If you are having issues with one of your electric stove top elements not turning on or heating up, there are a few quick things to check before calling for service. In many cases, stove element problems can be easily fixed by the homeowner without the need for a professional repair.
Page Contents
Check the Power Supply
The first thing to check with a stove element that is not working is the power supply. Make sure the stove is plugged in and that the breaker controlling the stove circuit has not tripped. Unplug the stove and reset the breaker by turning it all the way off and then back on. Plug the stove back in and see if the element works now. Sometimes a tripped breaker is the simple cause of an element not heating up.
You should also check to make sure the wall outlet is receiving power. Plug in a small appliance like a lamp to verify the outlet is working as it should. If the outlet itself has no power, you will need to trace the issue back to the house circuit breaker or fuse box.
Inspect the Element Itself
Provided power is getting to the stove properly, the next item to inspect is the actual element itself. Pull the element out from the cooktop by gently lifting it upwards and outward. Look for any visible signs of damage like cracks, broken connectors or overheated wires. If damage is spotted, the entire burner element will need to be replaced.
While you have the element out, use a multimeter to check it for continuity. Set the multimeter to test resistance and place a probe on each of the element terminals. Healthy elements will show very little resistance, usually between 10 to 30 ohms. An open or damaged element will show no continuity at all. This means it needs a replacement element.
Check the Stove Wiring and Connections
With the element removed, check the condition of the wiring terminals it plugs into. Scrape off any built up grime or corrosion and make sure the electrical connections are tight and intact. Loose, broken or burned wiring can prevent power from reaching the element.
Likewise, inspect the wire harness that leads from the element terminals back into the stove. Make sure there are no pinched or chafed wires that may be cutting power off from the element. Electrical shorts in the stove wiring can cause elements to malfunction. Repair or replace any damaged wiring as needed.
Test the Stove Controls
The switch controls that operate the stove elements can also cause problems if they malfunction. To check if the controls are at fault, turn on the burner in question to see if it heats up at all. If the element remains completely cold, the issue points to a problem with the internal switch or control board not sending power to that burner.
You can further isolate the control issue by swapping the control knobs between burners. For example, turn on a working element using the suspect burner’s control knob. If the previously good element now fails to work, you know the problem is with the switch. However, if the burner still works, the issue lies with the faulty element or wiring instead.
Replace a Faulty Control Board
On electronically controlled stoves, a defective control board can prevent power from reaching the elements. Control boards operate the internal relays and send electricity to the burners when turned on. However, burned out control boards will fail to activate the relays needed for element operation.
If testing points to problems with the internal electronics, the stove control board will need to be replaced. On some models this is a simple plug-and-play repair. But on others, the control board may require reprogramming by a technician after replacement.
When to Call for Service
While many stove element issues can be resolved at home, there are times when professional service will be needed:
- If the problem cannot be isolated through testing at home
- For repair of a damaged control board or other internal electronics
- If wiring replacement or re-routing is required inside the unit
- For installation of a new burner element or switch
- If the malfunction keeps occurring even after replacements
- When there are other electrical operation issues with the appliance
Repairs involving internal stove wiring, electronics or calibrations are best handled by an authorized service technician. They have the knowledge, parts and tools to get your stove back to working order quickly and safely.
Preventing Future Element Failure
To help avoid stove element issues down the road, here are some useful maintenance tips:
- Clean elements regularly to prevent burned on debris shorting them out
- Avoid dropping heavy objects on the cooktop that can damage elements
- Replace worn out elements periodically before they fail completely
- Keep spills cleaned up that can seep under elements and cause shorts
- Avoid overheating elements for long periods of time
- Have wiring and connections checked by a technician during routine servicing
Carrying out preventive stove maintenance goes a long way towards adding years to the lifespan of your appliance. But even with proper care, elements will eventually fail and need replacement over time.
Stove Element Replacement Costs
When an element does cease functioning, replacement costs vary widely based on:
- Electric stove brand
- Specific burner element model
- Element type – single, double or triple ring
- Service call fees if done professionally
Element costs can range from as little as $20 to $150 or more depending on the above factors. Service call costs typically run $60 – $100 per hour for a technician to diagnose and replace the part.
Below are some examples of average replacement costs for some common electric range models:
| Stove Brand | Element Type | Part Cost | Service Cost | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GE | Single round element | $40 | $80 | $120 |
| Whirlpool | Large oval element | $55 | $100 | $155 |
| Frigidaire | Triple ring element | $125 | $100 | $225 |
| Bosch | Dual radiant element | $150 | $90 | $240 |
As you can see, total costs for a stove element replacement can vary widely but expect to pay $100 – $250 typically. The part itself may cost between $20 to $150 based on your model. Add about $60 – $100 per hour for a technician’s labor if you do not replace it yourself.
Conclusion
Troubleshooting common issues like elements not heating up can help solve many electric stove problems without the need for an expensive service call. In many cases, the cause is something simple like a tripped breaker or loose connection. But for internal faults or complex repairs, rely on the skills of a professional technician.