Whirlpool range broil element doesn’t heat: How to fix it yourself

It’s frustrating when the broil element decides to stop working, especially when you’ve got a meal in mind. But don’t worry! We’re here to help you learn how to figure out what’s going on, like a pro! We’ll walk you through some simple steps to get your oven back in action. So, roll up your sleeves, grab a multimeter, and let’s get started troubleshooting!

If you find out that you need any replacement parts for your Whirlpool range while you’re troubleshooting, 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.

Important: The troubleshooting information in this article is based on model WFC340S0AB0 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.

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.

Read more: Electric Range Too Hot: Top 4 Reasons and Fixes

Tools and materials needed

• Multimeter
• Phillips screwdriver
• 1/4 Inch nutdriver

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: Why your Whirlpool range cooktop element won’t heat & how you can fix it   

Troubleshooting steps

Step 1: Oven sensor testing

1. Use a 1/4 Inch nut driver to remove the screw at the bottom of the terminal block shield.
2. Push down on the shield and pull it away. Set it aside.
3. Use the nut driver to remove the screws on the back oven panel, starting from the bottom.
4. Once all screws are removed, pull the panel away and set it aside.
5. The sensor is usually located at the top right corner of the oven (when viewed from the back).
6. Press the connector lock tab and separate the sensor connection from the harness.
7. Set your multimeter to resistance mode.
8. Test the sensor by measuring between its terminals.
9. The expected reading is 1080 to 1100 Ohms at room temperature.

If the reading is outside this range, the sensor needs replacement. If it’s within range, reconnect the wire and proceed.

Step 2: Thermal fuse testing

1. Disconnect one wire from the thermal fuse.
2. Set your multimeter to continuity mode (indicated by a sideways Wi-Fi symbol).
3. Measure continuity from terminal to terminal of the fuse.
4. The meter should emit an audible tone indicating continuity.

If there’s no continuity, the fuse needs to be replaced. If continuity is present, reconnect the wire and continue troubleshooting.

Step 3: Broil element testing

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.

1. Plug the power cord back into the outlet. Exercise extreme caution as you will be testing live voltage.
2. Set your multimeter to volts AC mode (indicated by a V with a squiggly line).
3. Turn the oven control to the broil setting.
4. Place the meter probes on each wire connected to the broil element.
5. You should measure 240 Volts AC.

If the broil element receives 240 Volts AC but doesn’t heat, the element needs replacement. If it doesn’t receive 240 Volts AC, the oven control switch is likely the cause of failure and should be replaced.

Read more: How to fix an electric Whirlpool range that won’t start after a self-clean cycle  

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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