How to Troubleshoot & Replace Whirlpool AP4096820 / 74004105 Bake Element

Replace 

We ordered a new element and went right in within 10 minutes it was done. 

We went on line and order a new element and it came within a few days. We watched the repair video on how to remove the old element and install the new one. One wire disconnected fine, but the other one was so tightly connected to a wiring harness that I kept slipping back into the hole. I finally had to pull the oven out and open the back panel to get to the wire. I immediately saw it and tried to fish it back through the hole. This was a little struggle, but I was able to fish it through and connect the bake element. After I pushed the element through the holes and tightened the screws I went around back to put the panel on and I discovered that it would have been easier to have pulled the oven out and remove the panel and disconnect the wires from the back and go around and remove the old element and replace the new one. I learned how to install it 2 ways. Taking the back panel off was the easiest way to do it an I could have done the job in less than a half hour. 

With a new part purchased from your company. 

We watched your repair video and fixed it the same way. Hardest part was pulling out and pushing back the stove unit. Very disappointed in the original design of the push button control panel, Apparently the contact is a very small plus symbol that had shifted out of alignment with the circut board switch. So, the old unit is also fixed and sitting as a back up. The repair worked just like the video and was very smooth. The contact shift was just some tweezer action to correct. 

Remove screw at element bracket each side in oven after unplugging oven first, remove wire connector on each side of element at back of stove, this stove had to be slid out to access rear of stove, also rear cover on stove had to be removed to access wires, remove old element from stove, place new element in and replace bracket screws, reconnect wires to element connectors, replug in stove, turn on upper oven to make sure new elem works ok, replace rear cover slide stove in place, 20-30 min job 

Being that it was the element's connection prong that was broken, I was able to just order the new element and install it. 

Ordered replacement part - received the NEXT DAY - WOW! Reviewed installation video to make sure we didn't miss any tips (Thank you - wonderful information). Unplugged stove and replaced bake element. Very pleased with the service and assistance available. 

Turn off power at breaker panel (DO NO SKIP THIS STEP!!) Pull oven away from wall. Remove back panel. Locate and disconnect leads to broken element. They are on pretty tight. Try wiggling them side/side before using pliers. Now around to front of unit. Remove door by pulling up and away. This is not required, but due to the small size of the upper oven, removing the door gives more "wiggle room". Remove rack. Remove screws from element bracket (The ones through top side) Unscrew 1 screw each at end of element at back of oven. Replace new element in reverse order. Make sure element leads are pressed on tight. Restore power and test before pushing your oven back into place. This is also a great time to clean the sides and back of the unit, as well as sweep out underneath!! It really is that easy. Tip: It's a good idea to replace the other element at the same time. The cost is nominal and will save you some headaches later on. Remember; both elements are the same age. If one goes, it probably wont be too long before the other one does too! 

Removed old, replaced with new