This DIY range repair guide shows how to replace an exposed bake element in an electric range. This type of bake element sits on top of the oven floor, instead of being hidden under a panel on the bottom of the oven. Because the element is exposed, it’s easy to see cracks or a melted spot indicating that you need to replace the element. But the element can look okay and still not heat.
Replace the bake element with a manufacturer-approved replacement part if the oven doesn't heat in bake mode or if the bake element is damaged.
These instructions show how to replace an exposed bake element in Kenmore, Frigidaire, Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag, GE, Amana, Samsung and LG ranges.
If your range has a hidden bake element, see this repair guide for help replacing that type of element.
Replacing a range exposed bake element video.
Instructions
- 01.
Turn off power to the range
Unplug the range or shut off the circuit breakers for the range.
Tip: Shutting off the circuit breakers for the range works best for this repair because you don’t have to pull the range out. If you pull out the range to unplug it, use cardboard under the range to protect the floor from scratches.Warning: If you shut off the house circuit breakers to disconnect power to the range, verify that power is off by checking that the digital display is dead. Electric ranges use 2 breakers for the range that are often connected together on the breaker panel. If the 2 breakers for your range aren’t connected together, make sure you turn both breakers off. Leaving a breaker on can send power to the bake element even though the digital display is dead. - 02.
Remove the bake element
Open the oven door and remove the oven racks.
Remove the bake element mounting screws.
Pull the element forward to expose the wires connected to the back of the element.
Disconnect the wires, taking care not to let the wires slip through the holes at the back of the oven. If the wires slip through the holes, you’ll have to pull the oven out of the cabinet and remove the back cabinet panel to retrieve them.
Remove the bake element. Use pliers to pull the wires off the bake element if necessary.
Tip: If you can't complete this repair because the door gets in your way, remove the door following instructions in your owner's manual. You might need help lifting the door off the oven. Set the door on a pad.
Remove the mounting screws.
Pull the element forward.
Disconnect the wires.
- 03.
Install the new bake element
Connect the wires to the new bake element.
Push the ends of the element through the holes at the back of the oven and reinstall the mounting screws.
Reinstall the oven racks and close the oven door (or reinstall the oven door if removed in Step 2).
Install the new element.
- 04.
Restore power to the range
Plug the range back into the electrical wall outlet or turn on the house circuit breakers for the range.
If you pulled out the range to unplug it, push the range into position and ensure that the rear leveling foot properly engages with the anti-tip bracket so the range doesn’t fall forward when you open the oven door and pull out a loaded oven rack.
Symptoms common to all ranges
Repair guides common to all ranges
The oven door switch detects whether the oven door is closed and helps control the oven light. Replace the switch if it doesn’t control the oven light properly.
Oven door not locking? You can replace the lock assembly in less than 30 minutes. Here's how.
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