How to replace the hidden bake element on an electric GE Profile induction range

If you’ve noticed that your GE oven isn’t heating up correctly or cooking foods thoroughly, the hidden bake element may need to be replaced. While not visible inside the oven, the element provides even heat for baking and roasting. Elements typically last 5-7 years with regular use but can burn out sooner depending on how often you use and care for it.

Let’s unpack the process of removing your old bake element and installing a new one. By gathering a few basic tools and following some safety precautions, you can get your GE oven heating evenly again. You can also save time and a significant amount of money by replacing the element yourself!

Disclaimer: The part replacement information provided in this article is based on general service manuals 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.

What you need 

• Flathead and Phillips screwdrivers: To help you remove screws and fasteners.
• Pliers: Useful for handling wires or connectors during the replacement process.
• Multimeter: Helps with electrical testing of parts and wiring. 
• Work gloves: To protect your hands from sharp edges.
• Flashlight: Aids visibility inside the oven cavity.
• Replacement bake element: Make sure this is a compatible OEM replacement part for your range model.

Safety tips

• Disconnect the range from the power supply before you start any repair work. Unplug the range or switch off the circuit breaker dedicated to the oven to avoid electrical issues.
• Allow the oven to cool down completely to avoid burns or injuries from hot surfaces.
• Wear appropriate protective gear such as gloves to protect yourself from potential injury.
• Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• When working with electrical parts, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation, maintenance, and repair if provided with the part. 

Test the element

Before you start disassembling your range to get to the hidden bake element, you can test it to see if it’s faulty. Here’s how to do it:

1. Find the plug that connects the bake element wiring to the main oven control board. You should be able to see it after removing the rear panel. 
2. Remove the ground screw on the back panel and carefully feed the ground wire through the rear panel to avoid damaging it.
3. Carefully disconnect the plug with red and yellow wires from the bake element. 
4. Use a multimeter to check the resistance between the wire at the connection that leads to the bake element. Set the multimeter to the Ohms setting. Place one probe tip on the red wire terminal end, and the other on the yellow wire. The meter should provide a reading in Ohms (Ω).
5. A properly working bake element will measure around 21 ohms or 21.0Ω. Refer to your GE oven’s manual to find out what it should read. If your reading is higher or lower than 21 ohms, it usually indicates a broken circuit inside the element, which will need to be replaced.

READ MORE: How To Use A Multimeter To Check Appliance Parts

Remove the old bake element

1. Unplug the oven from the wall outlet.
2. Open the oven door.
3. Remove (2) 1/4 inch hex head screws which secure the cooktop to the front oven frame.
4. Raise and remove the cooktop. To prevent damage to the cooktop, don’t raise the front of the cooktop more than 45 degrees.
5. Disconnect the cooktop wiring and remove the ground screw from the cooktop’s ground wire.
6. Carefully push the cooktop wiring connectors along with the ground wire through the opening.
7. Lift the back end of the cooktop about two inches and unhook the hinge pins from the slot in the side brackets.
8. After removing the cooktop, remove the 2 hex screws that hold the induction module inlet vent in place on the left side under the cooktop.
9. Remove the 1/4-inch hex-head hidden screw located in the recess near the front left leveling leg.
10. Remove the three 1/4–in hex head screws from the rear of the side panel.
11. Grasp the front and rear portions of the side panel.
12. Lift the side panel and pull it towards you.
13. Disengage the two plastic grommets.
14. Carefully peel the reflective tape from the induction module air vent.
15. Grasp the bottom of the air tunnel and push it up approximately 3/4 of an inch.
16. Swing out the bottom of the air tunnel, then pull it down from the induction module air inlet vent.
17. Remove the 1/4-inch hex-head screw and the upper heat shield.
18. Remove the 1/4-inch hex head screw that attaches the lower heat shield to the range frame.
19. Push up and disengage the lower heat shield from the hooked end of the right-side wire insulation retainer.
20. Disengage the hook of the left side wire insulation retainer from the frame of the range.
21. Disconnect the 2 wires from the bake element.
22. Carefully lift and tuck the side insulation up under the induction module air vent.
23. Remove the 1/4-inch screw and the ground wire from the bake element.
24. Remove the 1/4-inch screw from the left side of the element retainer.
25. Using a small screwdriver, pry out the element retainer and remove it.
26. Use both hands to gently slide the element out.

Read more: Oven Door Won’t Close: 4 Reasons & Fixes

Install the new bake element and reassemble

1. Carefully slide the new element into the oven and align it with the connectors and brackets.
2. Use both hands to gently push the element retainer into place. Make sure it clicks into the hooks on the right and left sides.
3. Reattach the 1/4-inch screw to the left side of the element retainer.
4. Reconnect the 2 wires to the bake element. Make sure they’re securely attached.
5. Carefully lower the side insulation back into place and align it with the induction module air vent.
6. Reattach the lower heat shield to the range frame. Secure it with the 1/4-inch hex head screw.
7. Reattach the upper heat shield and secure it with the 1/4-inch hex head screw.
8. Replace the reflective tape over the induction module air vent.
9. Reattach the side panel by aligning and securing it with the three 1/4–in hex head screws.
10. Replace the 1/4-inch hex-head hidden screw located in the recess near the front left leveling leg.
11. Reattach the induction module inlet vent and secure it with the 2 hex screws.
12. Lower the back end of the cooktop about two inches and align it with the hinge pins in the side brackets.
13. Reattach the cooktop wiring connectors and ground wire.
14. Replace the cooktop and secure it with the 2 1/4-inch hex head screws.
15. Replace the back panel. 
16. Replace the power cord and plug it back into the wall outlet.
17. Turn on the oven and test it to make sure it’s working correctly.

Read more: How to Clean an Oven – AppliancePartsPros Blog

Additional information

Thanks for reading! We hope this article helped you replace the hidden bake element on your GE range. 

If you still need a replacement element or other 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.

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