How to test a GE electric range surface element that won’t heat

Struggling with a stubborn GE electric range burner that refuses to heat up? Before dialing up a costly technician, take matters into your own hands with our simple, step-by-step guide to diagnosing and fixing the issue. Plus, don’t miss our informative how-to video below, ensuring you have the confidence and know-how to get your stove back to full functionality in no time!

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 GE electric range surface elements aren’t heating, the problem may be with the elements. These parts are responsible for generating the heat that cooks your food on the stovetop. Before you call for a repair technician, you can quickly test the part yourself to determine if it’s the source of the issue. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll have the knowledge to troubleshoot the problem and get your range back up and running.

If you find out that you need any replacement parts for your appliance, 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 provided in this article is based on model number 911.9342191 and may not apply to your specific appliance model. We recommend consulting your manufacturer’s documentation or contact us with any questions.

Watch here: How To Test A GE Electric Range Surface Element WP660533

Tools and materials

• Multimeter

The specific tools required may vary depending on the model of your appliance and the type of fasteners used on it.  

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

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 attempting any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of injury from electric shock.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts, pinching hazards and debris.
• Take your time and don’t rush while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access the interior parts.
• Check your user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions for your part or appliance. 
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause injury.
• Wear safety glasses when working with chemicals, dust or cleaning large debris to prevent injury. 
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time for any heating parts to cool down before working on it. 
• Take pictures or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting to prevent any problems with reassembly.
• 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.

Read more:  6 safety tips for using an electric range

Surface element testing

1. Ensure the voltage going to the receptacle is good.
2. Remove the surface element from the range.
3. Set your multimeter to measure resistance, indicated by the Ω symbol.
4. Set the multimeter to the resistance (Ohms) setting.
5. Use the multimeter probes to check the resistance across the two terminals of the removed surface element.
6. You should see a reading between 20-40 Ohms. If the reading is out of this range or you see a defect in the coil, the element will need to be replaced.

Troubleshooting:

• If the voltage at the receptacle is good but the element is not heating, the issue is likely with the element itself.
• Checking the resistance across the element terminals can help determine if the element is functioning properly.
• A resistance reading outside the 20-40 Ohm range indicates a problem with the element, and it will need to be replaced.
• If the resistance is within the expected range, there may be an issue elsewhere in the circuit, such as with the surface element switch or wiring.

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

Additional information

Thank you for reading! We hope this guide helped you get your GE 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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