Is your oven struggling to broil and sear foods? Don’t let a faulty broil element ruin dinner. This crucial heating element at the top of your oven can stop working for various reasons. A burnt-out, damaged, or dirty broil element may no longer heat properly.
The issue could lie with defective wiring, a blown fuse, a bad thermostat, or a broken control board. By understanding common causes of broil element failure and troubleshooting smartly, you can get your oven back up to full broiling power again.
We’ll explore how to diagnose and fix a non-working oven broil element, using both DIY steps and professional repair help when needed.
Understanding the Broil Element
The broil element is a crucial part of an oven’s functionality. Knowing where it is located and how it operates can help you diagnose issues.
What is the Broil Element?
The broil element is a heating coil found at the top of the oven interior. It glows red when turned on. The broil element’s job is to produce intense heat for broiling and searing. Broiling uses high, direct heat to cook food. Without a working broil element, broiling and searing will not be possible in your oven.
Where is the Broil Element Located?
In most ovens, the broil element is right under the ceiling of the oven interior. It may run across the full width of the oven, or there may be two shorter broil elements near the top. The broil element is separate from the bake element at the bottom of the oven. It has its own controls.
How Does the Broil Element Work?
The broil element turns on when you select the broil setting on your oven. It heats up to high temperatures very quickly, which is needed for proper searing and broiling.
The broil element receives electricity from the oven’s thermostat and control board. It works together with the temperature sensor to maintain the right amount of heat.
Signs of a Faulty Broil Element
How can you tell if your oven’s broil element needs attention? Look for these signs of a faulty broil element.
Visual Indicators
Check the broil element with your eyes.
- Is it glowing red when turned on? If not, it could be burnt out.
- Does it look damaged or warped? That can mean it needs replacing.
- Is it excessively dirty? Built-up grime can affect heating performance.
Performance Issues
The broil element may look fine but still have problems.
- Is broiling taking much longer than normal?
- Are you getting uneven cooking results from the broiler?
- Does the element struggle to get hot enough?
These issues indicate potential problems with the broil element or related parts.
Common Reasons for Broil Element Failure
An oven’s broil element can stop working for many reasons. Knowing the most common causes can help you figure out why your oven’s broil element is not working right.
Burnt-Out Broil Element
Have you noticed your broil element looking worn out or bent? Does it show signs of damage? If so, your broil element may just be burnt-out and need replacing.
Broil elements heat up red-hot over and over during use. This can cause them to wear out over time. Signs of a burnt-out broil element:
- Visibly damaged or sagging
- Sections are dark or don’t glow red when on
- Takes much longer to heat up
Take a good look at the broil element next time the oven is cold. This will help you spot any damage.
Faulty Wiring or Connections
For the broil element to work, it needs proper electrical connections. Are the wires damaged? Do they wiggle loose? This can stop power from reaching the broil element.
Some wire and connection issues to look for:
- Loose or burnt wire connections
- Visibly damaged or melted wires
- Wires that move too easily when handled
Use care when checking wiring. Turn off the power first to avoid shocks.
Malfunctioning Oven Control Board
The oven’s control board controls power to the broil element. If it malfunctions, it can’t send electricity through. This will stop the broil element from working.
Signs of a faulty control board:
- The oven or its lights don’t come on at all
- Some components work, while others, like the broil element, don’t
The control board uses complex circuits. Only a professional can really test and fix it.
Defective Temperature Sensor
Your oven has a temperature sensor that monitors heat. It tells the control board when to turn the broil element on and off while cooking. If this sensor fails, the control board won’t know when to power the broil element. Signs of a bad sensor:
- The oven takes very long to preheat
- The oven temperature is way off from what you set
Do any of these issues sound familiar in your oven? If so, the temperature sensor may need replacement.
Blown Thermal Fuse
Your oven has a built-in thermal fuse. This safety device stops power from flowing if the oven overheats. If the thermal fuse blows, it cuts off electricity to the broil element. Some reasons why it may blow:
- The oven’s ventilation fans aren’t working
- The temperature sensor has failed
- There are too many spills or deposits inside the oven
When the fuse blows, no power can reach the broil element until the fuse is replaced.
Power Supply Issues
Electricity problems can also stop the broil element from working correctly. Check these things:
- Tripped breaker or blown fuse for the oven
- Flickering lights when the oven is on – could signal low-voltage
Steady voltage is needed for the broil element to heat up correctly. Have an electrician check your electrical system to see if the power supply seems unstable.
Troubleshooting Steps
Got an oven broil element not working right? Don’t panic. There are handy troubleshooting steps you can try yourself before calling a repair pro.
Visual Inspection
First, take a good look at the broil element and surrounding parts. Be sure to unplug the oven first! Safety comes first.
- Check the broil element for visible damage or bent or sagging sections. Burnt spots mean it needs replacing.
- Inspect the wiring and connections. See any loose, damaged or melted wires? These would stop power from flowing.
Testing the Broil Element
Next, use a multimeter to check the broil element for continuity. Continuity means electricity can flow through the entire element.
- Remove the broil element from the oven to test it. Consult the oven manual if needed.
- Set the multimeter to test for continuity. Touch probes to either end of the element.
- If the meter beeps, that means there is continuity. No beep could signify a broken element.
Checking the Control Board and Wiring
Do basic checks on the oven’s control board and wiring:
- Look for burnt marks or damaged spots on the control board. Use a flashlight to see it better.
- Check if any wiring connections to the control board are loose. Wiggle them gently to test.
- Examine all wiring for melting or cracking. Even minor damage can disrupt power flow.
Evaluating the Temperature Sensor
To check the temperature sensor:
- Locate the sensor inside the oven cavity. Consult the oven manual.
- Disconnect the sensor from the oven. Set a multimeter to measure resistance.
- Touch probes to the sensor wires and read the resistance. Compare to manufacturer specs.
- If resistance is way off, the sensor is likely defective and needs replacing.
When to Seek Professional Help
Troubleshooting your oven broil element may look easy. But some problems need an expert’s skills. Here are times to contact an appliance repair pro:
- You smelled a burning smell from your oven. This could mean dangerous overheating.
- The oven makes odd noises, buzzes, or hums when on. It may signal an internal issue.
- Your home’s breaker or fuse for the oven keeps tripping. Points to an electrical problem.
- Wire insulation is cracked, or wire connections keep sparking. Don’t risk a shock!
- The oven won’t turn on at all. The controls or computer board may be bad.
- You tried troubleshooting steps, but the broil element still doesn’t work.
Pros have the right tools and knowledge to diagnose tricky oven problems. They can also safely handle electrical parts. Let the experts tackle complex repairs like:
- Replacing damaged interior oven parts or panels
- Fixing faulty control boards or broken connections
- Repairing shorted wires or power issues
Does your oven broil element have you stumped? No shame in calling a pro for assistance. Their expertise can get your oven working like new again.
Preventive Maintenance Tips
Want to help your oven broil element last longer? Try these handy maintenance tips:
- Clean your oven regularly – Built-up grease and food spatters can lead to oven fires. Clean spills right away before they bake on.
- Check your broil element – Give it a visual inspection when the oven is cold. Look for any worn or damaged spots. Replace if needed.
- Don’t leave the element on for a long time – Turn it off as soon as you’re done cooking. Leaving it on too long risks burning out the element.
- Avoid slamming the oven door – Gently close the door to prevent damage to the element over time.
- Use aluminum foil to catch drips – Cover pans and dishes with foil when broiling. This prevents food from burning onto the element.
- Keep the oven vent unblocked – Make sure vents aren’t covered by pans or bakeware. Proper air circulation prevents overheating.
Following a careful maintenance routine can add years to your broil element’s lifespan. But if problems do pop up, don’t hesitate to get professional repairs when needed.
Conclusion
When your oven’s broil element stops working right, it can really put a dent in your cooking. But don’t get steamed! As we learned, there are common reasons why oven broil elements fail.
A burnt-out element, wiring problems, defective sensors, and other issues can prevent the broil element from heating up as it should. Thankfully, you can take steps like inspecting the element and connections, testing components, and troubleshooting.
If self-repairs don’t do the trick, let the pros take over. They have specialized tools and training to get your oven back up and running. With preventive care and prompt attention to problems, your oven’s broil element can give you many more years of faithful service.
Now you know what makes oven broil elements break down and stop working properly. Armed with this handy information, you can get to the bottom of any future issues with your oven’s broil element. Just follow a methodical troubleshooting process to pinpoint and resolve the problem.