Troubleshoot GE Range Heating Element Issues

If the surface elements on your GE electric range are not heating properly, you may be able to find the problem yourself with a few tools and a bit of time. This guide will walk you through three simple tests to help identify the issue and help you get your range working again.

Common Signs of a Faulty Burner

Recognizing symptoms can help narrow down what might be wrong before diving into the tests. Keep an eye out for the following:

• One or more burners stay completely cold, even when turned to high heat
• A burner glows only faintly or inconsistently
• Clicking or popping noises when trying to use a burner
• A burner works only when pressure is applied or wiggled
• Burners stop working after extended use
• Indicator lights for surface heating stay on even when burners are cold
• You smell a burning odor from under the cooktop or control panel

Parts That Might Be Affected

Several components can contribute to burner failure. Knowing which ones to check can help focus your troubleshooting:

• Surface element (coil or radiant type)
• Surface element switch
• Surface element receptacle
• Burner wiring and connectors
• Control board (in some digital models)
• Terminal block where power connects to the appliance
• Power cord and electrical outlet
• Thermal limiter or fuse, if present
• Knobs and control dials (sometimes they can crack or slip)

What You’ll Need

• Multimeter
• Phillips head screwdriver
• Wire stripper
• Electrical tape

Safety Tips Before You Start

Before working on your range, make safety your top priority. Here are some important reminders:

• Always unplug the appliance or switch off the circuit breaker to avoid electrical shock.
• Let the range cool completely if it was recently used.
• Take your time while working to avoid mistakes and injuries.
• Work in a space that is clean, dry, and well-lit.
• Keep children and pets away from your workspace.
• Do not work with wet hands or in damp areas.
• Check the user manual for any model-specific instructions or safety guidelines.
• Handle all parts with care. Using too much force can cause damage or injury.
• Wear insulated gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges and electrical parts.
• Be careful when working with wires. Use insulated tools or gloves if you need to touch them.
• Take photos or notes of wire connections before disconnecting anything to make reassembly easier.
• Do not test live voltage with a multimeter unless you are confident in how to do it safely.

How to Test a GE Range When Surface Elements Don’t Heat Up

Below are the steps to troubleshoot and identify why your GE range surface elements may not be heating properly.

1. Check the Element Receptacle

1. Unplug the range from the power outlet.
2. Remove the surface element and the drip pan.
3. Use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the screw holding the element receptacle in place.
4. Look inside the receptacle for any burned or pitted marks.
5. Examine the wiring connected to the receptacle for any burn marks or damage.
6. If the receptacle or wiring is damaged, replace them.
7. Replace the surface element if the receptacle or wiring is damaged.
8. If the receptacle and wiring look undamaged, continue to the next test.

2. Check the Surface Element Switch (Live Voltage Test)

9. Plug the range back into the power outlet.
10. Turn the range on.
11. Set a multimeter to AC voltage.
12. Insert one probe into each slot of the element receptacle.
13. Turn on the surface element switch.
14. Read the voltage on the multimeter.
15. If the reading is 240VAC, the switch is sending power correctly.
16. If you don’t get 240VAC, follow the wires from the receptacle to the switch.
17. Measure for 240VAC at the switch terminals with the switch turned on.
18. If the switch does not provide the correct voltage, replace it.
19. If the switch is working properly, move to the next test.

3. Check the Surface Element

20. Unplug the range from the outlet.
21. Remove the surface element from the receptacle.
22. Set the multimeter to the resistance setting (Ω).
23. Touch the probes to the two terminals of the surface element.
24. Read the resistance level on the meter.
25. If the resistance is not between 20–40 Ohms or if the coil is damaged, replace the surface element.

Read More: Samsung range triple surface element isn’t heating: What it means and how to fix it

Summing Up

Going through these quick tests can help you avoid wasting money on parts that still work. In some cases, it could even save you from buying a whole new range. You don’t need to be an expert to do it. Checking the receptacle, testing the switch, and measuring the coil’s resistance are steps anyone can follow with a little guidance.

It might take a bit of trial and error, but that’s all part of the process. Once you’ve looked at these parts and figured out what’s not working, swapping in a new one is usually straightforward.