How to Replace a Bake Element in a Kenmore Range Oven

Kenmore electric range ovens, sold by Sears, use top and bottom bake elements to cook food. Over time, these elements can wear out and eventually stop working. Since the bake element can be removed by extracting a pair of screws, it is much less expensive to remove the element and replace it than scheduling a service technician for repairs. Sears carries a broad line of replacement parts in stores and online, so buying the correct element is a simple matter of checking the model number on the range.

Things You'll Need

• Phillips head screwdriver
• Electrical tape

Instructions

1. Write down the model and serial numbers on the Kenmore, which will typically be found printed on a metal plate bolted to the inside of the range door or on the back panel of the appliance near the top. The numbers are needed to identify the correct replacement part.

2. Unplug the range from the electricity source, then open the door.

3. Remove the wire cooking shelves from inside the range.

4. Remove the retainer screw on each side of the element where it attaches at two points to the inside back of the range.

5. Pull gently on the element to extract the part from the back of the range, then disconnect the element from the two wires by pulling the connector clips straight off. Do not let the clips or wires fall back inside the range or become lost in the insulation behind the back wall of the appliance--use a short piece of electrical tape to hold each wire temporarily against the inside wall of the range.

6. Attach the wires to the two metal contacts on the new element, and push each contact back into its mounting hole inside the range. Secure the element with the two screws.

7. Plug in the power cord, and test the operation of the range by dialing the thermostat knob on the control panel to verify that the element heats up.

Tips & Warnings

• Always unplug appliances from the electricity before replacing parts. Do not depend on the on/off switch for safety when making repairs.

References

• Appliance 411: Replace an Oven Element
• Sears: Parts Direct