Whirlpool oven not heating? Here’s how to test the bake element

If your Whirlpool electric range oven isn’t heating, the problem may be with the bake element. Before you call for a repair technician, you can quickly test the part yourself to determine if it’s the source of the issue. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll have the knowledge to troubleshoot the problem and get your appliance back up and running.

If you find out that you need any replacement parts for your appliance, 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 troubleshooting information in this article is based on model WFC340S0AB 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.

Tools and materials

• Multimeter
• Phillips head screwdriver

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.

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.
• Never work on internal parts with bare wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• 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.

Testing steps

LIVE VOLTAGE WARNING: For this test, the appliance 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.

Testing with voltage on:

1. Remove the Phillips head screws holding the terminal block cover and set the cover aside.
2. Inspect the wiring at the terminal block, power cord, and bake element for any visible damage.
3. Ensure the range is plugged in and powered on.
4. Set your multimeter to the AC voltage setting.
5. At the oven control, turn the oven on to the bake function.
6. Use the multimeter probes to test across the two terminals of the bake element without removing any wires.
7. You should see 240 VAC on the multimeter display. If you have the proper voltage but the element doesn’t heat, the element is defective and needs replacement.

Testing with voltage off:

1. Make sure the range is unplugged from the power outlet.
2. Remove the Phillips head screws holding the terminal block cover and set the cover aside.
3. Locate the bake element and remove one of the wires connected to it.
4. Set your multimeter to measure resistance in Ohms.
5. Use the multimeter probes to check the resistance from one terminal of the bake element to the other.
6. The resistance should be around 20-25 Ohms. If the reading is outside of this range, the bake element needs to be replaced.
7. If the element tests OK, the issue may be elsewhere in the oven.
8. Reposition the terminal block cover and secure it with the Phillips head screws.
9. Plug the range back in or turn the breaker back on.

Additional information

Thank you for reading! We hope this guide helped you get your Whirlpool range working again.

If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, don’t hesitate to explore our other troubleshooting guides and videos. 

If you need replacement parts or some extra help with ordering them, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com, where you can chat with a pro, read our DIY blog and more.

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