Warning: Disconnect power before servicing.
ErrBase

Oven Heating Element Replacement

Quick Answer

Turn off the oven breaker, remove the two mounting screws, pull the element forward, disconnect the wires, and connect the new element. Test the old one with a multimeter first: it should read 20 to 50 ohms.

Replacing an oven heating element is one of the most straightforward appliance repairs you can do at home. The element bolts to the back wall of the oven cavity with two screws and connects with two push-on wire terminals. The whole job takes about 20 minutes.

GenericOvenSeverity: moderate92% DIY Success
Time to Fix
15–30 min
Difficulty
beginner
Parts Cost
$15 – $35
Tools Needed
Philips screwdriver, Multimeter

What Does the HOW-TO Code Mean?

Electric ovens use a bake element on the bottom and a broil element on top. When either one fails, the oven either will not heat at all or will not reach the set temperature. A burned-out element usually shows visible damage like blistering, cracks, or a spot that glows brighter than the rest. Testing with a multimeter confirms the diagnosis: a healthy element reads between 20 and 50 ohms, while a failed one reads open-line. The replacement is a direct swap that requires only a screwdriver and about 20 minutes.

Most Likely Causes

Based on aggregated repair data, here is the probability breakdown for this error code:

Bake element end-of-life failure50%
Broil element hot spot or blister25%
Corroded wire terminals at element connection15%
Power surge or voltage spike damage10%

Symptoms You May Notice

  • Oven will not heat past room temperature
  • Visible hole, blister, or burn mark on the element coil
  • Element glows unevenly with one bright spot
  • Oven takes much longer than usual to preheat

Can you reset a Generic oven to clear the HOW-TO code?

After replacing the element and restoring power at the breaker, press Cancel or Clear on the oven control panel to reset any stored error codes. Set the oven to 350 degrees and verify it reaches temperature within 15 minutes.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

Philips screwdriverMultimeterWork glovesPhone (for wiring photo)

Diagnostic Checklist

Follow these steps in order. We start with the easiest external fixes before opening up the machine.

1

Turn off the breaker and confirm power is off

Go to your electrical panel and flip the breaker for the oven to the OFF position. Electric ovens run on 240 volts, which is dangerous. Confirm the oven display is dark and the oven light does not turn on. If your oven is hardwired (no plug), the breaker is your only disconnect. Never rely on just turning the oven off at the control panel because the terminals behind the element remain energized.

2

Remove the old element

3

Test the old element with a multimeter

4

Install the new element and restore power

ComponentComponent Under Test
Expected Range20–50 ohms
ConditionIf Open (OL) or infinite, replace component.

Replacement Parts

If your diagnostic testing proves the component has failed, you will need a replacement. We recommend OEM parts over aftermarket for water-handling components.

Part Name
Universal Bake Element (most 30-inch ovens)CH7865 · $15–$35
Universal Broil ElementCH7856 · $15–$35

Repair vs. Replace Calculator

Appliance Age (Years)7 Yrs
Labor Approach
Our Verdict
REPAIR
Estimated Cost: $25 (Parts) vs $850 (New Machine)

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my oven element is bad?
Look for visible damage like blisters, holes, or uneven glowing. Then test with a multimeter: a good bake element reads 20 to 50 ohms. If your meter shows OL (open line), the element is burned out.
Can I replace an oven element myself?
Yes, this is one of the easiest appliance repairs. It involves removing two screws and pulling off two wire connectors. The only critical safety step is turning off the 240-volt breaker before you start.
Why does my new oven element smoke?
A light smoke and slight odor on the first use is completely normal. It comes from manufacturing oils burning off the surface of the new element. Run the oven at 350 degrees for 15 minutes with a window open, and it should clear up.

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 15, 2026