Symptoms
- Broil element works fine but bake element stays dark
- Visible crack, blister, or split in the element coil
- Oven never reaches temperature on bake mode
- A spark or small flash was seen before it stopped working
Likely causes
- CommonBurned-out bake elementElements wear out after years of heating cycles and often show a visible break or blister at failure.
- PossibleLoose or corroded wire connection at the element terminalsA poor connection can prevent power from reaching an otherwise good element.
- PossibleFailed bake element relay on the control boardIf the element tests fine but never gets power, the relay controlling it may have failed.
- Less commonBlown thermal fuse cutting power to the element circuitA safety fuse tripped by a prior overheat event will block power to the element until replaced.
What to do
- Turn off and unplug the oven, or shut off its breaker, before touching the element.
- Open the oven and visually inspect the bake element for any visible crack, blister, or split, which confirms failure.
- If no damage is visible, unplug the element's connectors at the back and test continuity with a multimeter.
- Replace the element if it shows no continuity or visible damage; most slide out after removing a couple of screws.
- Check the wire terminals for corrosion or looseness while the element is out.
- Reinstall the new element, reconnect terminals securely, and restore power to test.
- If a good element still doesn't glow, have a technician check the relay on the control board.
Tools and parts
- Multimeter
- Screwdriver
Oven bake elementSearch: “oven bake element replacement”
When to call a pro
If a replaced element still doesn't glow, have a technician test the control board relay powering the bake circuit.
Safety
Use caution
Always unplug the oven or shut off its breaker before touching or removing a heating element; elements carry high voltage.