Stove glass surface is cracked and (liquid can reach controls)

Use only checks that match the exact appliance or system and its official guide.

1. Check 1

   Turn all cooktop and oven controls to OFF using only their normal controls, then keep cookware, hands, and cleaning liquids away from the cracked area; do not test a burner or use the oven.

   Expected result: Record whether every control reaches its normal OFF position, whether any burner, display, or indicator still appears active, and whether the crack is under a burner, near the controls, or across the work surface.

   Next step: Leave the appliance out of service and arrange qualified appliance service; if a control will not turn off, there is smoke, or there is active arcing, move away and obtain urgent help.

   Stop if: Stop immediately for heat that continues unexpectedly, smoke, sparks, burning odor, gas odor, or a control that cannot be turned OFF normally.

   Why this matters

   Why: A crack alone is enough to stop use, and an active element, display, or control that will not turn off adds an immediate service concern. GE specifically says not to use a cracked cooktop and, on ranges, not to use the oven until the cooktop is fixed.

2. Check 2

   Once the surface is cool, observe the crack from above without pressing it, lifting the glass, sliding the range, or removing any component; take a photo from a safe distance and note whether it reaches a burner, control area, edge, or vent path.

   Expected result: Separate a short surface line that stays away from edges and controls from a crack that reaches an edge, spreads under a heating zone, crosses the control area, has a missing chip, or leaves an opening.

   Next step: Keep the appliance unused and give the photo and location to the service provider; do not use tape, sealant, a cover, or a temporary patch as permission to cook.

   Stop if: Do not touch loose shards, press on the glass, or continue if the surface is warm, wet, unstable, or actively breaking.

   Why this matters

   Why: Any crack requires service, while an edge-reaching, open, spreading, or control-adjacent break gives liquid and heat more opportunity to reach underlying parts and raises the urgency. Appearance alone cannot establish that the glass remains structurally safe.

3. Check 3

   Without wiping toward the crack or applying cleaner, document whether liquid has only pooled on top, entered the break, reached the control area, or contacted the underside or an opening; keep the appliance untouched after the observation.

   Expected result: Note the liquid type in plain terms, approximate location, whether the controls or display were wet, and whether there was a pop, smell, flicker, smoke, or other change at the time.

   Next step: Leave the appliance out of service, do not pour water or cleaner over it, and tell the technician about the exposure before any inspection or repair.

   Stop if: Stop and leave the area for smoke, sparks, a shock sensation, burning odor, or active electrical noise; do not operate nearby switches if gas odor is also present.

   Why this matters

   Why: Liquid that can reach or has entered the controls or underside creates an electrical or control hazard beyond cosmetic glass damage. No visible reaction does not prove that liquid stayed out or that the appliance is safe to energize.

4. Check 4

   If the surface was recently used, wait without touching it and record whether the hot-surface indication or residual warmth is simply declining after controls are OFF; do not use residual heat or place cookware on the cracked surface.

   Expected result: Distinguish a surface that is cooling after normal operation from an element that appears energized at OFF, a hot spot that persists unexpectedly, or a control indicator that conflicts with the model manual after the surface is cool.

   Next step: Keep the appliance unused in either case; report unexpected continuing heat, active elements, or indicator behavior to the technician instead of testing another setting.

   Stop if: Do not touch the glass, use a wet cloth on it, move a pan across it, or inspect below the surface while it is warm.

   Why this matters

   Why: Glass and cookware can retain heat, and electric elements can cycle during normal operation, so immediate warmth is not proof of a stuck control. Heat that continues abnormally with controls OFF is a separate service and safety issue, made more urgent by the crack.

5. Check 5

   Prepare the model marking, appliance type, crack location and length as an estimate, liquid exposure details, control/indicator behavior, and whether the oven was in use; do not remove labels, panels, or the glass to obtain more information.

   Expected result: The service note should show whether the damage is isolated to the glass appearance or accompanied by liquid entry, a control problem, heat after OFF, odor, noise, smoke, or visible loose material.

   Next step: Arrange qualified appliance service and keep the stove and oven unused until the technician confirms the repaired surface and controls are safe.

   Stop if: There is no safe user troubleshooting path through an opened appliance, exposed terminals, gas-valve work, live testing, or handling broken glass.

   Why this matters

   Why: These distinctions help service determine whether the work involves the glass assembly, heating/control components, moisture inspection, or an urgent electrical or gas-safety response. The note cannot justify continued use or identify a replacement part by itself.