Repairing the Heating Element on an Electric Range

An ordinary electric range isn’t complicated to repair. It has the basic parts that an average homeowner can easily manipulate and handle. You will be able to save a lot of time and money by troubleshooting your electric range yourself. Before you do anything, make sure that the electric range is unplugged from the power source.

Step 1 - Check Your Electric Range

In order to diagnose the problem with your electric range, you need to be able to evaluate your electric range while it is set on its highest adjustment. Observe the flame that comes out of your electric range. It must be glowing brightly. A difference in the size and quality of flame is indicative of a dysfunctional heating element.

Step 2 - Clean the Electric Range

The reason why you are having problems with your heating element could be that the electric range has corroded or developed a lot of grime. Before you can examine your electric range, make sure that it is unplugged. Wait a few minutes until you are definitely sure that the element has cooled off. Lift the element and pull it out. Inspect the prongs and observe for rust and grime. In case of corrosion, you can clean the prongs with the use of an industrial rust remover. For dirt, you can use simple cleanser.

Step 3 - Test the Heating Element

If cleaning does not work, you probably have a faulty heating element. Take out the element. Push and the lift the heating element coil from the coil terminal. From the coil, pull the heating element out of the plug-in terminal block.

With the use of a volt-ohm meter, test the resistance of your heating element. Make sure that the meter is tuned to RX1. Once in that adjustment, allow the probe to make contact with both terminals of your heating element. According to the specified ohms of your manufacturer, the reading should register anywhere from 20 ohms to 120 ohms. High infinity or zero is indicative of a problematic element that must be replaced.

Step 4 - Get a New Heating Element

Purchase a heating element that is compatible with your malfunctioning one. You should be able to get a heating element from any appliance repair store. Make sure that the heating element you purchase matches your electric range. Because there are so many heating elements for different electric ranges, it is crucial to have the right one.

Step 5 - Replace the New Heating Element

Take the new heating element and place it appropriately in the terminal block. Once you are certain that the heating element is set properly, push the heating element and then lower it to the drip pan. Plug your electric range and test the device. If it still fails to function properly, you either installed the new heating element improperly or you installed an incompatible heating element.