You’re halfway through baking, the kitchen smells great, and everything’s going smoothly—until the oven stops heating. No warning, just a cold oven, and a half-finished meal.
If you’ve tested the bake element (the heating component at the bottom of the oven) with a multimeter or noticed visible damage, it’s likely time for a replacement.
Signs the Bake Element May Be Faulty
Before replacing anything, it helps to confirm the problem. Here are common indicators that the bake element may be the issue:
- The oven doesn’t heat at all during baking mode
- Visible damage, such as cracks, blistering, or burn marks on the element
- Uneven heating—parts of your dish are undercooked or overcooked
- The element doesn’t glow red when the oven is turned on
- A multimeter test shows no continuity (indicating a break in the electrical circuit)
- Tripping breakers or blown fuses when the oven is turned on
What to Look for in a Replacement Bake Element
Not all bake elements are interchangeable. Picking the right one can prevent further issues:
- Match the part number listed in your user manual or appliance label
- Double-check compatibility with your specific Frigidaire range model
- Look for a reputable brand or OEM (original equipment manufacturer) part
- The new element should match the size and shape of the original
- Check the wattage and voltage ratings to match your oven’s specifications
- Avoid used or refurbished parts unless they’ve been tested and verified
What You’ll Need
- 1/4-inch nut driver
- Phillips screwdriver
- Replacement bake element (make sure it matches your range model)
Safety Tips Before You Start
When working on any appliance, a few precautions can make the process safer and more manageable:
- Disconnect power: Unplug the oven or switch off the circuit breaker before doing anything else.
- Let it cool: If the oven’s been on recently, give it time to cool down.
- Take your time: Rushing through the job increases the chance of mistakes or injury.
- Work in good light: You’ll need to see clearly to access parts and work safely.
- Keep the area clear: Remove clutter and keep pets or children away while you work.
- Check the manual: Look through your oven’s manual for any model-specific instructions.
- Handle with care: Forcing parts can cause damage or personal injury.
- Be cautious with wires: Avoid touching exposed wires or terminals. If you need to, use insulated gloves or a non-conductive tool.
How to Replace the Bake Element in a Frigidaire Range
Follow these steps to safely and easily replace the bake element in your Frigidaire range.
- Turn off the range and unplug it from the power source.
- Inside the oven, remove the mounting screws that hold the old element in place.
- Slowly pull the element forward. Allow the wires to come through the liner so you can disconnect them while still keeping them accessible.
- Connect the wires to the new element and move it into position.
- Install the mounting screws.
- Re-insert the oven racks.
Post-Installation Tips
After the new element is in place, a few checks can help confirm everything’s working properly:
- Plug the oven back in or flip the breaker switch
- Set the oven to bake and watch for the element to begin glowing red
- Listen for any unusual noises, such as buzzing or sparking
- Check for even heating by using an oven thermometer or baking a test item
- Watch for tripped breakers or blown fuses after turning the oven on
- Monitor the oven for a few uses to make sure the heating is consistent
In Summary
You don’t need a repair crew for this fix, just a bit of time, some tools, and the right part. Once it’s done, your oven’s good to go again, and you’re back to baking without any more surprises.