Kenmore / Sears Electric stove burner won't turn off: Common Causes & How to Fix
1Range/Stove/Oven Knob
Most Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
If the burner on your stove won't switch off, first check the control knob for any signs of damage. A knob that's broken might not be able to turn the switch stem properly. This could cause it to keep sending electricity to the burner.
How to Replace Range/Stove/Oven Knob
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Shut off power to the range by flipping the circuit breaker or unplugging the appliance for safety.
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Gently hold the knob to be replaced and wiggle it from side to side until it lifts off the shaft or stem underneath.
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Clean any residue from the mounting stem if the old knob was stuck on tightly. This ensures a good fit for the new knob.
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Orient the new replacement knob so its mounting tab lines up with the flat spot on the stem below.
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Slide the knob down securely onto the stem pushing until it sits firmly in place without wobbling.
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Turn the knob left and right to check smooth rotation without catching on the shaft.
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Repeat for any additional knobs needing replacement on that burner or control panel.
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Restore power and test knob functions like turning on a burner to ensure proper replacement.
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Knob replacement is complete! The stove controls should now operate as normal.
2Range/Stove/Oven Surface Element Switch
Most Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
The switch for the stove burner sends electricity to the coil. But if the switch breaks, the internal parts can stick together, causing the switch to keep sending electricity non-stop. If the burner's switch isn't working right, it needs to be replaced.
How to Replace Range/Stove/Oven Surface Element Switch
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Shut off power. Locate the circuit breaker for the range and shut off power to the appliance. It is important to ensure there is no power flowing to avoid shock.
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Remove control knob. The burner control knob will usually pull straight off when wiggled gently. Set aside knobs so they can be replaced in the correct position later.
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Unscrew switch mounting screws. Look under the control panel for small mounting screws securing the switch in place. Remove screws using a Phillips head screwdriver.
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Disconnect wires. The switch will have wires connected either by screw terminals or wire nuts. Carefully unscrew terminals or unwrap nuts to separate wires from old switch.
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Remove old switch. Lift out the old switch once fully disconnected. Check for any gaskets or seals around the opening and save if reusable.
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Install new switch. Line up the switch in the opening and connect wires to the matching terminals. Be sure to attach wires to the correct terminals as marked.
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Secure and test switch. Replace mounting screws to secure the new switch tightly. Restore power and test each burner control by turning knobs to the ""On"" position.
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Replace control knobs. Slide knobs back onto switch stems, matching them to the proper burners. Testing is complete.
3Range/Stove/Oven Oven Control Board
Most Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
On some stoves, a control board sends electricity to all the parts. If it's broken, it might keep sending power to a burner, even when it's turned off. If you're sure the burner isn't broken and is controlled by a touchpad, the control board might be the problem. Check the board for damage or signs of a short circuit. You can also use a tool called a multimeter to check if electricity is reaching the baking or broiling parts after looking at the stove's wiring plan.
How to Replace Range/Stove/Oven Oven Control Board
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Shut off power to the range by locating the circuit breaker and shutting it off. This prevents electric shock.
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Remove the control knobs by gently pulling straight up and off of the stems they attach to. Set aside.
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Remove the control panel of the oven by locating mounting screws around the edges and carefully removing them.
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Disconnect the wire connectors attached to the control board by squeezing release tabs and gently pulling wires free.
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Remove mounting screws or other hardware securing the board in place. Lift out the old board.
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Install the new control board and attach with original mounting screws or hardware.
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Reconnect wire connectors to matching terminals, ensuring colors or locations match up properly.
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Replace the control panel and mounting screws around the edges.
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Reattach control knobs by pushing them back onto the stems.
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Restore power and test ovent functions like bake, broil, temperature controls.
4Range/Stove/Oven Surface Element Board
Most Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
The surface element board, also known as the burner control board, plays a key role in managing the operation of the heating elements on your electric stove. It receives signals from the burner control knobs or switches and translates them into instructions for the respective heating elements. When this board malfunctions, it can fail to interpret or execute the command to turn off the burner. This may happen due to issues such as a short circuit or electronic component failure within the board, which can keep the heating element active even when you attempt to switch it off. As a result, the burner remains on, causing a situation where it won't turn off as intended.
How to Replace Range/Stove/Oven Surface Element Board
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Shut off power. Locate the circuit breaker for the range and shut off power. Disconnect or remove the power cord if possible.
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Remove control panel. Look along the front edge and back of the control panel for screws or clips holding it in. Remove to access wiring and components underneath.
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Disconnect wires from board. The element board will have multiple wire leads connected. Scribe labels or take photos of wire locations before detaching each one with pliers or a screwdriver.
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Remove mounting screws. Small screws typically secure the board in place. Remove with a Phillips head screwdriver to detach fully.
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Install new board and reattach wires. Line up the new board and secure with original screws. Reconnect each wire lead to its properly labeled terminal.
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Replace control panel. Set the control panel back in its correct position and secure with the reinstalled mounting screws or clips.
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Restore power and test. Turn the circuit breaker back on and test each surface element by turning its control knob. Elements should heat up one at a time.
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Replace knobs if needed. Reattach control knobs if they were removed during the process. The repair is now complete.
5Range/Stove/Oven Control Panel
Most Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
A stove's control panel lets you choose the heating options for the burners and oven. If it's broken, some buttons might short-circuit and you won't be able to turn off the burner. If you're sure the burner itself isn't short-circuiting and is controlled by a touchpad, the touchpad or control panel could be the problem.
How to Replace Range/Stove/Oven Control Panel
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Shut off power to the range at the circuit breaker for safety during replacement work.
- Remove any control knobs by gently wiggling and lifting them off their stems. Set aside neatly.
- Locate the mounting screws around the perimeter of the control panel underside.
- Remove the mounting screws using a Phillips head screwdriver.
- Carefully lift off the old control panel. It may stick slightly due to food debris or grease.
- Clean any residue from the range surface. This ensures a good seal for the new panel.
- Set the new control panel in place aligning any wire connections or screw holes.
- Replace mounting screws around the entire outer edge tightly but do not overtighten.
- Reattach control knobs by pushing them firmly onto their corresponding stems.
- Restore power and test all functions. Replacement is now complete.
6Range/Stove/Oven Coil Surface Element
Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
Sometimes, if the stove burner is short-circuited, you can see the damage. Check the burner for any signs of damage. If it's damaged, it needs to be replaced. To find out if it's short-circuited, use a tool called a multimeter to test if electricity is flowing through it. If the electricity isn't flowing, the burner needs to be replaced.
How to Replace Range/Stove/Oven Coil Surface Element
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Shut off power to range by flipping the circuit breaker or unplugging the power cord. This prevents electric shock during replacement.
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Remove control knob by gently wiggling and lifting it off the stem. Set knobs aside so they can be replaced in the correct positions.
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Loosen mounting screws or nuts securing the coil element in place using a nut driver or wrench. There may be one in each corner.
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Disconnect wire leads from coil. Use pliers or a flathead screwdriver to release terminals one at a time. Note or photograph positions beforehand.
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Lift out old coil element. It may take some wiggling to detach fully from mounts. Check condition of mounts and replace if corroded.
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Set new coil element in position. Line up mounting holes and feed wire leads through openings or channels.
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Tighten mounting hardware to securely affix coil. Reattach wire terminals by squeezing with pliers to lock in place.
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Replace control knob by slipping it over the stem aligning the flat edge.
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Restore power and test. Turn on range and coil to ensure proper heating function. Replacement complete!
7Range/Stove/Oven Radiant Surface Element
Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
Sometimes, if the stove burner is broken, you can see the damage. Check the burner for any signs of damage. If it's damaged, it should be replaced. To check if it's broken, use a tool called a multimeter to see if electricity is flowing properly between the burner's prongs and its casing. If the multimeter shows that electricity is flowing between the prongs and the casing, it means the burner is broken. If the burner is broken, it needs to be replaced.
How to Replace Range/Stove/Oven Radiant Surface Element
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Shut off power to range by flipping the circuit breaker or unplugging the power cord. This prevents shock during replacement.
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Remove any cookware from the radiant element surface to improve access.
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Remove mounting bracket/retainer ring. Look for securing screws or clips around edge. Remove to detach element from cooktop surface.
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Disconnect wire leads from element terminals. Use pliers or a flathead screwdriver to release each wire one at a time, taking note of positions.
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Carefully lift out old element through cooktop opening. Wiggle as needed to detach fully from any remaining mounts.
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Adjust orientation of new element. Position wire leads and terminals to align with cooktop feed-through area.
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Replace mounting bracket/retainer ring. Secure with original screws or clips to hold element in cooktop cutout.
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Reattach wire terminals by inserting firmly with pliers into matching positions on new element.
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Restore power and test heating. Monitor with hand to ensure element reaches operating temperature.
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Replace any cookware and cleaning is complete.
8Range/Stove/Oven Solid Surface Element
Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
Sometimes, a damaged stove burner is easy to spot. Look closely at the burner for any signs of damage. If it's damaged, get a new one. To see if the burner is broken, use a tool called a multimeter. This helps you check if electricity is flowing the right way from the burner's connectors to its outer casing. If the multimeter shows that electricity is flowing from the connectors to the casing, it means the burner is broken. If the burner is broken, you'll need to replace it.
How to Replace Range/Stove/Oven Solid Surface Element
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Shut off power to the range by flipping the circuit breaker or unplugging the cord for safety.
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Remove any cookware from the surface element area to improve access.
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Look for mounting screws around the edge of the solid element underside.
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Remove mounting screws using a nut driver or screwdriver to detach element from cooktop.
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Carefully lift out old element. It may stick slightly due to decades of heated use. Wiggle as needed.
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Clean underside of cooktop if greasy or dirty to prepare for new seal.
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Set new element in place aligning screw holes if present. No need to overtighten screws.
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Reattach wire leads by squeezing terminals with pliers to lock into place.
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Turn power back on and test the element by monitoring temperature rise with your hand.
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Replace any cookware and enjoy your freshly replaced solid surface element!
9Range/Stove/Oven Main Control Board
Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
If your stove burner is controlled by a touchpad, a broken part on the main control board might be causing it to keep getting electricity. You can check the control board for signs of damage or a short circuit. But, as this is not a common problem, you should first make sure the other parts that usually break are working the way they should.
How to Replace Range/Stove/Oven Main Control Board
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Shut off power to the range at the circuit breaker. Turning off power prevents electric shock during the repair.
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Remove any knobs or control panels by gently lifting straight up. Set hardware aside in a safe place.
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Locate the control board, usually mounted under or behind the front control area.
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Disconnect all wire connectors attached to the board by squeezing locking tabs and pulling wires free.
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Remove mounting screws or brackets securing the board in place. Lift out carefully.
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Insert the new control board into position and secure with original fasteners.
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Reconnect all wire harnesses by firmly pushing connectors onto matching terminals.
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Replace control knobs and panels by pushing or screwing items back into position.
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Restore power and test features such as bake, broil, timers to ensure proper functioning.
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Control board replacement is complete. Return range to normal operation.
10Range/Stove/Oven Touchpad
Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
The touchpad, often found on modern electric stoves, serves as the control interface for various functions, including turning the burners on and off. When you activate the touchpad to switch off a burner, it sends an electronic signal to the stove's control system, instructing it to stop the heating element. However, when the touchpad malfunctions due to issues like physical damage, electronic glitches, or wear and tear, it may not transmit the correct signal to turn off the burner. In this scenario, the heating element remains active even though you've attempted to switch it off using the touchpad. As a result, the burner won't turn off as intended, causing a situation where it remains in operation.
How to Replace Range/Stove/Oven Touchpad
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Shut off power to the range by flipping the circuit breaker to avoid electric shock during repair.
- Remove any knobs/bezels covering the front of the touchpad by lifting straight up.
- Look for mounting screws around the perimeter of the touchpad underside.
- Remove the mounting screws using a Phillips head screwdriver.
- Carefully detach any wire harnesses connected to the touchpad back. Note positions.
- Lift out the old touchpad panel being careful not to strain or break wire connections.
- Connect wire harnesses to the matching terminals on the new touchpad back.
- Mount the new touchpad to the control panel using original screws.
- Replace knobs or bezels if removed earlier.
- Restore power and test all touch controls and range functions for proper replacement.
11Range/Stove/Oven Control Knob
Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
If your stove burner won't switch off, start by checking the control knob for any damage. A knob that's broken might not be able to turn the switch stem properly, which can cause it to keep sending electricity to the burner.
How to Replace Range/Stove/Oven Control Knob
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Turn off the appliance and allow heating surfaces to fully cool before servicing.
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Gently pull the defective knob straight away from the stem. Knobs may be friction fit or have a retained clip.
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Inspect the knob stem for any buildup or debris that could affect installation of the new knob.
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Fit the replacement knob's central hub over the valve stem so that indicator markings align properly.
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Push firmly until the knob is fully seated and secure on the stem. You may need to flex the knob to pass the retaining tab.
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Check that the knob turns freely without binding on the stem or panel.
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Repeat knob replacement process for any additional defective knobs.
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Turn the appliance back on and verify all knobs and settings operate as intended.
12Range/Stove/Oven Control Board
Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
If your stove burner is managed by a touchpad, a faulty part on the control board might be causing it to keep getting electricity non-stop. You can look at the control board for signs of damage or a short circuit. But since this doesn't happen often, you should first make sure the parts that usually have problems are working correctly.
How to Replace Range/Stove/Oven Oven Control Board
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Shut off power to the range by locating the circuit breaker and shutting it off. This prevents electric shock.
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Remove the control knobs by gently pulling straight up and off of the stems they attach to. Set aside.
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Remove the control panel of the oven by locating mounting screws around the edges and carefully removing them.
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Disconnect the wire connectors attached to the control board by squeezing release tabs and gently pulling wires free.
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Remove mounting screws or other hardware securing the board in place. Lift out the old board.
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Install the new control board and attach with original mounting screws or hardware.
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Reconnect wire connectors to matching terminals, ensuring colors or locations match up properly.
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Replace the control panel and mounting screws around the edges.
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Reattach control knobs by pushing them back onto the stems.
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Restore power and test ovent functions like bake, broil, temperature controls.
13Broken or cracked control knob
Repair Instructions:
If the control knob on your stove is damaged or broken, it might not be turning the switch correctly. Take a close look at the knob and make sure the switch is turned off. If the knob is damaged, it should be replaced.