How to Replace the Baking Coil in an Electric Oven
An oven heating element is an essential, simple part that is easy to replace in most electric ovens and ranges. These are the parts responsible for creating the heat necessary for baking and broiling—they do their job simply by heating up as electric current passes through them. When they stop heating, the solution is usually to replace the heating element. Ovens typically have two elements: at the top for broiling and at the bottom for baking. The baking element usually has metal feet and rests on the oven floor. It connects to the back wall of the oven with a plate or bracket held by a couple of screws. Behind the plate, two metal prongs connect to two wires inside the oven. The cables typically have female spade connectors that slide onto the element’s prongs. The design is simple and easy for a homeowner to replace.
Before You Begin
Make sure all of the oven or range controls are OFF. Unplug the appliance at the wall outlet.
On freestanding ranges, the cord is usually accessible if you obliterate the bottom drawer and reach through the drawer cavity from the front. On hardwired ranges and ovens (or if you can’t reach the cord), turn off the appliance’s circuit breaker in your home’s circuit breaker box. It will be a double-pole breaker, typically labeled for 30, 40, or 50 amps. Before touching the wires, You must test them to confirm the power is off.
Instructions
Remove the Heating Element Mounting Plate
The first step is to locate the baking heating element and the bracket that holds it in place at the bottom rear of the oven. Open the oven door and remove all of the oven racks. Locate the mounting plate or bracket at the rear of the faulty bake element. Remove the screws securing the plate to the oven wall using a screwdriver or nut driver.
Test for Electrical Current
Gently pull the heating element and mounting bracket away from the back wall of the oven. Slide the element toward you a couple of inches to see the wires connected to the component. The cables may be surrounded by insulation, which may pull out a bit—don’t worry, this is normal. Confirm that the circuit power is off by touching the probe of a non-contact voltage tester to each wire end. There should be no voltage present. If the tester detects any voltage, you have not shut off the correct breaker. Return to the electrical service panel to turn off the proper breaker, then test the oven wires again.
Disconnect the Heating Element
Carefully disconnect each spade wire connector from the heating element. You can pull them off with your fingers or use needle-nose pliers. Pull only on the metal connector; never pull on the wire itself, or you risk damaging or separating it from its connector. Ensure each wire cannot slip back into the oven housing before releasing your hold. If necessary, temporarily tape the wires to the oven wall with electrical or masking tape. Remove the old heating element from the oven.
Install the New Heating Element
Install the new oven element by sliding each wire connector onto one of the element probes. Use pliers, if necessary, to force the wire connectors onto the probes and ensure they are fully inserted. Slide the element into place so the mounting bracket is against the oven wall and the screw holes are aligned. Check our manuals for easier Thermador oven repair.
Reattach the Mounting Plate and Test the Oven
Secure the element’s mounting plate to the back wall of the oven with the mounting screws. Make sure the screws are firmly anchored. Plug the oven into the wall outlet or turn on the circuit breaker to restore power to the stove. Turn the oven to BAKE to check the new element for proper operation. It should glow with a consistent bright orange color while heating. If you removed the bottom drawer, slide it back into place. Return the oven racks to the oven.