Samsung Electric stove burner temperature is erratic: Common Causes & How to Fix
1Range/Stove/Oven Surface Element Board
Most Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
The surface element board, also known as the burner control board, is a vital component in an electric stove. Its principal role is to manage the power supply to the heating element of the burner, thereby controlling the temperature. When the surface element board is functioning correctly, it regulates the heat output effectively, allowing you to select and maintain the desired temperature setting. However, when the board becomes defective, it can result in electrical irregularities. This may include issues like poor electrical connections, miscommunication, or improper control of the heating element. Consequently, these problems can lead to erratic temperature control, causing the burner to heat unevenly or at the wrong intensity, leading to unpredictable cooking outcomes and temperature inconsistencies.
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.
2Range/Stove/Oven Oven Control Board
Most Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
The oven control board, sometimes referred to as the main control board, is a central component of an electric stove. It serves as the brain of the appliance, managing and coordinating various functions, including temperature control for both the oven and burners. When the oven control board operates correctly, it accurately interprets and responds to your temperature settings, sending the appropriate signals to the heating elements for precise temperature regulation. However, if the control board becomes defective or damaged, it can lead to electrical disruptions. This may include issues such as inaccurate temperature readings, miscommunication with the heating elements, or a failure to maintain consistent temperature levels. As a result, these problems can result in erratic temperature control, causing the burner to heat unevenly, leading to inconsistent cooking outcomes and temperature irregularities.
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.
3Range/Stove/Oven Surface Element Switch
Most Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
The surface element switch, often referred to as the burner control switch, is a critical component in an electric stove. Its primary function is to regulate the flow of electricity to the heating element of the burner, thereby controlling the temperature. When the surface element switch is in good working condition, it smoothly adjusts the heat output, allowing you to select and maintain the desired temperature setting. However, when the switch becomes defective, it can lead to issues such as poor electrical contact, which can cause erratic temperature control. In some cases, the switch may not respond correctly to your adjustments, resulting in the burner heating up too much or not enough, leading to cooking inconsistencies and temperature irregularities.
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.
4Range/Stove/Oven Element Receptacle and Wire Kit
Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
The element receptacle and wire kit are integral components in an electric stove's burner system. The element receptacle securely connects the heating element to the stove's electrical system, while the wire kit ensures the proper flow of electricity to the element. When these components are in good working order, they establish a stable electrical connection, allowing precise control over the heating element's temperature. However, when the element receptacle or wire kit becomes damaged or worn out, it can result in electrical irregularities. These issues may include loose connections, short circuits, or disrupted power flow to the heating element. Consequently, these problems can lead to erratic temperature control, causing the burner to heat unevenly, fluctuate in temperature, or fail to reach the desired heat levels consistently.
How to Replace Range/Stove/Oven Element Receptacle and Wire Kit
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Shut off power to range. Flip circuit breaker or unplug appliance to avoid electric shock during replacement.
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Remove control knobs by gently lifting straight up and off of stems. Set aside neatly.
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Remove burners. Look for mounting screws or clips securing burner bases in place. Remove to access wires below.
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Disconnect old wires from receptacle terminals. Use pliers or screwdriver to squeeze locks and separate each wire one at a time.
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Remove mounting screws securing old receptacle assembly in place behind burners. Lift out old unit.
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Install new receptacle with mounting screws, lining up terminals at the back.
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Attach new color-coded wires by connecting to matching terminals on receptacle. Push firmly into place.
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Replace burner bases over receptacle wires and secure with screws or clips.
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Replace control knobs by aligning flats and pushing onto stems.
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Restore power and test each burner by turning control knobs to the ""On"" position.
5Range/Stove/Oven Coil Surface Element
Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
The coil surface element is the heating component responsible for generating heat in your electric stove burner. When it functions correctly, it should heat up steadily and maintain a consistent temperature according to your settings. However, if the coil element becomes damaged or faulty, it can result in heating irregularities. These issues may include coil deformation, uneven heat distribution, or electrical malfunction. When the coil is not evenly heated or doesn't receive a consistent electrical current, it can cause erratic temperature control, making the burner heat unevenly or fail to reach the desired temperature settings reliably.
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!
6Range/Stove/Oven Radiant Surface Element
Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
The radiant surface element is the essential heating component in an electric stove burner. When operating correctly, it should provide consistent and evenly distributed heat to cook your food. However, if the radiant element becomes damaged or defective, it can lead to heating irregularities. These issues may include element warping, uneven heat emission, or electrical malfunction. When the radiant element doesn't heat evenly or receives inconsistent electrical current, it can result in erratic temperature control. This causes the burner to heat unevenly or struggle to maintain the desired temperature settings reliably.
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.