Frigidaire Oven Heating Element Replacement: How to Safely Replace It Like a Pro
We've all been there: you're halfway through cooking dinner, and suddenly your oven stops heating. Your perfectly planned meal is now half-cooked and cold. If you're frustrated by your Frigidaire oven not heating up properly, the culprit is likely a faulty heating element. But don't worry! This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about safely replacing the heating element in your Frigidaire oven like a pro.
Understanding the Heating Element
What Exactly Is an Oven Heating Element?
The heating element is essentially the heartbeat of your oven. It's the metal coil inside that glows red-hot when turned on, converting electricity into heat. Without this crucial component, your oven can't heat, let alone cook food properly.
Electric ovens typically have two heating elements:
- Bake Element (at the bottom)
- Broil Element (at the top)
Both have unique roles depending on your cooking setting. If either element fails, your cooking will suffer significantly.
Heating elements are made from durable alloys that withstand extreme heat, but over time, they wear out, causing uneven cooking or complete heating failure.
Common Reasons Heating Elements Fail
Heating elements typically fail due to:
- Age: Normal wear and tear eventually leads to failure.
- Power Surges: Sudden electrical spikes can damage the element.
- Food Spills: Continuous spills may lead to corrosion and short circuits.
- Poor Maintenance: Accumulated dirt and grime cause overheating or cracking.
Symptoms of a Faulty Heating Element
Watch for these signs that your heating element is failing:
- Element doesn't glow red when activated.
- Visible cracks, burns, or blistering.
- Uneven or slow heating.
- Frequent tripping of circuit breakers.
Confirming the Heating Element Is the Problem
Before ordering a replacement, verify the heating element is indeed the issue:
- Visual Inspection: Look closely for cracks, burns, or damage.
- Multimeter Test: Disconnect the oven, then measure resistance between terminals. A good element typically reads 10–50 ohms; infinite resistance means it's faulty.
- Activation Test: Turn on the oven briefly and see if the element glows evenly. Dark or cold spots indicate failure.
Tools and Materials You'll Need
Essential Toolkit
Before starting, gather these items:
- Replacement Frigidaire oven heating element (verify compatibility)
- Phillips screwdriver
- Flathead screwdriver (optional)
- Nut driver or socket wrench
- Multimeter
- Flashlight
- Safety gloves and goggles
These tools can be found at your local hardware store or online.
Safety Precautions Before Starting
Ovens run on electricity, so safety is critical. Always:
- Disconnect power by unplugging the oven or turning off the circuit breaker.
- Wear gloves to protect your hands.
- Ensure you're working in dry conditions.
- Avoid touching exposed wires.
- Use insulated tools whenever possible.
A few precautions now will prevent potential injuries later.
Step-by-Step Replacement Guide
Step 1: Power Off and Remove Oven Racks
First, disconnect power. Then open the oven door and remove all racks to give yourself ample workspace.
Step 2: Remove the Old Heating Element
Locate the heating element, typically at the oven's bottom rear:
- Remove Mounting Screws: Unscrew the element from the back wall.
- Pull Out Gently: Slide the element out slightly to reveal wire connections.
- Disconnect Wires: Carefully remove wires from the terminals, using pliers if needed.
- Secure Wires: Tape wires to the oven wall temporarily to prevent slipping behind.
Inspect wires and terminals for corrosion; replace damaged components if necessary.
Step 3: Install the New Heating Element
Now install your new, model-compatible element:
- Reconnect Wires: Attach wires firmly onto the terminals of the new element.
- Align and Secure Element: Slide the new element into position, ensuring terminals fit into their designated holes. Reattach using the original screws.
- Remove Tape: Remove any tape securing wires once the element is fixed.
You're almost done!
Step 4: Reassemble and Test the Oven
Finalize your installation:
- Replace Oven Racks: Slide racks back into position.
- Restore Power: Plug in or flip the breaker to reactivate your oven.
- Test the Element: Set oven to 350°F and observe. Within a minute, the element should glow evenly.
A slight odor from the new element initially is normal, but if strong or persistent, double-check your installation.
Choosing the Correct Replacement Part
Matching Model Numbers
Find your Frigidaire oven's model number here:
- Inside the oven door
- Behind the bottom drawer
- On the back of the appliance
Use this number to purchase the exact replacement heating element, confirming shape, length, and terminal compatibility.
Where to Buy Genuine Parts
Recommended suppliers include:
- Frigidaire Official Website
- RepairClinic
- AppliancePartsPros
- Amazon or eBay (ensure seller credibility)
Opt for OEM parts for longevity and performance.
Troubleshooting Post-Installation
Oven Still Not Heating?
If problems persist:
- Verify wiring connections.
- Check circuit breakers.
- Test alternate settings (e.g., broil vs bake).
- Use multimeter to confirm element integrity.
If the issue remains unresolved, possible causes include:
- Faulty thermostat
- Defective control board
- Blown thermal fuse
At this point, professional assistance may be necessary.
When to Call a Professional
If DIY troubleshooting fails, call a qualified technician. Expect a diagnostic fee of approximately $80–$150. It's worthwhile to avoid unnecessary part replacements or further complications.
Oven Maintenance to Extend Element Life
Cleaning Tips
Regular maintenance significantly prolongs heating element lifespan. Best practices include:
- Avoid harsh chemicals: Use damp cloths for gentle cleaning.
- Immediately clean spills: Prevents residue from hardening and damaging elements.
- Limit self-cleaning cycles: Frequent use can stress heating elements.
- Oven liners: Use safe, vent-compatible liners to catch spills without blocking heat flow.
Avoid Common Mistakes
Avoid these frequent user errors:
- Overloading oven: Too much weight causes uneven heat distribution.
- Foil on oven bottom: Reflects heat, causing overheating and warping.
- Running oven empty: Leads to rapid heating, damaging elements.
- Opening door frequently during preheating: Causes elements to overwork.
Small changes in your habits can greatly extend the life of your heating element.
Costs of DIY vs. Professional Repair
DIY is cost-effective if you're comfortable handling repairs:
- DIY Cost: $20–$60 for parts, plus tools ($20–$40). Time: ~30–60 minutes.
- Professional Oven Repair: $100–$200 labor, plus $75–$100 service fee. Total: $175–$300+.
Unless there's a complex electrical issue, DIY replacement makes sense economically.
Repair or Replace the Oven?
Consider these factors:
- If your oven is older than 15 years and frequently malfunctioning, replacement may be wise.
- If repair costs exceed 50% of a new oven’s price, consider upgrading.
- For younger ovens with minimal issues, replacement of the element is sensible and budget-friendly.
FAQs About Oven Heating Elements
How Long Does a Heating Element Last?
Typically, 8–12 years with normal usage and proper maintenance.
Can I Use Generic Elements?
Possible, but OEM parts ensure compatibility, safety, and durability.
Is DIY Replacement Safe?
Yes, provided you follow proper electrical safety guidelines.
Why Did My Element Fail Suddenly?
Could be from a power surge, physical damage, or age.
What If the New Element Doesn't Heat?
Check installation, wiring, thermostat, and control board issues. Seek professional appliance repair help if necessary.
Final Thoughts on Replacing Your Frigidaire Oven Heating Element
Replacing your oven’s heating element is easier than you might think, even for beginners. With the right tools and this guide, you'll have your oven back to normal in no time—saving you money and hassle. Just remember: take your time, follow safety steps, and choose the right replacement part.
Happy cooking!