This DIY repair guide explains how to replace a radiant surface element in a ceramic glass cooktop on a range. Replace the radiant surface element with a manufacturer-approved replacement part if it's damaged or it doesn't heat even though it's receiving the right voltage through the surface element switch.
Use the steps shown in the repair guide and video to replace radiant surface elements in Kenmore, Frigidaire, Electrolux, Whirlpool, Maytag, Amana, GE, Samsung and LG ranges.
How to replace a range radiant surface 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 of the cabinet. If you pull out the range to unplug it, use cardboard under the range to protect the floor from scratches. - 02.
Open the cooktop
Open the oven door completely and remove the screws from the bottom front lip of the glass cooktop frame.
Carefully pull the cooktop assembly slightly forward to release the front lip of the glass cooktop frame from the front cabinet support bracket. Raise the front of the cooktop slightly to release the frame sides from the front support bracket then pull the cooktop forward to release the hinge tabs from the slots in the backguard.
Lift the front edge of the glass cooktop and prop it open.
Place the prop at the front of the range under the center of the cooktop’s front lip where it's steady, so the cooktop won't fall. Avoid damaging the oven cavity insulation when propping open the glass cooktop.
Tip: If you can't safely prop up the cooktop, take a digital photo of the wiring connections, unplug the wires from the elements, and then remove the cooktop from the range. Set the cooktop upside down on a padded surface and replace the radiant element.
Remove the cooktop screws.
Prop open the cooktop.
- 03.
Release the surface element
To release a front surface element:
Without disturbing the prop, carefully remove the screws from the front surface elements’ support bracket and lower the front elements and bracket onto the oven insulation.
To release a rear surface element, first release the front surface elements as just described and then continue with these steps:
Carefully remove the screws from the rear surface elements’ support bracket and lower the rear elements and bracket onto the oven insulation.
Carefully remove the prop and lift the ceramic glass cooktop assembly up and off the range so you have room to replace the rear surface element.
Tip: Hold the surface elements’ support bracket to keep it from falling as you remove the second screw or have a helper hold the bracket to prevent the elements and bracket from falling.
Remove the front bracket screws.
Pull off the front elements.
Pull off the back elements.
- 04.
Replace the surface element
Mark the mounting holes on the support bracket so you can reinstall the mounting clips in the same holes when you install the new element.
Using pliers, release the element’s mounting clips from the support bracket.
Transfer the wires one at a time from the existing surface element to the new surface element.
Transfer the surface element mounting clips from the existing surface element to the new surface element.
Attach the new element to the mounting bracket.
Mark the mounting holes.
Release the mounting clips.
Transfer the wires.
Transfer the mounting clips.
- 05.
Reattach the elements to the glass cooktop
If you’re replacing a front surface element, attach the front surface elements’ support bracket and elements to the cooktop.
If you’re replacing a rear surface element, place the cooktop on the top of the range and prop it up securely. Attach the rear surface elements’ support bracket and surface elements to the cooktop. Repeat the process to attach the front surface elements.
- 06.
Reattach the cooktop
Carefully remove the prop and lower the cooktop.
Tuck the front lip of the cooktop frame under the front cabinet support bracket and lower the sides of the cooktop frame over the ends of the front support bracket. Push the cooktop back, inserting the hinge tabs into the backguard slots.
Reinstall the mounting screws in the front lip of the cooktop frame.
Close the oven door.
- 07.
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.
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