How to Fix an Oven Element – DIY Guide

If your oven refuses to bake, broil, or even warm up, the heating element is usually the culprit. Before you call a technician, grab a multimeter and a screwdriver and see if you can solve it yourself. Replacing an oven element isn’t rocket science, but it does need a bit of care and the right safety steps.

Identify the Problem

First, make sure the oven is unplugged or the circuit breaker is off – you don’t want any shock risk. Turn the oven to a high temperature for a minute and open the door (wear heat‑resistant gloves). If you see no glow or hear a faint click, the element is likely dead. To confirm, remove the element (usually held by two screws) and disconnect the wires. Set your multimeter to the ohms setting and touch the probes to the element’s terminals. A reading between 10 and 30 ohms means it’s good; an infinite reading signals a break.

Replace the Element Safely

When the element is confirmed faulty, order the exact model from the oven’s manual or a reputable parts store. Once it arrives, reinstall the old element’s mounting screws, but don’t tighten them fully yet. Connect the wires using the same clamps you removed – make sure they’re snug to avoid arcing. Double‑check that no metal parts are touching the oven’s interior walls. Tighten the screws, plug the oven back in, and run a short heating cycle. If the new element glows, you’ve nailed it.

Most homeowners can do this in under an hour, and the part usually costs between $30 and $80. If anything feels off – like a loose wire, cracked housing, or the oven still won’t heat – stop and call a professional. Sometimes the fault lies in the thermostat, wiring, or control board, which require specialized tools.

Bottom line: a bad oven element is a common, inexpensive fix. With a few tools, a bit of patience, and the right safety steps, you can get your oven back to baking pies in no time. And if you hit a snag, a local repair service in Mumbai can handle the tougher stuff without breaking the bank.