What are the most common stove parts to replace?
On the Whirlpool RF387LXGN0 electric range, the most commonly replaced parts are the heating and wear items: oven bake and broil elements, surface element controls, and oven light components. These parts take the most heat and handling, so they fail first when performance drops.
These are the parts we see replaced most often on electric ranges like the RF387LXGN0, and several are available for this model:
- Bake element (oven not heating evenly or not heating at all): bake element WPW10308477
- Broiler element (no broil heat, weak broil): broiler element W10856603
- Surface element control switch (burner stuck on, won’t turn on, heat is erratic): range surface element control switch WP3148952
- Oven light bulb (light out, bulb burned out): light bulb 8009
- Oven light lens (lens cracked, won’t stay in place): light lens WP3196068
- Oven door gasket (heat leaking, longer preheat, uneven baking): door gasket W11542153
| Symptom | Most likely part to check first | What you’ll notice |
|---|---|---|
| Oven won’t bake | Bake element | No glow/heat from lower element area |
| Broil won’t work | Broiler element | Top heat missing, poor browning |
| Surface burner won’t regulate | Surface element control switch | Only high heat, no heat, or cycling wrong |
| Oven light doesn’t work | Light bulb or light lens | Bulb dark, lens damaged or loose |
| Oven seems to lose heat | Door gasket | Hot air escaping around door edges |
High-heat components and frequently handled items wear out first. Elements can burn open over time, switches can arc internally from repeated cycling, and door gaskets compress or tear from heat and door use.
- Confirm the symptom in Bake and Broil separately.
- Turn power off at the breaker before inspecting wiring or elements.
- Look for visible damage: blisters, cracks, separated terminals, or scorch marks.
- Use the troubleshooting and maintenance sections in the owner's manual to match symptoms to checks.
- Order parts from the list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect if you need a part not shown.
Last updated: February 2026
Where can I find my Whirlpool range part number?
On your Whirlpool RF387LXGN0 electric range, the most reliable way to get the correct part number is to first find the model and serial number on the appliance ID label, then match parts using the model-based parts list and diagrams. The RF387LXGN0 owner's manual also explains where to look for identification information.
Check these common locations on freestanding electric ranges like the RF387LXGN0:
- Around the oven door frame (open the oven door and look along the frame)
- On the storage drawer frame (pull the drawer out and look on the frame or side rails)
- Behind the control panel area (less common, but possible)
- On the back panel (you may need a flashlight)
Once you have the model number (RF387LXGN0) and serial number:
- Use the model number to select the correct section (oven, cooktop, control panel, door)
- Find the part on the exploded-view diagram
- Match the diagram reference to the parts list entry
- Confirm the part name and part number before ordering
If you are identifying a common replacement part, these are examples available for this model:
| What you are replacing | Example part name | Part ID |
|---|---|---|
| Oven not baking evenly or not heating | Bake element | WPW10308477 |
| Oven light not working | Light bulb | 8009 |
| Surface burner won’t regulate heat | Range surface element control switch | WP3148952 |
Whirlpool often uses similar-looking parts across different ranges, but wiring, mounting, and wattage can vary by model and serial range. Using the exact model and serial from the ID label prevents ordering a part that does not fit or perform correctly.
We recommend ordering by model number first, then selecting the exact part from the model’s parts list. If you need to search beyond the parts shown for RF387LXGN0, you can also search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the lifespan of a Whirlpool stove?
A Whirlpool electric range like model RF387LXGN0 typically lasts 13 years with normal household use. Regular cleaning, correct cookware, and fixing small heating or control issues early help you reach (and often exceed) that expected service life.
Most ranges land in a fairly tight window; what changes the outcome is heat stress, cleaning habits, and how quickly worn parts are replaced.
- Heavy daily cooking and frequent self-clean cycles can shorten life
- Spills that bake onto elements and switches can cause overheating and failures
- Loose wiring connections can create intermittent heat and premature part wear
- Slamming the oven door can damage hinges, glass, and the door seal
- Replacing common wear parts on time keeps the range reliable
If your oven stops heating evenly or takes too long to preheat, these are the first parts we check on this Whirlpool electric range:
- Bake element WPW10308477
- Broiler element W10856603
- Range surface element control switch WP3148952
- Light bulb 8009
- Door gasket W11542153
Use this as a practical decision tool when you are weighing a repair.
| Situation | What it usually means | Typical next step |
|---|---|---|
| Oven will not heat or heats unevenly | Failed bake element or wiring issue | Test and replace bake element if open |
| Broil does not work | Failed broil element | Replace broil element |
| Burner stays on or will not heat | Bad surface element switch | Replace control switch |
| Heat escapes, long preheat, poor baking | Worn door gasket | Replace door gasket |
A range that is sealed well and heats correctly runs cooler at the controls, cycles more accurately, and puts less strain on electrical components. That directly improves cooking results and helps your Whirlpool range reach its full lifespan.
For model-specific operating, cleaning, and troubleshooting steps (including safe use of the self-clean cycle), use the RF387LXGN0 owner's manual. For parts purchasing beyond the list shown for this model, search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026




