Official Amana electric cooktop parts

Troubleshooting a surface element that doesn't heat on your Amana cooktop

On a cooktop that uses surface element switches to control the elements, a failed surface element switch can prevent the surface element from heating. On electronically-controlled cooktops, a failed surface element relay on the electronic control board that controls surface elements can keep a surface element from heating.

No matter which type of control your cooktop uses, a broken surface element won't heat. If your cooktop uses coil surface elements, examine the element that isn't heating and replace the coil element if you see a cracked or broken coil. Radiant surface elements are harder to check for damage because they're under the glass cooktop. Unplug the cooktop and remove the burner box to access and check a radiant surface element that isn't heating. Replace the surface element if you see a break in the ribbon element.

A radiant surface element has a limiter switch that cycles the radiant element off to protect the ceramic glass cooktop from overheating. A failed limiter switch won't allow the radiant element to heat. Disconnect electric power to the cooktop and check for continuity through the limiter switch using a multimeter. You should measure near 0-ohms of resistance through the limiter switch indicating that the switch is allowing current to flow through the element. If you measure OL or "open load" indicating that the switch isn't allowing current to flow through the element, then the limiter switch has failed. The limiter switch is often included with a radiant element but not always. Replace the limiter switch if it's a separate part and it's preventing the radiant surface element from heating. If the limiter isn't available as a separate part, replace the radiant surface element.

Top Amana cooktop parts that need to be replaced

• Coil surface element. The coil surface element—also known as the coil element—plugs into the terminal block in an electric cooktop. It's controlled by a surface element switch (also called a surface burner switch or infinite burner switch) and sits above a drip pan. It heats that location on the cooktop.
• Glass top. The glass top of ceramic glass cooktop provides a flat, smooth cooking surface. The heating elements attached under the cooktop provide heat.
• Limiter switch. The limiter is a limit switch on a radiant element that shuts off the element to protect the ceramic glass cooktop from overheating. One some models, the limiter can be replaced as a separate component, but on some it's incorporated into the element. If a surface element fails to heat, or the limiter isn't regulating the maximum temperature properly, replace the limiter.
• Radiant surface element. The radiant surface element is mounted on the bottom of a ceramic glass cooktop and provides heat for that area of the cooktop. It's controlled by a surface element switch (also called a surface burner switch or infinite burner switch). The radiant surface element has a limit switch that shuts off the element to protect the ceramic glass cooktop from overheating.
• Surface element switch. The surface element switch (also called a surface burner switch or infinite burner switch) is mounted on the control panel of an electric range or cooktop. It's an electrical switch that turns on and off the associated surface element and also controls the how much heat the element produces.