I have a whirlpool built in oven AKP 239/IX/02 When I try to turn the oven on (both dials) the sign "- - - C" discpays on the digital display screen and the oven will not turn on.

Dalene, we recommend the link below for the User Manual.
http://www.whirlpool.co.uk/appliances-1/ovens-3/whirlpool-absolute-built-in-oven-in-stainless-steel-akp-7460-ix/857774601700/

Kindly find below link for the manual
https://www.manualslib.com/manual/1031592/Whirlpool-Akp-560-Ix.html?page=136

Open the oven door and look at the underside of the control panel.

Check the wiring on the elements for a short..sounds like a ground short

Call this number and tell them your situation 1-866-698-2538. Canada 1-800-807-6777

there is a small fuse at the back of the display try that first

https://www.ricambiservice.ro/products/display-pentru-cuptor-whirlpool-eroare-c

google -- user manual for ( make and model of stove ) and download the pdf version
failing that go to places like Jaycar and buy an infrared thermometer
you aim this unit at where you want to read the temperature and it reads it
so aim it at the oven glass and you have the temp
or aim it at a hot plate and you have the temp

Timer might be blocked on auto, you need to get it back to a manual setting.