How to replace a range hidden bake element

Electric ovens and ranges typically have 2 house fuses or a double breaker, one for each 120-volt leg of the 240-volt power. To prevent electrical shock and damage to the control board, remove both fuses or shut off both breakers (if a clip connects the double breakers, shutting off one should shut off both).

Remove the oven racks.

If the bake element is hidden under a bottom panel, remove the thumb screws that hold the panel in place. If a screw is stuck, use a slot screwdriver to free it.

Lift the back of the panel slightly and push back to release the bottom oven panel from the retaining lip. Push down on a front corner of the bottom panel so it tips enough that you can grasp it. Work the bottom oven panel up and out of the oven. Remove the thumb screws holding the bottom panel in place.

To detach the bake element, use a 1/4-inch nut driver to remove 2 screws in the bottom base of the oven and 2 screws at the very back of the oven.

Carefully pull the bake element forward until you can reach the wires attached to the back of it.  Use needle-nose pliers to 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 must pull the oven out of the cabinet to retrieve them.

Remove the element from the oven and set it aside for disposal.

Connect the wires to the back of the new bake element. Push the female spade connectors onto the spades on the new bake element.  Push the female spade connectors until they are seated properly and fully connected.

Carefully push the leads of the bake element into the holes at the back of the oven.

Position the mounting brackets so the screw holes line up. Insert and firmly tighten the mounting screws.

Work the bottom panel into place. Make sure the bottom oven panel is properly positioned under the retaining lip. Line up the thumb screw holes at the back of the bottom oven panel. Insert the thumb screws and tighten them by hand.

Slide the racks back into the oven.

Switch on the circuit breakers or reconnect the fuses.