How to Replace Whirlpool Range Oven Insulation WPW10208653

Is your Whirlpool oven turning into a kitchen heater or struggling to hold its heat? The culprit might be worn-out insulation, letting precious warmth escape from where it should be—inside your oven. But worry not! Our straightforward tutorial and included video will walk you through replacing it with ease, ensuring your oven returns to its efficient and safe cooking glory.

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If your Whirlpool oven feels extra hot on the outside or isn’t holding heat like it used to, the insulation might be the issue. The WPW10208653 oven insulation helps keep the heat where it belongs—inside the oven cavity—so your appliance runs efficiently and safely. Over time, insulation can break down, especially after a major repair or a spill. Replacing it might sound like a big job, but with a bit of patience and a screwdriver, it’s totally doable. In this guide, we’ll show you how to replace the insulation and get your oven back to peak performance. Let’s jump in!

Watch here: How to install oven insulation

The information in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. We recommend consulting your manufacturer’s documentation or contact us with any questions.

Part Description

Oven insulation wraps around the oven cavity and acts as a heat barrier. It often needs replacement due to contamination or rodent nesting. A damaged or compromised insulation layer can reduce energy efficiency and cause uneven heating.

Tools and Materials Needed

Before you dive into any appliance repair, having the right tools and parts is key for an efficient repair project. You’ll thank yourself later for laying out everything you require well before the work commences. Here is what you’ll need to complete the oven insulation replacement:

• Phillips screwdriver
• Wooden block
• Towel (for surface protection)
• Insulation part number  WPW10208653– Take your model number to AppliancePartsPros.com to locate the correct part for your unit.

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.
• Clear your workspace of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• If your appliance is a gas unit, turn off the gas.
• 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.

Disassembly and Removal Steps

1. Flip up the hinge stoppers on both sides of the door.
2. Grab the door by its sides and slowly lift it up until it disengages from the hinges.
3. Place the door on a flat surface with the outer glass facing up.
4. Using a Phillips screwdriver, remove the 10 screws securing the rear top panel.
5. Set the panel and screws aside.
6. Remove the two Phillips screws securing the cooktop (one on each side).
7. Remove the screws securing the top element mounting panel on each side.
8. Place a towel over the surface elements to protect them.
9. Remove the Phillips screws from the rear sides of the side panels.
10. Tilt the control panel backward gently.
11. Loosen the four Phillips screws at the rear of the surface element panel.
12. Pull out the bottom drawer of the range.
13. Lift the front edge of the surface element panel.
14. At the rear, pull the side panel from the mounting frame.
15. Swing the panel slightly and remove it from the mounting tabs.
16. Repeat this process for the opposite side.
17. Lift the element mounting panel and secure it with a wooden block.
18. Remove the two Phillips screws securing the door latch.
19. Place the door latch temporarily on top of the range.
20. Disconnect and remove the connecting rod.
21. Use the Phillips screwdriver to remove the top rear and bottom screws of each insulation retainer panel.
22. Take off the retainers and repeat for both sides.
23. Starting from the bottom on one side, pull out the old insulation and continue around the perimeter.
24. Discard the damaged insulation.

Installation and Reassembly Steps

1. Slide the new insulation into place.
2. The cut-out section should be positioned at the rear.
3. Tuck the ends under the oven body on both sides.
4. Slide the front ends of the retainers under the hinge slots.
5. Align holes and secure each retainer with two Phillips screws.
6. Reconnect the connecting rod, routing it under the door latch rod.
7. Reinstall and secure the door latch with two Phillips screws.
8. Remove the wooden block from under the cooktop.
9. Align and insert the three mounting tabs on each side panel.
10. Slide each panel under the top panel edge.
11. Reinstall screws from the rear to secure both side panels.
12. Lower the surface element panel and tighten the four Phillips screws at the rear.
13. Secure the control panel with four screws, starting with the rear pair.
14. Remove the protective towel from the surface elements.
15. Reinstall remaining top panel screws.
16. Slide the cooktop into the mounting brackets and secure with two Phillips screws.
17. Reattach the rear cover panel with the original screws.
18. Hold the door by its sides and insert the hinges into their slots.
19. Open the door all the way.
20. Push the hinge stoppers down into place.
21. Close the oven door securely.
22. Plug the range back in or restore power at the circuit breaker.
23. Test the oven to ensure normal operation.

More Information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you replace the oven insulation in your 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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