Replacing a Southbend Gas Range Thermostat: Ultimate, Platinum & S Series

Faulty components need to be swapped out quickly and properly to ensure your customer can get back to cooking. So if a temperature issue and a new part has you on a service call, this guide can walk you through replacing a Southbend gas range thermostat for Ultimate, Platinum and S series units. 

How to Replace a Southbend Range Thermostat

• Step 1. Remove grates and knobs – You need to start with disassembly to replace the thermostat. Start by removing the grates and then take off the dials with a 5/64 allen wrench. 
• Step 2. Remove the valve panel – First, remove the grease drawer and pan. Then, with a phillips screw driver, remove the valve panel from the front of the unit to gain access to the thermostat. You can also use the screwdriver to remove the bezel for the thermostat you’re going to replace.
• Step 3. Unmount the thermostat – Use the phillips screwdriver to unmount the thermostat from the valve panel. 
• Step 4. Uncover the thermostat – Once your valve panel is off and thermostat unmounted, you’ll notice a back cover holding it in place. Use a phillips screwdriver to remove the two secures securing the cover.
• Step 5. Disconnect the thermostat – Two wires are connected to the terminals on the thermostat. Using a flat head screwdriver, remove those wires from the terminals.
  • Note. The leads can be connected to either terminal so you don’t have to remember which connects to which.
• Step 6. Remove the thermostat – We have now cleared all blocks and connections so we can remove the old thermostat. Keep in mind, the thermostat capillary contains gas. The best way to remove it is by cutting the capillary by the hole where the bulb goes into the oven. Then you can just pull the bulb and thermostat out with ease. 
• Step 7. Unspool the new thermostat – Your new thermostat will come with the capillary wrapped up. You need to carefully unspool it so it stays straight and doesn’t get kinked. A kinked capillary will leave the thermostat inoperable. 
• Step 8. Install the bulb – Snake the thermostat bulb through the heat channel. Then put the bulb down the hole into the oven cavity while ensuring the capillary is still on the correct side of the heat shield. Then go down into the oven cavity and place the bulb in the hanger.
• Step 9. Shorten the capillary – The capillary may be too long and needs shortening. You can’t cut or kink the capillary but you can respool it to help keep it tidy. Use a round object to carefully wrap it so the capillary is the perfect length. 
• Step 10. Install the thermostat – To install the thermostat, connect the wires to the terminals and tighten the screws. Then line it up with the stem through the hole and secure the back cover. Lastly, line up the thermostat dial bezel before mounting the thermostat and bezel to the valve panel.
• Step 11. Button up the unit – Reinstall the grill grates, valve panel and grease trays once the thermostat is installed and calibrated.