Replace the surface element on an electric GE range in 7 easy steps


Steven E / Friday June 21, 2024


Struggling with a broken surface element on your electric GE range? Don’t let uneven heating stop your culinary creations—our easy-to-follow guide and video tutorial will help you replace it swiftly and safely. Watch below to get your kitchen back in action 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!

The surface element generates heat so your electric GE range can cook your food. Over time, regular use and wear can cause a large or small coil surface element to become damaged.

You might need to change out this part if the element won’t heat, it’s heating unevenly or there’s a break in the element coil.

But we have good news for you: this is an easy repair you can complete to get your range working again in no time!

If you need any replacement parts for your electric GE 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.

Watch the full repair here

What you need

While you don’t need any specific tools for this repair, the following items may be helpful to have on hand:

  • Magnetic bowl (to hold removed screws)
  • Flashlight
  • Cleaning supplies
  • Insulated work gloves
  • Replacement surface element (make sure it’s compatible with your specific range model before installing)

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:  10 Tips and Tricks to Clean Your Appliances

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.

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

How to replace the surface element

Change out a faulty surface element on your electric GE range by following these steps.

  1. Disconnect the range from the power supply.
  2. Gently pull up the surface element to remove it from the range.
  3. Inspect the terminals on the back of the element. Look for any signs of burning, pitting, or damage. If the terminals are burned or pitted, you’ll need to replace the surface element and the receptacle it plugs into. Trying to reuse a damaged receptacle will likely ruin the new element.
  4. Before installing the new surface element, inspect the receptacle it will plug into. Make sure the terminals are clean, straight, and undamaged.
  5. Gently insert the new surface element into the receptacle. Make sure the terminals line up correctly. Push down to secure the element in place.
  6. Plug the range back into the electrical outlet.
  7. Turn on the range and turn the control knob for the new surface element to make sure it’s heating properly.

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

Additional information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you replace the surface element on 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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