Finding and Accessing the Clock Controls

The clock on a General Electric stove is usually controlled through buttons on the control panel, though the exact location and method depend on your model year and stove type. Most GE ranges have a dedicated Clock button or a Time button on the front panel, often near the display screen or digital readout. Some older models use a rotary knob instead of buttons.

Before you start, locate your stove's model number—it's typically on a sticker inside the oven or on the back of the range. You can search this number on the GE website or your user manual to confirm which buttons control the clock on your specific model. If you don't have the manual, GE's support site lets you read it by entering your model number.

Key Takeaways

  • Most GE stoves have a dedicated Clock or Time button on the control panel that you press to enter clock-setting mode.
  • Once in clock mode, you use the arrow buttons or number pad to set the hours and minutes, then press Clock or Start to confirm.
  • If your stove lost power, the clock will reset to 12:00 and needs to be set again before other timed functions will work correctly.
  • Convection and slide-in models may have slightly different button layouts, so checking your model number against the manual saves time.

Setting the Time on Models with a Digital Display

Press the Clock button once. The display will show the current time and the Clock button light will stay on, indicating you're in clock-setting mode. The hours digits will usually highlight or blink first.

Use the up and down arrow buttons (or the number pad if your model has one) to adjust the hours. Press the up arrow to increase the hour; press the down arrow to decrease it. Once the hour is correct, press the right arrow or the Clock button again to move to the minutes.

Adjust the minutes using the same up and down arrows until they match the current time. When both hours and minutes are set correctly, press the Start button or the Clock button a second time to save the time. The display will stop blinking and the clock will begin running.

Setting the Time on Models with a Rotary Knob

Older GE ranges sometimes use a rotary knob labeled Clock or Time instead of buttons. Turn the knob clockwise to increase the time and counterclockwise to decrease it. The display will show the time changing as you turn.

Turn slowly and watch the display carefully, because rotary knobs can be sensitive. Once the correct time appears, stop turning and the time will lock in automatically. Some models require you to push the knob inward after setting to confirm the change.

What to Do If the Clock Keeps Resetting

If your clock resets to 12:00 every time you turn off the stove, your range likely lost power at some point—even a brief power outage will clear the clock. Set it again using the steps above, and it should hold the time as long as power stays on.

If the clock resets even without a power outage, the backup battery inside the stove may be failing. This is a component that requires professional service. Contact a GE-authorized repair technician or call GE support at 1-800-220-6899 to schedule a service visit.

Adjusting the Clock for Daylight Saving Time

When daylight saving time begins or ends, you'll need to adjust the clock forward or backward by one hour. Press the Clock button to enter setting mode, then use the arrow buttons to change only the hour—leave the minutes as they are. Press Start or Clock again to save the new time.

Some newer GE models have an automatic daylight saving adjustment feature, though it's not standard across all ranges. Check your manual to see if your stove has this option; if it does, you can usually turn it on or off through the settings menu.

Resetting the Clock After a Power Outage

After a power outage, your stove's clock will display 12:00 and any timed cooking functions will be disabled until you set the correct time. This is a safety feature—the stove won't run a delayed-start bake or timer until it knows what time it actually is.

Follow the clock-setting steps for your model type (digital display or rotary knob) to restore the correct time. Once the clock is set, any timer or delayed-start functions you had programmed before the outage will need to be re-entered, as the stove clears all stored settings during a power loss.

When to Call a Professional

If the Clock button doesn't light up or respond when you press it, or if the display is completely dark, the control panel itself may need replacement. This is not a repair you can do at home—contact a GE-authorized service center.

If the clock runs but displays the wrong time even after you set it correctly, or if it loses time consistently (running slow or fast), the clock circuit may be failing. A technician can diagnose whether the control board needs replacement or if it's a simpler fix.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my GE stove clock keep blinking 12:00?

A blinking 12:00 means the stove lost power or was unplugged. Set the clock using your model's Clock button and arrow buttons or rotary knob. If it blinks again when ready after you set it, the backup battery may be dead and a technician will need to replace it.

Can I change the clock display from 12-hour to 24-hour time?

Some newer GE models allow this through the settings menu, but it's not available on all ranges. Check your user manual or call GE support with your model number to confirm whether your stove has a 24-hour option.

Do I need to turn off the stove to change the clock?

No. You can change the clock while the stove is on or off. The clock runs independently of the oven or cooktop, so adjusting it won't affect anything cooking.

What if I can't find the Clock button on my control panel?

Look for a button labeled Time, Timer, or Clock—it may be small or located at the edge of the panel. If you still can't find it, search your model number on the GE website and read the manual, which will show you exactly where the clock controls are located.

Will changing the clock affect my oven's temperature or cooking functions?

No. The clock is separate from the oven's heating system. Changing the time will not affect how hot the oven gets or how long food takes to cook.