If your Frigidaire oven isn’t heating properly, you might need to replace the heating element. Learning how to replace heating element in Frigidaire oven is a common DIY repair that can save you time and money. This guide will walk you through the entire process, from diagnosis to the final test, with clear, step-by-step instructions.
Before you start, know that working with appliances involves electricity. Safety is the absolute top priority. We’ll cover all the precautions you need to take. With the right tools and a bit of patience, you can often get your oven baking and broiling like new in under an hour.
How To Replace Heating Element In Frigidaire Oven
This main section details the full replacement procedure. Follow each step in order to ensure a safe and successful repair.
Safety First: Essential Precautions
Never skip these steps. A mistake here can lead to serious injury or damage.
- Disconnect the Power: Go to your home’s main circuit breaker panel and turn off the power to the oven. For electric ovens, switch off the double-pole 40-amp breaker. For gas ovens with electric ignition, a 15-amp breaker is typical. Do not rely on the oven’s control panel to cut power.
- Verify the Power is Off: Use a non-contact voltage tester at the oven’s terminal block or inside the back panel to double-check that no current is present.
- Let the Oven Cool: Ensure the oven and the broiler element are completely cool to the touch before starting.
- Gather Your Tools: You’ll typically need a screwdriver set (Phillips and flathead), a nut driver or socket set (often 1/4″ or 5/16″), needle-nose pliers, and work gloves.
Identifying the Faulty Element
Ovens have two main heating elements: the bake element (at the bottom) and the broil element (at the top).
- Bake Element Failure: The oven won’t heat for baking, but the broiler might still work.
- Broil Element Failure: The broiler function does not produce heat, but baking may work fine.
- Visual Check: Look for obvious signs like blisters, cracks, or breaks in the element’s metal tube. A slight glow during operation is normal, but a bright, localized hotspot often indicates failure.
- Resistance Test: For a definitive check, use a multimeter. Disconnect the element’s wires and set the multimeter to ohms (Ω). Touch the probes to the two element terminals. A good element will show continuity, typically between 20-40 ohms. A reading of infinity (OL) means it’s broken and needs replacing.
Finding the Correct Replacement Part
Using the right part is crucial. The easiest way is to find your oven’s model number.
- Locate the model number sticker. It’s usually inside the door frame, on the back wall of the oven, or on the frame when you open the broiler drawer.
- Search for this model number on the Frigidaire website or a reputable appliance parts retailer. This will lead you to the exact bake or broil element compatable with your oven.
- You can also take the old element with you to a local appliance parts store for matching.
Step-by-Step Replacement Guide
Now, let’s get into the actual repair. These steps are generally the same for both bake and broil elements.
Step 1: Access the Heating Element
Open the oven door. For the bake element, you’ll see it mounted at the bottom of the oven cavity. For the broil element, look at the top ceiling of the oven. Some models have a cover plate over the broil element that may need to be removed first.
Step 2: Remove the Old Element
- Gently pull the oven door open all the way. Some doors are removable, but it’s usually not necessary for this repair.
- Locate the two mounting brackets, one on each end of the element, where it attaches to the oven wall.
- You’ll see one screw holding each bracket. Using the appropriate screwdriver or nut driver, remove these two screws. They may be a bit tight.
- Carefully pull the element forward and down, just enough to access the wires connected to its back terminals.
Step 3: Disconnect the Wires
This is a critical step. Take a picture with your phone first to remember the wire placement. Each terminal will have a wire attached.
- Depending on the connection type, you may need to unscrew a small screw holding the spade connector, or simply pull the wire harness plug off the terminal.
- Use needle-nose pliers if a connector is stubborn, but pull on the connector itself, not the wire. Wiggle it gently side-to-side to loosen it.
- Once both wires are free, you can fully remove the old element from the oven.
Step 4: Install the New Heating Element
- Position the new element in place, feeding its terminals through the holes in the oven back.
- Reconnect the wires to the correct terminals, matching your earlier photo. Ensure each connection is snug and secure; a loose connection can cause arcing and damage.
- Carefully tuck the wires back into the cavity, making sure they are not touching the element or any sharp edges.
- Lift the element into its mounted position and secure it by reinstalling the two screws at the mounting brackets. Tighten them firmly, but avoid over-tightening which can strip the threads.
Step 5: Restore Power and Test
- Close the oven door.
- Go back to the circuit breaker and restore power to the oven.
- Turn on the oven to a normal baking temperature, like 350°F. Set a timer for 2-3 minutes.
- Observe the new element. It should begin to glow a steady, orange-red color within a few minutes. If it glows evenly, congratulations, the repair is successful!
- Run the oven through a full bake cycle to burn off any manufacturing residues. A little smoke or odor is normal for this first use.
What If the New Element Doesn’t Work?
If the element doesn’t heat up, don’t panic. Double-check a few things.
- Re-verify the power is on at the breaker.
- Ensure the oven controls are set correctly (e.g., not set to “Clean” or “Delay Start”).
- Turn the power off again and re-check your wire connections. Make sure they are fully seated on the clean terminal posts.
- It’s possible, though less common, that the issue is with the oven’s thermal fuse, control board, or thermostat. If you’ve checked everything, you may need to consult a professional for further diagnosis.
Maintenance Tips to Extend Element Life
Taking good care of your oven can help prevent future problems.
- Avoid slamming the oven door, as vibrations can damage the delicate coils inside the element tubes.
- Clean spills and food debris promptly. Acidic or sugary spills can corrode the element’s metal sheath over time.
- Do not use the oven as extra storage space. Pots and pans can bump into and damage the elements.
- Never line the bottom of the oven with foil, as it can block heat circulation and cause reflective heat damage.
FAQ Section
How much does it cost to replace an oven heating element?
The part itself typically costs between $30 and $80, depending on your oven model. If you hire a professional, total cost including labor can range from $150 to $300.
Can I replace a Frigidaire oven heating element myself?
Yes, most homeowners with basic DIY skills can complete this repair safely by following the steps above and prioritizing electrical safety by disconnecting power at the breaker.
How long should an oven heating element last?
With normal use, a quality heating element should last 5 to 10 years. Frequent high-heat use (like broiling) or accidental physical damage can shorten its lifespan.
Is it safe to use the oven if the element is broken?
No. A broken element can cause electrical shorts, uneven heating, and may even damage the oven’s control system. It’s best to replace it as soon as you notice the problem.
Why did my new oven element burn out quickly?
Rapid failure can point to other issues, like a faulty relay on the control board sending too much power, a short in the wiring, or a defective thermostat. If a second element fails quickly, have the oven inspected.
Do I need to recalibrate my oven after replacing the element?
Usually not. The element is just the heat source. However, it’s a good idea to use an oven thermometer to check the temperature accuracy after any repair. If the temperature is off, you may need to look into the oven’s calibration settings or thermostat.
Replacing the heating element in your Frigidaire oven is a straightforward task when you take it step by step. Remember the key points: always disconnect the power, find the correct model number for the part, and make secure wire connections. With this repair completed, you can get back to your normal cooking routine without the expense of a service call. Just take your time and focus on safety throughout the process.