How to Test and Replace a Whirlpool Range Hidden Bake Element

When your Whirlpool electric range stops heating properly, the hidden bake element is often the culprit. We’ll guide you step-by-step through testing and replacing it so you can get back to cooking without calling a repair pro.

If you need any replacement parts for your Whirlpool range, 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 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.

What you need

• Multimeter
• 3/8-inch nut driver
• Phillips head screwdriver
• Cut-proof gloves

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.
• Consider wearing safety glasses and/or a dust mask when working with chemicals, dust or a large amount of debris to prevent irritation or injury.

How to test and replace the Whirlpool range’s hidden bake element

Follow these steps to safely test and replace the hidden bake element in your Whirlpool range:

Access the bake element

1. Move to the back of the range.
2. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws holding the back covers in place.
3. Remove the back covers to reveal the wires connected to the bake element.

Test the bake element

LIVE VOLTAGE WARNING: For this test, the range 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. Disconnect one of the red wires going to the bake element.
2. Place the probe of a multimeter lead securely in the disconnected connector on the harness.
3. Set the multimeter to measure AC voltage.
4. Plug the range back in.
5. Activate the bake cycle on the range.
6. Connect the other multimeter lead to the terminal with the wire still attached to the bake element.
7. Check for approximately 240 volts AC. If this voltage is not present, the control board or harness may have failed.
8. Unplug the range after testing.

Remove the bake element

1. Take reference photos of the back of the range and its connections for reassembly.
2. Disconnect all electrical connections at the back, including those at the terminal block.
3. Remove the three screws holding the rear vent trim to the cooktop and take off the trim.
4. Lift the glass cooktop by gripping its sides and pulling back to disengage it.
5. Unscrew and remove the element pan from the frame.
6. Grip the element pan, disengage the front tabs, and lift and slide it forward as far as the harness allows.
7. Remove the three screws holding the left body panel and swing it out to access the door switch.
8. Disconnect the connecting rod from the door switch.
9. Unscrew and remove the temperature sensor.
10. Remove the screws holding the main backplate and take it off the frame.
11. Bend down the edges of the burner box and move the insulation aside.
12. Slide the bake element out of the burner box.

Replace the bake element

1. Slide the new bake element into the burner box and push the edges of the box back up.
2. Reattach the main backplate to the range frame with screws.
3. Reinstall the temperature sensor and reconnect the door switch rod.
4. Reattach all electrical harness connections.
5. Swing the body panel back into position and secure it with screws.
6. Place the element pan back in position and secure it to the frame.
7. Reinstall the glass cooktop and secure it with the rear vent trim and screws.
8. Reattach the rear covers and secure them with screws.
9. Plug the range back in.
10. Test the bake cycle to confirm the new element is working properly.

Still need assistance?

Thanks for following along! We hope this guide made testing and replacing the bake element in your Whirlpool range a breeze. If you still need parts, bring your model number on over to AppliancePartsPros.com, where you’ll find millions of parts in stock and fast shipping—most arrive in only two days! If you have questions, you can reach us at 1 (877) 477-7278 or chat with us online. Make sure to swing by our DIY blog and YouTube channel for more repair tips. And don’t miss out—follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram to see our latest and greatest!