Whirlpool oven element not working

Common reasons your Whirlpool oven element is not working

The most common reasons your Whirlpool oven element is not working are a bad control thermostat, cracked igniter or a broken bake element.

  • 35%

    35% of the time it's the
    Control Thermostat

  • 17%

    17% of the time it's the
    Igniter

  • 13%

    13% of the time it's the
    Bake Element

  • 35%

    35% of the time it's the
    Something else

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Most common repairs needed to fix a Whirlpool oven

Control Thermostat Replacement

If the control thermostat in an oven is bad, it may prevent the oven from heating properly or from heating at all, creating the perception of no power to the oven and resulting in an inability to cook food effectively. A faulty thermostat might also hinder the oven's ability to turn off, causing it to run continuously. If you suspect the control thermostat in your oven is bad, have a Sears Home Services professional address the issue and replace the part if necessary.

Igniter Replacement

When an oven igniter is faulty, it can prevent a burner from igniting, resulting in no heat from the bake or broil burners in the oven. A failed igniter could also cause difficulty in lighting the burner, requiring multiple attempts to achieve ignition. The igniter may emit a clicking sound without successfully lighting the gas, indicating a malfunction. In some cases, the igniter may not produce any visible spark at all. An igniter failure can lead to delayed ignition, causing a noticeable delay between turning the knob and the burner lighting.

Bake Element Replacement

A broken oven bake element will prevent the element from heating. In some cases, the bake element may show visible signs of damage, such as cracks, blisters, or burn marks. A failing element may exhibit an inability of the oven to reach or maintain the set temperature. You may notice uneven cooking or prolonged cooking times. If the element is severely damaged, it may cause sparking, smoking or odd noises during operation. Having a Sears Home Services professional address these symptoms promptly is essential to ensure consistent and effective baking performance in the oven.

How do I know if my oven element is bad?

examine-the-oven-element-for-damage-image

Inspect the oven element

First, unplug the range or shut off the house circuit breaker to completely disconnect electrical power to the range or oven.

Access the oven element if it’s a hidden bake element using the procedure shown in this video:

If the element is exposed, you’ll be able to inspect it without removing the bottom oven panel.

Check the oven element for cracks, pealing or damage.

Replace the element if it’s obviously damaged or broken.

If you need to have a service technician replace the oven element, schedule oven repair service and we’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to your home to install a new oven element.

measure-resistance-through-the-oven-element-image

Measure resistance through the oven element

With the range or oven still disconnected from electrical power, pull the oven remove the mounting screws and pull the element into the oven cavity or access the element wiring connections on the back of the range or oven.

Measure resistance through the element using a multimeter.

You should measure around 10 to 20 ohms through the element if it’s good.

If you measure infinite resistance through the element, it’s broken and needs to be replaced.

Troubleshooting an electric oven that isn’t heating

If the element seems to be okay, follow the steps in this popular and safe DIY troubleshooting video to determine the cause of the heating failure in your oven:

If you’re unable to find and fix the cause of the oven heating failure on your own, schedule repair service and we’ll send a technician to your home to fix the problem.

What to expect when you experience a Whirlpool oven element not working issue

How is the element not working problem fixed?

Correcting most element not working problems usually involves replacing the control thermostat, igniter or bake element. However, there are many potential causes, so a thorough diagnosis is key to a successful Whirlpool oven repair. An accurate diagnosis is essential to understanding how much the repair will be.

Sears Home Services recommendations for an oven element that is not working

When the oven element is not working it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts we recommend having a Sears Home Services professional perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of oven failures.

What to look out for with an oven element not working diagnosis

Diagnosing modern appliances without proper knowledge and training can be difficult. Without using proper diagnostic techniques, fixing your oven problem will only be achieved through changing parts on a hunch. Appliances, especially in the last 10 years, have become extremely advanced, and many models have electronic parts that are difficult to test. DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming increasingly difficult.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why isn’t the heating element in my Whirlpool oven working?
A faulty heating element, broken thermostat, or malfunctioning control board could prevent the oven from heating properly. Inspect these components for damage or faults.
Could a broken thermostat stop the heating element in my Whirlpool oven from working?
Yes, if the thermostat is malfunctioning, the heating element may not receive the signal to heat up. Replacing the thermostat should restore heating functionality.
How can I fix my Whirlpool oven if the heating element isn’t working?
Check the heating element and thermostat for faults. Replacing any damaged parts should restore proper heating.
What should I do if the heating element in my Whirlpool oven still isn’t working after replacing the thermostat?
If the element continues not to work, the control board or wiring may need professional inspection and repair.

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Glossary Terms

A thermocouple is a sensor used for measuring temperature, consisting of two different metal wires joined at one end, which generate a voltage proportional to temperature changes.

An oven bag is a heat-resistant, nylon or polyester bag designed for cooking a wide variety of foods in the oven, ensuring moist and flavorful meals by trapping moisture and flavor inside.

An oven rack is a removable shelving unit inside an oven that holds cookware, allowing air to circulate around the food for even cooking and baking.

A dishwasher sump is located at the bottom of the dishwasher, serving as a collection point for water during the wash cycle. It houses the main pump and filter, facilitating the recirculation and drainage of water, essential for the cleaning process.