Frigidaire Range Surface Element Won’t Heat? Here’s What to Do

Is your Frigidaire range surface element not working? Follow our guide to diagnose, repair, or replace faulty parts and get cooking again.

By
Kris Escueta
Kris Escueta
Kris Escueta
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Is your stove refusing to heat up, leaving you stuck with uncooked meals? A non-working surface element can be frustrating, but don’t let it ruin your dinner plans. The issue could be due to a burnt receptacle, a faulty element, or a failing infinite switch.

Before calling for repairs, try these troubleshooting steps to get your range working again.

What You’ll Need

  • ¼-inch nut driver
  • Multimeter

Safety First

Whenever working on an appliance, safety should come first. Follow these precautions to prevent injuries and avoid further damage to your stove:

  • Disconnect the power: Unplug the appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before performing any maintenance. This helps prevent electric shock.
  • Allow the stove to cool: If the appliance was recently used, give it enough time to cool down to avoid burns.
  • Work carefully and patiently: Rushing through repairs can lead to mistakes or injuries.
  • Use proper lighting: A well-lit workspace helps with visibility and access to parts.
  • Keep the area clear: Remove clutter, and keep children and pets away from the work zone.
  • Keep hands and workspace dry: Never handle internal components with wet hands.
  • Check the user manual: Some models have specific safety guidelines or installation instructions.
  • Handle parts gently: Applying excessive force could cause damage.
  • Wear protective gear: Use insulated gloves to protect against sharp edges and debris. Safety glasses or a dust mask may also help when dealing with dust or chemicals.
  • Be cautious with wires: Avoid touching exposed wires or terminals. Use non-conductive tools when necessary.
  • Use a multimeter safely: Never test live voltage if you’re unsure how to prevent short-circuiting.

How to Troubleshoot a Frigidaire Range Surface Element That Won’t Heat

Follow these steps to identify and fix the issue with your Frigidaire range surface element.

Step 1. Test Voltage at the Terminal Block

  1. Remove the terminal block cover using a 1/4-inch screwdriver.
  2. Inspect the wiring to confirm no wires are touching bare metal. If there are any, turn off the power and fix the issue before proceeding.
  3. Set the multimeter to Volts AC.
  4. Place one multimeter probe on the left terminal of the terminal block and the other probe on the center terminal. The expected reading is 120V AC.
  5. Move the left probe to the right terminal while keeping the other probe on the center terminal. The expected reading is 120V AC.
  6. Move the center probe to the left terminal. The expected reading is 240V AC.
  7. If the correct voltage is present, move to Step 2. If the voltage is incorrect, there may be a wiring or power supply issue.

Step 2. Access the Surface Element

  1. Lift the surface element straight up from the range.
  2. Pull the surface element out of the receptacle to expose the electrical connections.

Step 3. Test the Surface Element

  1. Turn off the power and unplug the range.
  2. Set the multimeter to the ohms (Ω) setting.
  3. Place one multimeter probe on one side of the surface element terminal.
  4. Place the other probe on the other side of the terminal.
  5. Check the resistance reading. The expected range for a large element is 20–35 ohms.
  6. If the resistance is outside the range or shows an “open line” (OL), the element is faulty and needs replacement.
  7. If the element is functional, move to Step 4.

Step 4. Test the Receptacle

  1. Lift the main top of the range to access the receptacle.
  2. Inspect the receptacle for damage, such as burning or corrosion.
  3. If the receptacle is damaged, replace it.
  4. Set the multimeter to Volts AC.
  5. Insert the meter probes into each side of the receptacle.
  6. Turn on the infinite switch by setting it to high.
  7. The expected voltage reading is 240V AC.
  8. If the correct voltage is present, the infinite switch is good, and the receptacle may have internal damage.
  9. If the voltage is incorrect, move to Step 5.

Step 5. Test the Infinite Switch

  1. Remove the six 1/4-inch screws securing the top panel at the back of the range.
  2. Locate the infinite switch for the faulty burner.
  3. Set the multimeter to Volts AC.
  4. Place one probe on the L1 terminal and the other on the L2. The expected reading is 240V AC.
  5. If there is no voltage, check for wiring issues between the terminal block and the infinite switch.
  6. If 240V AC is present, turn the switch on and test from H1 to H2 terminals.
  7. The expected voltage reading is 240V AC.
  8. If voltage is present, check the wiring between the switch and receptacle.
  9. If no voltage is present, replace the infinite switch.

How to Prevent Future Issues

Regular maintenance can help avoid heating problems and extend the life of your stove’s surface elements.

  • Clean the burners regularly: Grease and debris can interfere with proper heating. Wipe down the elements and surrounding area after each use.
  • Inspect for signs of wear: Check elements, receptacles, and wiring periodically for discoloration, burns, or loose connections.
  • Avoid overloading burners: Using heavy cookware or oversized pots can strain the elements and connections.
  • Use cookware with flat bottoms: Warped or uneven pans may cause uneven heating and put extra stress on the element.
  • Check the power source: Fluctuations in voltage can damage heating components. If your home has frequent electrical issues, consider using a surge protector for major appliances.
  • Follow manufacturer guidelines: Some ranges have specific recommendations for cleaning, maintenance, and part replacements.

When to Replace Instead of Repair

Some issues can be fixed with minor adjustments or part replacements, but in certain cases, replacing the appliance may be a better option.

  • Repeated failures: If the same element or other parts keep failing, it may indicate deeper electrical problems within the range.
  • Age of the appliance: Older ranges may not be worth repairing if they have frequent issues or if replacement parts are hard to find.
  • Cost of repairs vs. new unit: If repair costs approach or exceed half the price of a new stove, replacement may be a more cost-effective option.
  • Multiple parts need replacement: If both the element and control components have failed, replacing the entire appliance might be more practical.
  • Energy efficiency concerns: Newer models often have improved energy efficiency, which can reduce long-term electricity costs.

Next Steps

If your Frigidaire stove burner still won’t heat, even after following these steps, there’s a bigger problem at play. It could be a hidden wiring issue, a faulty control board, or just years of use catching up.

At some point, fixing the same problem over and over doesn’t make sense. If you keep replacing elements, switches, or other parts, it might be time to consider something new. A modern stove can help cut down on energy use and future headaches.

A quick part swap might still do the trick. Before making a decision, weigh the cost of repairs against getting a new appliance.