GE Hidden Bake Element Troubleshooting and Replacement

If your GE oven isn’t heating properly or food isn’t cooking evenly, the hidden bake element could be the issue. Though not visible inside the oven, this part distributes heat for baking and roasting. It usually lasts about five to seven years with regular use but may fail earlier depending on how often it’s used and maintained.

Swapping it out yourself is straightforward with the right tools and some basic precautions. Doing it yourself can bring the oven back to working order and save you the cost of hiring a technician.

Signs Your Bake Element May Be Faulty

Before replacing the part, look for these common signs that the bake element might be the problem:

• Uneven or undercooked food
• Visible damage, such as blistering or breaks in the element (if it becomes visible when removed)
• No heat during baking cycles, even though the broiler works
• Burning smell during preheating
• Tripped circuit breaker when the oven is in use
• Inconsistent preheating times or failure to reach set temperature

What You’ll Need

• Flathead and Phillips screwdrivers
• Pliers
• Multimeter 
• Work gloves 
• Flashlight
• Compatible replacement bake element 

Safety Tips

Working with electrical appliances comes with risks, so it’s important to take a few safety precautions:

• Disconnect power: Unplug the oven or switch off the circuit breaker before starting any work
• Let the oven cool completely: Avoid burns by waiting until all parts have cooled
• Wear gloves: Helps protect your hands during the process
• Keep the workspace clear: Children and pets should stay out of the area
• Follow part instructions: If installation steps are included with the replacement part, refer to them

How to Replace the Hidden Bake Element on a GE Profile Induction Range

Below are the steps to test, remove, and replace the hidden bake element on your GE Profile induction range.

Test the Bake Element

1. Unplug the oven from the wall outlet.
2. Remove the rear panel of the oven.
3. Remove the ground screw on the back panel.
4. Carefully feed the ground wire through the rear panel.
5. Locate the red and yellow wire plug connected to the bake element.
6. Disconnect the red and yellow wire plugs.
7. Set a multimeter to the Ohms (Ω) setting.
8. Touch one probe to the red wire terminal and the other to the yellow wire terminal.
9. Check the multimeter reading.
10. A reading significantly above or below 21 ohms indicates a faulty element.

Remove the Cooktop

11. Open the oven door.
12. Remove the two 1/4-inch hex head screws securing the cooktop to the oven frame.
13. Lift the cooktop, keeping the front raised no more than 45 degrees.
14. Disconnect the cooktop wiring connectors.
15. Remove the ground screw from the cooktop’s ground wire.
16. Push the cooktop wiring and ground wire through the opening.
17. Lift the back of the cooktop about two inches.
18. Unhook the hinge pins from the slots in the side brackets.
19. Set the cooktop aside.

Access the Bake Element

20. Remove the two hex screws securing the induction module inlet vent on the left side.
21. Remove the 1/4-inch hex-head hidden screw near the front left leveling leg.
22. Remove the three 1/4-inch hex head screws from the rear of the side panel.
23. Grasp the front and rear of the side panel.
24. Lift the side panel and pull it toward you.
25. Disengage the two plastic grommets.
26. Peel back the reflective tape from the induction module air vent.
27. Grasp the bottom of the air tunnel and push it up about 3/4 of an inch.
28. Swing the bottom of the air tunnel out.
29. Pull the air tunnel down from the induction module air inlet vent.
30. Remove the 1/4-inch hex-head screw from the upper heat shield.
31. Remove the upper heat shield.
32. Remove the 1/4-inch hex head screw securing the lower heat shield to the range frame.
33. Push up and disengage the lower heat shield from the right-side wire insulation retainer.
34. Disengage the left side wire insulation retainer from the frame.

Remove the Old Bake Element

35. Disconnect the two wires from the bake element.
36. Lift and tuck the side insulation up under the induction module air vent.
37. Remove the 1/4-inch screw and ground wire from the bake element.
38. Remove the 1/4-inch screw from the left side of the element retainer.
39. Pry out the element retainer using a small screwdriver.
40. Slide the bake element out using both hands.

Install the New Bake Element

41. Slide the new bake element into place.
42. Push the element retainer into place until it clicks into the hooks.
43. Secure the retainer with the 1/4-inch screw.
44. Reconnect the two wires to the bake element.
45. Lower the side insulation back into place.
46. Reattach the lower heat shield and secure it with the 1/4-inch hex head screw.
47. Reinstall the upper heat shield and secure it with the 1/4-inch hex head screw.
48. Reapply the reflective tape over the induction module air vent.
49. Reinstall the side panel and engage the plastic grommets.
50. Secure the side panel with the three 1/4-inch hex head screws.
51. Replace the hidden screw near the front left leveling leg.
52. Reattach the induction module inlet vent and secure it with the two hex screws.

Reinstall the Cooktop and Final Assembly

53. Lower the back of the cooktop and align it with the hinge pins.
54. Reconnect the cooktop wiring connectors and ground wire.
55. Lower the cooktop into place.
56. Secure the cooktop with the two 1/4-inch hex head screws.
57. Reinstall the rear panel.
58. Plug the oven back into the wall outlet.
59. Turn on the oven and verify that the bake function is working correctly.

When to Consider Professional Help

Some situations are better handled by a technician, especially if complications arise:

• You’re uncomfortable working with electrical components
• The oven has additional wiring issues or doesn’t respond after replacement
• There’s damage beyond the bake element (e.g., control board, wiring harness, terminal block)
• The element has fused to the oven frame or is difficult to access due to the design
• You’ve replaced the element, but symptoms continue

Closing Thoughts

If your oven’s been messing with your meals and the bake element is to blame, there’s no need to panic. It might be hidden, but fixing it is pretty simple if you take your time and follow the steps. 

If you finish the job and your oven still acts up, something else might be going on. Wires, control boards, or other parts could be causing the trouble. That’s when it might make sense to call in a professional.

Either way, taking a closer look behind that panel gives you more control over what’s going on. Now you’ve got the steps, the signs, and a clear idea of what to try next.