How to Fix an Electric-Range Element

Has one burner on your electric stove suddenly stopped burning? Don't worry. Usually this is a problem you can solve quickly, once you've used the process of elimination to figure out what's wrong. One safety note--always unplug the stove between each repair step to avoid shock.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Masking Tape And Pen
• Wire Cutters
• Wire Nuts
• Wire Strippers
• Flathead Screwdriver
• Replacement Parts

Identifying the problem

1. Inspect the faulty element to determine whether it plugs into a receptacle, as most do, or is wired directly. If it plugs in, move on to step 2. It the element is direct-wired, move on to step 4.
2. Remove the plug-in element and inspect the prongs: Lift up the front of the element, then pull the element straight out (see illustration). Check to see if the prongs are burned, pitted or otherwise damaged. If they are, you'll need to replace the element and the receptacle.
3. If the prongs are clean, test the element: First reinstall it in the receptacle and turn on the burner--sometimes an element just needs to be reseated to work right. If it still doesn't heat, turn off the burner, exchange the element with another of the same size and test. If the burner works now, the original element needs to be replaced.
4. If the element is direct-wired, lift the front of the element and pull it out until you see a white porcelain insulator with clips on each side.
5. Open the insulator. Wedge a flathead screwdriver under the side of one clip and gently pry. This will pop the clip off. Repeat to remove the other clip. Then separate the two halves of the insulator.
6. Remove the screws that hold the element to its wiring, using a screwdriver. Exchange the element for another of the same size. Reassemble both elements so no bare wires are left exposed, then turn on the burner. If the new element works, the original one needs to be replaced.

Replacing an element

7. Take the faulty element to a hardware or appliance store and buy a replacement.
8. Install the new element in the stove. For a plug-in element, just plug it into the receptacle. For a direct-wired element, screw the new element to its wiring, reassemble the two halves of the porcelain insulator, and snap the clips in place.
9. Test the element to make sure it's operating.

Replacing a receptacle

10. Disconnect the old receptacle. If it is screwed to the cooktop, use a screwdriver to disconnect it. If it is held in place by a spring steel clamp, spread the clamp and pull out the receptacle.
11. Lift the cooktop so you can access the receptacle wiring. On some stoves, you just need to lift the corners to raise the cooktop; on others, you have to push the top backward first, then lift. Prop the top open, using the brace that is attached to the inside of the cooktop.
12. Remove the receptacle. Wrap the wires with masking tape and label them so you can install the new receptacle correctly, then cut the wires. Take the receptacle to a hardware or appliance store to get a replacement.
13. Install the new receptacle. Strip the ends of the wires with a wire stripper, then twist the wires together and twist on wire nuts to hold them together. Reinstall the receptacle in the cooktop and install the element.

Tips & Warnings

• If these steps don't identify your problem, ask a professional to check the surface switch that controls the faulty element. Occasionally it can go bad.
• If the entire stove won't work and the power is on, check the stove fuse. It may be near the surface controls or under the cooktop.
• Always unplug your stove between each repair step to protect yourself from accidental shock.

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