Hi I'm Vance and welcome to Repair and Replace.
If your oven isn't heating properly,
then it's likely that one of the heating elements is not working.
In this episode, first we'll learn how it all works then we'll test the heating element,
and finally we'll see how to install a new one.
Now if your oven isn't heating on any mode then it's most likely a faulty temperature sensor
or an issue with the power.
You can see how to troubleshoot this in the video linked below.
Electric ovens are pretty simple at a base level.
When electricity passes through the heating element
the resistance in the material generates heat.
After preheating the control board monitors the temperature sensor.
It will cycle the elements on and off to maintain the cooking temperature.
Most ovens have a bake element on the bottom and a broil element on the top.
The broil setting uses only the broil element to brown the top of the food.
The bake setting uses a combination of both elements to heat the entire oven, roughly 80
percent of the heat coming from the bake element and about 20 percent coming from the broil.
When a heating element fails it might appear burnt or
blistered but the failure is not always visible.
From the back of the oven we can check the elements for continuity.
A continuity test will determine if there is a continuous path for electricity to flow through.
Without continuity there is no resistance and the element will not heat up.
To begin you might need a screwdriver, a nut driver, gloves, and a multimeter.
Always be safe and disconnect the power at the breaker.
Since there might be some sharp edges it's best to wear cut resistant gloves.
Gently pull the range slightly away from the wall.
As soon as there's enough room, go in behind and unplug it from the receptacle.
Make sure that there isn't too much tension on the cord.
Now slide the range all the way out so you have plenty of room to work.
On the back of the oven is a cover panel.
Some models have a small panel near the top and a larger panel near the bottom.
Now remove the screws.
The panel will likely be sitting on several hooks.
Simply lift up to remove the panel.
First locate the element on the back of the oven and disconnect the wires.
Set your multimeter to the ohms or resistance setting.
Now touch each probe to each terminal.
If you have continuity and a resistance reading between 10 to 40 ohms, then the element is good.
If there is no continuity or the resistance is far outside of that range
then the element is faulty, and will need to be replaced.
Another possibility is that the element has shorted through the frame of the oven.
Set your multimeter to 1000 ohms or higher
and test from one of the element terminals to the bare metal of the oven's body.
Note this will not work on a painted surface.
If you get any continuity reading then the element is shorting and will also need to be replaced.
When choosing a replacement make sure that the new element has the same
wattage, shape, and configuration.
To find a match enter your model number on the AMRE supply website.
This will bring up a parts breakdown with the exact replacement parts listed on the side.
In many cases it can be helpful to remove the oven door.
Many doors have locking tabs that secure the door hinges.
Use a flat blade screwdriver to release the locks.
Next lift up to move the door off the hinges.
First disconnect the wires if you haven't already
Now remove the oven racks.
The inside of the oven can be greasy, so it's best to give it a quick wipe.
If you're replacing the broil element then you'll have to remove
the two mounting screws at the front as well as the two mounting screws at the back.
Slide the element forward and remove it.
Bake elements on the bottom are removed in a similar way
but only have two mounting screws at the back.
Now if you have a convection oven then you'll most likely have a hidden bake element
installed under a smooth metal plate.
First remove the screws and lift up the plate.
In some models the plate will slide out from the back of the oven
Now unscrew and remove the element.
Align the new heating element.
Next tighten the screws.
For hidden bake elements slide the bottom plate in and tighten the screws.
Now replace the oven racks.
Finally reconnect the wires.
Align the door hinges into the slots on the oven.
Next open the door all the way.
Now push the locking tabs back into place and close the door.
Align the back panel and replace the screws.
Now plug in the cord and push the range back into place.
Next reconnect the power.
Before cooking any food it's recommended to turn on your oven and let it heat up for 10 minutes.
You may notice a small amount of smoke the first time it heats up.
This is normal, as it's just the protective coating burning off the new element.
Finally let the oven cool down and air out.
Now if the element still doesn't turn on after it's been replaced,
then it's likely a faulty wire or an issue with the control board.
You can learn more in the video linked below.
For more troubleshooting videos on water heaters,
furnaces, and appliances, then subscribe to our channel.
And if you need help you can call or visit our AMRE location
to talk with our knowledgeable staff.
Thanks for watching.