A malfunctioning oven can be a major inconvenience, especially when both the bake and broil elements stop working. This means that neither the bottom nor the top heating element is producing enough heat to cook your food. This issue can hinder your cooking routine and leave you wondering what to do next.
Before you rush to replace your oven, it’s essential to understand why both oven elements not working and what are the steps to troubleshoot the oven heating element. Without further ado let’s get started!
Key Takeaway
What are the Oven Heating Elements and How Do They Work?
The oven elements are the coils of metal that heat up and glow red when you turn on your oven. They are located at the top and bottom of your oven’s interior.
The top element is called the broil element and it is used for high-temperature cooking, such as broiling or grilling. The bottom element is called the bake element and it is used for low-temperature cooking, such as baking or roasting.
The oven elements work by receiving electrical signals from the oven’s control board, which regulates the temperature and the cooking mode. The control board also communicates with the temperature sensor, which monitors the oven’s internal temperature and sends feedback to the control board.
The oven heating element not working is a common issue that can cause a lot of headaches. Stay tuned with us if you’re facing such hazards.
How to Test Both the Bake and Broil Elements
The first thing you need to do is to test the bake and broil elements. Thus, you can be sure about the problem of the broil and bake element not working. You will need a multimeter, a screwdriver, and some safety precautions.
Here are the steps to follow:
- Unplug the oven from the power source and wait for it to cool down completely.
- Remove the oven racks and the back panel of the oven.
- Locate the bake and broil elements. They are usually metal tubes that are attached to the oven wall with screws and wires.
- Disconnect the wires from the elements and label them for later reconnection.
- Set your multimeter to the lowest resistance setting (ohms) and touch the probes to the terminals of each element. A good element should have a resistance of about 15 to 45 ohms. If the multimeter shows no reading or a very high reading, the element is bad and needs to be replaced.
- If both elements have a normal resistance, the problem is not with the elements, but with another component of the oven.
What are the Possible Causes of Both Oven Elements Not Working?
If both the oven elements are not working, it means that they are not receiving the proper electrical signals from the control board or the power supply. There are several possible causes for this problem, such as:
A Tripped Circuit Breaker or A Blown Fuse
This can interrupt the power supply to your oven resulting oven not heating up. You can check the circuit breaker or the fuse box in your home and reset or replace them if needed.
A Faulty Temperature Sensor
This can cause the oven to overheat or underheat, resulting in uneven or insufficient cooking. You can test the temperature sensor with a multimeter to see if it has the correct resistance. If not, you may need to replace it with a new one.
A Damaged Selector Switch
This can prevent you from changing the oven settings and activating the oven elements. You can inspect the selector switch for any signs of wear and tear, such as cracks, burns, or loose connections. If you find any damage, you may need to replace the switch with a compatible one.
A Defective Oven Ignitor
This can affect the gas flow and the flame in a gas oven, making it unable to heat up the oven elements. You can check the oven ignitor for any cracks, breaks, or corrosion. If you see any, that could be a reason for the gas oven broiler not working problem.
A Malfunctioning Control Board
This can cause the oven to not respond to your commands and fail to send the correct signals to the oven elements. You can test the control board with a multimeter to see if it has the proper voltage. If not, you may need to replace the control board.
How to Fix Both Oven Elements Not Working?
Here are the steps you can take to troubleshoot and fix both oven elements not working problem:
- Turn off the power to your oven before you start working on it. This will prevent any electric shocks or injuries.
- Remove the oven racks and the oven door to access the oven elements. You may need a screwdriver to remove the screws that hold the elements in place.
- Inspect the oven elements for any visible damage, such as cracks, breaks, burns, or uneven glow.
If you find any, you may need to replace the elements with new ones that match your oven’s model and specifications.
- Test the oven elements with a multimeter to see if they have continuity. This means that they can conduct electricity without any interruptions.
- Reconnect the wires to the oven elements and reinstall them in the oven. Make sure they are securely attached and aligned. Replace the oven door and the oven racks.
- Turn on the power to your oven and test it to see if it heats up correctly. You can use an oven thermometer to check the accuracy of the temperature.
- If the oven works fine, you have successfully fixed the problem. If the oven still does not work, you may need to contact a professional oven repair service for further assistance.
Both oven elements not working can be a frustrating and inconvenient problem that can affect your cooking and baking. However, by following the steps we outlined in this blog post, you may be able to solve the problem yourself or with the help of a professional. Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions FAQs
How do I know if my oven element is bad?
You can tell if your oven element is bad by looking for signs of damage, such as cracks, breaks, burns, or uneven glows. You can also test the element with a multimeter to see if it has continuity.
How much does it cost to replace an oven element?
According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost of replacing an oven element ranges from $100 to $200, including labor and parts.
Can I use my oven if one element is not working?
It is not advisable to use your oven if one element is not working, as it may affect the cooking performance and the safety of the oven.
How long do oven elements last?
Generally, oven elements can last between 5 and 10 years, but they can also fail sooner or last longer.
Can I clean my oven elements?
You can clean your oven elements with a damp cloth or sponge, but you should avoid using any abrasive or corrosive cleaners, as they may damage the elements.
