Wiktor Wise
If your electric oven isn't heating up properly, you may need to replace the heating element. This is a simple DIY fix that can be done in about 15 minutes and doesn't require any special skills, just a few basic tools. First, you'll need to purchase a replacement element, which can be bought online or from the manufacturer. Make sure you have the correct model number and part number before purchasing. Once you have the new element, turn off the power to the oven and unplug it to ensure your safety during the replacement process. Remove the oven racks and the old heating element, being careful not to damage any wires. Then, install the new element by connecting the wires and securing it with screws. Finally, restore power to the oven and test the new element by setting it to bake and checking for heat radiating from inside.
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What You'll Learn
Prepare your workspace: unplug the oven and remove the racks
To prepare your workspace, start by turning off the power to your oven at the breaker box. This is essential for safety. Your oven should be unplugged from the wall to guarantee that no electricity is connected to it. You can find the breaker box in your home's circuit breaker. Flip the switch corresponding to the oven to the "Off" position. If there are two individual breakers, make sure to shut off both. If you can't find a separate breaker for the oven, you may need to turn off the breaker for the entire kitchen.
Once the power is off, remove the oven racks. Pull out the cooking racks from the oven and set them aside. Removing the racks will give you enough space to access and replace the heating element.
If your oven has a removable door, you can also take it off to improve access to your workspace. Fully open the oven door and pull the right and left latches up and toward you. You may need to use a flat-head screwdriver to pry up the latches. Close the door almost fully while holding onto the handle, and carefully lift the bottom hinges out of the oven cavity. The oven door can be heavy, so be prepared to support its weight. Rest the door against your legs to avoid back strain, and place it on a towel on the kitchen floor.
Now that the power is off and the racks and door (if applicable) are removed, you have prepared your workspace and can safely proceed to replace the heating element.
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Remove the oven door for better access
Removing the oven door is not necessary to replace the heating element, but it can allow for better access to your workspace. Before you begin, make sure you have turned off the power to the oven and removed the racks.
To remove the oven door, start by opening the door fully. You will then need to pull the right and left latches up and then toward you. You might need to use a flat-head screwdriver to pry up the latches. Close the oven door almost fully, holding onto the handle. You will then need to lift the bottom hinges out of the oven cavity, being prepared to support the weight of the door, which can be up to 40 pounds. Place the door on a towel on the kitchen floor to prevent scratches.
Once the door is removed, you will have better access to the workspace to replace the heating element. Remember to follow the manufacturer's instructions or seek professional help if you are unsure about any steps in the process.
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$29.47
Disconnect the wires from the old element
Disconnecting the wires from the old element is a crucial step when replacing an electric oven element. This step requires careful attention to ensure no damage is caused to the wires or connectors. Before beginning this step, it is essential to ensure that the power to the oven is turned off at the breaker box and that the oven is unplugged from the wall outlet. This safety precaution guarantees that no electricity is connected to the oven during the replacement process.
Once the power is off, you can start disconnecting the wires. First, gently pull the old heating element and mounting bracket a few inches away from the back wall of the oven. This movement will expose the wires connected to the element. The wires may be insulated, and it is normal for some insulation to pull out with the wires. At this point, it is critical to confirm that the circuit power is indeed off. Use a non-contact voltage tester to check for voltage at each wire end. If voltage is detected, you may have shut off the wrong breaker, so be sure to double-check.
Now, you can proceed to carefully disconnect each spade wire connector from the old heating element. You can usually pull them off with your fingers, but needle-nose pliers can also be used. It is important to pull only on the metal connector and not the wire itself. Avoid pulling on the wire to prevent damage or accidental separation from its connector. Ensure that the wires do not slip back into the oven housing. If needed, use electrical tape or masking tape to temporarily secure the wires to the oven wall.
With the wires disconnected, you can now remove the old heating element from the oven. Be cautious not to pull the wires off their terminals as you slide out the old element. Keep the wires organized and easily accessible for the next step, which is connecting them to the new heating element.
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Fit the new element, lining up the screw holes
When fitting the new element, it is important to line up the screw holes. Position the element over the bottom surface of the oven, with the metal screw plates facing down and the terminals facing the rear of the oven. Double-check that the screw holes on the element line up with those on the oven.
If you have not already, remove the screws that secure the element to the oven with a screwdriver. Pull the element 4 to 5 inches away from the back wall of the oven. Be careful not to pull on any wires connected to the terminals on the heating element as you do this. Remove the screws that hold the wires to the prongs on the element. It may be helpful to take a diagram or snap a photo to remember how the wires are attached.
Now, install the new oven element, attaching the wires as they were before. Reconnect the terminal wires using pliers. Grab the pliers again and guide the ends of the replacement part's wires into the terminals on the element's backside. Once the wires are secure, slide the element back until it rests against the rear wall of the oven.
Finally, secure the element's mounting plate to the back wall of the oven with the mounting screws. Make sure the screws are firmly anchored.
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Restore power and test the new element
Once you have installed the new oven element, you can restore power to the oven. If you have a freestanding range, plug the oven back into the wall outlet. For hardwired ranges and ovens, or if you can't reach the cord, turn on the appliance's circuit breaker in your home's circuit breaker box. It will be a double-pole breaker, typically labelled for 30, 40, or 50 amps.
Now, you can test the new heating element. Set the oven to "bake" and check that heat is radiating from inside the oven. You should see a consistent bright orange glow from the element. It is normal to see a little smoke when the new element heats up for the first time, as this is the temporary factory coating burning off.
If you have a multimeter, you can test the element's resistance. Set your multimeter for an ohms reading. Put one multimeter probe on one of the element terminals and the other probe on the other terminal. You should see a resistance reading. If there is no resistance, this means the electrons cannot flow through the element to heat it, and your oven will not heat up.
If you notice any issues, confirm that the wires are attached correctly. If necessary, remove the oven element and repeat the installation process.
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Frequently asked questions
If your oven isn't heating up, check the resistance with a multimeter. If there's no resistance, it means the electrons can't flow through the element to heat it.
First, disconnect your oven from its power source. Then, remove the racks and trays, and locate the heating element. Disconnect the wire connectors from the element terminals, and remove the element. Install the new element by reconnecting the wire connectors to the new element and screwing it into place.
Before starting, ensure your oven is unplugged and cold. Work with a partner and wear protective gear, including gloves and eye protection. Be cautious when handling sharp tools and oven components.
