Why your Whirlpool range cooktop element won’t heat & how you can fix it

Is your Whirlpool cooktop giving you the cold shoulder? Don’t let a non-heating element put a dent in your dinner plans. Dive into our easy-to-follow guide and how-to video below to diagnose and fix the issue yourself, saving you both time and the cost of a service call!

Looking for the right part? Enter your appliance model number below to find the exact match and get your appliance running like new again!

If your Whirlpool range cooktop element won’t heat up, don’t worry. This is a common problem that you can resolve yourself without the need for a costly service call, and we’re here to help you along the way!

If you find out that you need any replacement parts for your Whirlpool range while you’re troubleshooting, 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.

The troubleshooting information in this article is based on model wfc340s0ab and may not apply to your specific range model. We recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model for the most accurate guidance.

Watch: How To Troubleshoot a Whirlpool Electric Range Surface Element Not Heating

What you need

• Multimeter
• Phillips head screwdriver

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.
• Don’t test live voltage with a multimeter if you’re unfamiliar with how to prevent short-circuiting.

Read more: How to replace a terminal block on an electric range

How to troubleshoot the range

Find out why your electric Whirlpool range’s cooktop element won’t heat by following these steps.

Step 1: Check the element receptacle

1. Unplug the range from the power outlet.
2. Remove the affected element and the drip pan.
3. Use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the single screw that holds the receptacle in place.
4. Inspect the inside of the plug for any burn marks where the element has been arcing.
5. Check the wiring for any burn marks. If you see any burn marks, then the receptacle needs to be replaced. When replacing the receptacle, you should also replace the element.

If the receptacle looks good, move on to the next step.

Step 2: Test the element switch

LIVE VOLTAGE WARNING: For this test, the appliance needs to be plugged in and powered on. Please be very careful to protect yourself from electric shock, which has the potential to cause serious injuries. Don’t ever test live voltage if you’re uncomfortable using a multimeter.

1. Make sure the range is plugged in and powered on.
2. Set your multimeter to AC voltage mode.
3. Place one meter probe in one slot of the terminal block and the other probe in the other slot.
4. Turn the element switch on.
5. Check the meter reading. If the multimeter reads 240 volts AC, then the switch is sending the correct voltage to the element. If the voltage is not correct, then there’s either incorrect voltage going to the switch or the switch is defective. If the other elements are working, then the issue is most likely with the switch.

If you got the correct voltage, continue troubleshooting.

Step 3: Test the element

1. Unplug the range or turn the breaker off.
2. Set the multimeter to resistance mode (Ω).
3. Use the meter probes to check the resistance across the two terminals of the element.
4. Check the meter reading. You should see 20 to 40 Ohms displayed on the meter. If the reading is out of range or you see a defect in the coil, then the element needs to be replaced.

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

More for you

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you get your electric Whirlpool range working again.

If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, don’t hesitate to explore our other troubleshooting guides and videos.

If you need replacement parts or some extra help with ordering them, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com, where you can chat with a pro, read our DIY blog and more.

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