Electric Range: Why doesn't my electric range's surface element heat properly?
A break or flaw in a heating coil can prevent the surface element from heating properly. If a portion of the element doesn't heat, replace the surface element.
Coil surface elements plug into a terminal block to get power. The element won't heat if the terminal block fails. You'll likely see the terminal block body melted when it fails. Check the terminal block and replace it if it's melted or damaged.
A faulty control switch or failed surface burner relay control board can also cause surface element heating problems. If a surface element heats evenly but you can't control the temperature using the surface element switch, replace the surface element switch. Replace the relay control board is it doesn't regulate the surface element to produce the heating level you set.
A broken temperature limiter on a radiant surface element may shut off the element too soon, preventing the surface element from reaching the desired temperature. If the element cycles on and off frequently and doesn't reach the proper temperature when you choose the high setting, replace the surface element temperature limiter. The thermal limiter is sometimes included with the radiant surface element so replace the radiant surface element if the thermal limiter isn't available separately from the radiant surface element.
THESE REPAIRS MAY HELP SOLVE YOUR ELECTRIC RANGE PROBLEM
Replace the range radiant surface element
The radiant surface element is mounted on the underside of a ceramic glass cooktop. Replace the element if it fails to heat or has a faulty limiter.
Range radiant surface element
How to replace a range radiant surface element
A range radiant surface element not getting hot could mean the element has failed. This DIY repair guide gives step-by-step instructions for replacing the radiant element in less than 45 minutes.
Replace the range 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 an infinite burner switch) and sits above a drip pan. It provides the heat for that location on the cooktop. Replace the coil surface element if it's physically damaged or won't heat.
Range coil surface element
How to replace a range coil surface element
Learn how to replace a coil surface element on an electric range or cooktop at Sears PartsDirect. Find which tools and parts are needed, step-by-step instructions and more.
Replace the range surface element switch
The surface element switch (also called a surface burner switch or infinite burner switch) is used to turn on the heating elements on an electric cooktop. If the switch's electrical contacts fail, the switch might not turn the surface burner on or off, or it might not control the heat level of the burner.
Range surface element switch
How to replace a range surface element control switch
There are three signs that the range surface element control switch needs replacing: you can’t turn the element on, you can’t turn it off or you can’t change how hot it is. This DIY repair guide has step-by-step instructions for replacing the surface element control switch in less than 30 minutes.
Replace the range relay control board
Some ranges have a relay control board that's separate from electronic control board. The relay board has electrical relays that control voltage going to major loads such as the bake element or a surface element, based on signals from the control board. Replace the relay control board if it fails to properly control voltage to a component.
Range relay control board
How to replace a range relay control board
Is the range surface element not heating or the oven not heating–or both? The relay control board could be at fault. This DIY repair guide shows how to easily replace the range relay control board.
Replace the range temperature limiter on a radiant surface element
The radiant surface element has a limit switch that shuts off the element to protect the ceramic glass cooktop from overheating. That limiter is included with the element on some radiant surface elements, while on others it can be replaced as a separate component. If a surface element fails to heat, or the limiter is not regulating the maximum temperature properly, replace it.
Range temperature limiter on a radiant surface element
How to replace a range radiant surface element
A range radiant surface element not getting hot could mean the element has failed. This DIY repair guide gives step-by-step instructions for replacing the radiant element in less than 45 minutes.
Replace the range solid surface disc heating element
A solid surface disc element is a solid metal surface element that's mounted on the top an electric cooktop or range for surface cooking. Ribbon heating coils under the solid metal disc transmit heat to the surface of the disc and then to the cookware. Replace the element if it doesn't heat up even when it's receiving power.
Range solid surface disc heating element
How to replace a range solid surface element
Has your range solid surface element stopped heating? This DIY repair guide gives easy-to-follow instructions on replacing the solid disc element in 30 minutes or less.
Replace the range surface element terminal block
The terminal block is the receptacle for the coil element prongs on the underside of the cooktop next to the coil element opening. If the terminal block shorts, melts, or is otherwise damaged, it should be replaced.
Range surface element terminal block
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