Range Repair
Today we’d like to show you how to change the surface element on your smooth top range. It’s a really easy job. All we’re going to need is a number two Phillips screw driver and maybe a pair of needle nose pliers. Let me show you how we do it because we’re going to be working near some electrical circuits.
The first thing that we’ll do before we begin the repair is to pull the range far enough forward that we can unplug it or to locate the electrical panel and turn the breaker off or remove the appropriate fuses. Next, we’re going to open the door and we’ll locate a Phillips screw on either side and depending on your model it may be up through the top or through the side.
We remove both of those and then we’ll carefully lift up on the front of that main top once it is unsecured we can pull it forward just far enough that we can access the wire harnesses that are connected to the surface elements. Now, these harnesses have a little bit of tension on them so you may wish to take some string or some tape and just secure them so they don’t fall down into the back it’ll save me the job of having to remove the back panel to retrieve them. And just to press the locking tapes on those connectors to separate them. Once we have both harnesses disconnected we can then take the main top and set it on a suitable work surface.
Now, on this model the surface elements are attached to a metal frame that is secured to the main top of six screws. So, we’re going to remove those screws to separate the two pieces, you know, if the screws removed will next pull those two pieces together and then turn the whole thing right side up again, we can then lift the main top off and set it aside. We now have access to the element that we need to replace. So, first we’ll remove the wires that are attached to the preliminary device just take note of where they are located, then using our needle nose pliers we’ll just take those terminals right off. We’ll also inspect those wire terminals make sure that there are no signs of any arcing or corrosion.
And if there is we’ll need to replace the actual terminals as well. On this particular model the elements are mounted to the main top with a couple of spring clips so take note of where those are located in case there are multiple openings for those clips. And I just pull the element and clip to the opening pop it up screw. We can then flip it over. We’ll have to transfer these new clips to the new element. Now, with then turned over you’ll note that those two spring clips are attached to the original element a couple of Phillips screws. We’ll need to remove those clips and transfer them to the new element.
And also some numbers around the perimeter of this element that will help us relocate those clips to the proper spot they’re all numbered. Just discard the old element take our new element and carefully lay it face down, reinstall those mounting clips in the appropriate spots, tighten those securely. Then carefully turn the element in an upright position and insert those spring clips into the openings. Next, we’ll reconnect the wires to the terminals; we need to make sure that these are on nice and secure.
If you find any that are a bit loose just take your needle nose pliers and crimp those and again matured that they’re nice and tight on the terminals. We’re now ready to take our main glass top sit it on top of this assembly and then invert it so that we can attach the screws. Now, before we put the main top back on this assembly, you may choose to inspect the bottom side of it. Let’s see if it needs cleaning and if so you can just clean this with a normal glass cleaner, make sure it’s good and dry and lint free and then we can reassemble it. So, carefully lower that top on to the elements, grasp the whole assembly and carefully turned it upside down.
Now, carefully line up the top, make sure all the screw holes are properly aligned and then we’ll reinstall those retaining screws. I suggest doing the two Center ones first that will help with the alignment. And then make sure all of them are tightened securely. We’re now ready to take that main top, set it upright and back in place on the range.
First place that main top, close enough to the back that we can reconnect the wire harnesses and make sure that both of the locking tapes engage on them. And then carefully slide the top back making sure it lines up evenly on both sides and allow the retaining clips on the front to drop down into position. Reinstall those two retaining screws and tighten those securely, close the door back up. We’re now ready to reconnect the power and our repair is complete.
Whirlpool Range Repair – How to Replace the Bake Element (Whirlpool # W10779716)
We’d like to show you how to change the hidden element on your range. It’s a really easy job. Let me show you how we do it. Now, to do this repair, we will need to disconnect power through the range. You either pull it far enough forward that we can access the plug at the back or locate your electrical panel, turn off the appropriate breaker or remove the appropriate fuses.
We’re also going to need to pull out that range far enough that we can remove the access panel at the back as well. Now, with access to the rear of the range, we’re simply going to remove the two screws at the bottom of this lower access panel. Then we’ll just press down slightly on it and pull it away. We’ll set that aside and then we can disconnect the wire terminals to that big element. We’ll inspect those terminals, look for any signs of arcing or corrosion or any damage and if there is, you’ll need to replace those terminals.
Now, we’ll go to the front of the range where we can remove the oven bottom. The front of the range, we’re going to open up that door. We’ll just remove the racks. Now, with the racks removed, we’re next going to remove two Phillips screws at the back of that oven bottom to remove that and we can access that element. Now, with the screws removed, we’ll next just grasp the sides of that oven bottom, tilt it up at the back, then just pull it slightly towards the back. That will disengage the lip at the front and then we can lift it completely out, Now, your replacement element may be slightly different than the original and that it may have this mounting bracket on the front where your original didn’t but there is a screw hole to line up with that and there are also individual supports on either side.
Just make sure that we have it positioned so that the terminals point upwards. We’ll flip those trough the opening in the back. Make sure they slide in easily and they’re not catching on the insulation. Take one of those mounting screws and attach it at the back. Then we’ll line up that screw in the front and reattach that. Now we’re ready to put the oven bottom in. Now, we just position that oven bottom, tuck the front in, then under the lip at the front of the oven body, drop it down into place. Make sure the screw holes line up. Be sure to use those protective washers. Use caution that we don’t over tighten these screws. If you tighten them too much, it will damage the porcelain and they could rust. Now, next, we’ll reattach those wires to the element terminals.
Now, it’s important that they fit on there nice and tight. if they’re the least bit loose, just take a pair of needlenose pliers and gently crimp those. Now we’re ready to put that access panel back on. We’ll line that panel up so that the two holes for the mounting screws are at the bottom. Then we’re going to tuck the top end in, make sure it picks around the upper panel.
There are some locating feet on the side of that, make sure they’re firmly pressed into the back cabinet. Now, with all four of those feet lined up, make sure you’ll lift up slightly on that. It should tuck into the top panel and the screw hole should line up on the bottom. Now we’re ready to go to the front of the range and we can put the racks back in. We’ll begin by opening up the door, position the racks where you prefer them. You can close the oven up. We’re ready to push it back into position, reconnect the power, and your repair is complete.