How to replace the surface element on an electric Whirlpool range

The surface element on an electric Whirlpool range heats food on the cooktop. Over time, regular use and wear may cause the switch to become damaged or fail. Fortunately, this is an easy repair that you can complete yourself so you can get your unit back to normal, and we’re here to help you through the process!

If you need any replacement parts for your Whirlpool range, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.

Important: The part replacement information provided in this article is based on model wfc340s0ab and may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.

Read more:  Electric Range Element Won’t Heat: Top 7 Reasons & Fixes

Safety precautions

When working on any appliance, remember to keep safety first. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before you attempt any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by eliminating any risk of electric shock.
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down before working on it.
• Take your time while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries. Rushing is the enemy of precision.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can see and access appliance parts.
• Keep your workspace free of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check the user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions related to your appliance or replacement part.
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause personal injury.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts and debris.
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.
• Always take photos or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting them to make reassembly easier.
• Consider wearing safety glasses and/or a dust mask when working with chemicals, dust or a large amount of debris to prevent irritation or injury.

Read more: Range Burner Receptacle Replacement: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to replace the surface element

Follow these steps to change out the surface element on your electric Whirlpool range.

1. Disconnect the unit from the power source.
2. Find the surface element you need to remove.
3. Make sure the switch or control knob for the surface element you are replacing is in the “OFF” position.
4. Gently grasp the surface element and pull it straight up and out of the surface element receptacle.
5. Inspect the surface element receptacle to make sure the terminal connections are in good condition and undamaged.
6. Check the two terminal connectors on the new surface element to make sure they’re straight and undamaged.
7. Carefully align the two terminal connectors on the new surface element with the receptacle in the cooktop.
8. Slowly and gently push the new surface element straight down into the receptacle until it’s fully seated.
9. Make sure the new surface element is level and making full contact with the receptacle.
10. Plug the range back in or turn the circuit breaker back on.

Read more: Electric Range Heating Coil Cleaning & Upkeep

More information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you replace the surface element on your electric Whirlpool range.

If you still need some replacement parts, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com. We offer over two million parts and most orders arrive in two business days. If you need some help with finding the right part or placing an order, you can contact our team at 1 (877) 477-7278.

While you’re waiting for your new part to arrive, you can explore our DIY blog and watch thousands of video tutorials on our YouTube channel.

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