How to change out a faulty bake element WB44X45494 in an electric GE range

Is your electric GE range not heating your delicious creations evenly anymore? A faulty bake element could be the culprit, but don’t worry—you can tackle this common kitchen problem without a hefty repair bill. Watch our how-to video below and learn step-by-step how to replace the bake element, bringing your oven back to perfect working condition!

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

The bake element heats the oven and allows your electric GE range to bake food. Over time, regular use and wear may cause the bake element to become damaged or malfunction. You might know this has happened if the oven heats unevenly, there’s visible damage such as cracks or breaks in the element or the oven doesn’t reach the desired temperature.

Fortunately, with a few basic tools and some patience, you can tackle this repair yourself and get your GE range back in working order.

You can find a replacement bake element here. If you need other replacement parts for your GE range, just enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to find them. It’s that easy! Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of guides to show you how to install your new parts.

Watch the full repair here

What you need

• Replacement bake element (make sure it’s compatible with your specific range model before installing)
• Flathead screwdriver
• 1/4-inch nut driver
• Pliers

Important: The specific tools required may vary depending on the model of your appliance and the type of fasteners used on it. Always consult the user manual or refer to any specific instructions provided by the manufacturer for the recommended tools for your appliance model.

Read more: My part is no longer available! What do I do now?

Safety tips

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.

Read more: Why It’s Best to Choose OEM Over Aftermarket Parts for Appliance Repairs

How to replace the bake element

Swap out the bake element in an electric GE range by following these steps.

Step 1: Disassemble the range

1. Unplug the range from the power supply.
2. Find the hinge locks on both sides of the oven door. Use a flathead screwdriver to open the hinge locks, which will release the door.
3. Close the oven door partially and lift it off the hinges. Set the door aside on a soft surface to prevent scratching.
4. Lift the oven racks and remove them.
5. Find the two screws on the bake element mounting bracket. Use a nut driver to remove the screws.
6. Use a flathead screwdriver to disconnect the wires from the bake element terminals. Take extra care to make sure the wires don’t fall back into the oven cavity.
7. Pull out the old bake element from the oven.

Step 2: Install the new bake element

1. Use a pair of pliers to gently squeeze the wire terminals so the new element can be secured.
2. Bring the new bake element inside the oven and position it correctly so it’s aligned with the mounting bracket.
3. Attach the wires to the bake element terminals. Make sure the wires are securely fastened.
4. Use the screws that you removed earlier to secure the new bake element in place. Tighten the screws using the nut driver.

Step 3: Reassemble the range

1. Replace the oven racks.
2. Pick up the oven door by the sides and carefully align it with the oven. Hang the door hinges on the oven hinge receptacles.
3. Open the oven door and lock both stoppers.
4. Slowly close the door to make sure it’s aligned and working correctly.
5. Plug the range back into the power source.
6. Turn on the oven and run a bake cycle to check for any problems.

Read more: 6 Cleaning Tips to Keep Your Appliances In Top Shape Over Time

More information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you replace the bake element in your electric GE 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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