the board's under $200 I usually just replace the whole thing rather than trying to solder new relays onto it, because if one relay failed the others are probably close behind anyway. For boards over $250, it's worth getting a relay-only repair quote from a local electronics shop. Sometimes that's $40-60 and works great.
How do I know if it's the spark module versus the control board making the clicking?
Location and sound. Spark module clicking comes from the bottom or back of the range and sounds like rapid mechanical ticking, basically like a stovetop burner that won't ignite. Control board relay clicking comes from the upper control panel area and sounds more like a crisp sharp snap. Also, if you disconnect the spark module wire harness and the clicking stops, that confirms it's a module or igniter wire issue and not the board at all. That's actually the fastest diagnostic test for gas models.
My oven clicks during preheat and then stops. Do I need to fix it?
Probably not right now. Clicking during preheat that stops once the oven reaches temperature is pretty normal relay behavior. Keep an eye on it. If preheat starts taking noticeably longer than it used to, or if the clicking becomes more frequent or doesn't stop, that's when you pull the RTD sensor and check it. That 1050-1100 ohm reading at room temp is your baseline. Write it down when the oven's healthy so you have something to compare against later.
Models Known to Experience CLICKING-FIX Errors
This repair applies to most Whirlpool ovens with this error code. Common model numbers include: