How to Replace a GE Oven Heating Element

Your GE oven is a valuable appliance in your kitchen. It’s an essential piece of equipment for making your favorite meals and baked goods. Unfortunately, wear and tear happens, and you might find yourself in a situation where the oven heating element is damaged or faulty. 

This component is responsible for heating the oven, and without it, your oven won’t function correctly. But don’t worry, replacing a GE oven heating element isn’t too difficult or time consuming. This blog post will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to do it yourself.

Step 1: Turn off the power supply to the oven 

Before doing anything, ensure that the oven is disconnected from the power supply. This is a crucial safety measure to protect against any potential electrical shocks or accidents during the work process.

Turn the oven off using its control panel or knob. Make sure it is fully cool before proceeding.

Carefully remove the plug from the wall socket. Ensure that you’re not pulling on the cord itself but the plug head to prevent any damage to the wire.

If your oven is directly wired into your home’s electrical system, you’ll need to switch off the appropriate circuit breaker on your home’s fuse box. The circuit breakers are usually labeled, so look for the one that corresponds to your kitchen appliances or oven. 

Step 2: Remove the oven racks 

To replace the heating element of your oven, you need to have clear and unrestricted access to it. This is where removing the oven racks comes into play. The oven’s heating element is typically located at the bottom of the oven, so any obstructions in the way need to be removed.

Step 3: Remove the screws holding the heating element in place 

The heating element is a coil located at the bottom of your oven. It’s typically circular or oval and made of metal.

Look towards the back of the oven, where the element meets the oven wall. You should see a pair of screws securing the heating element in place. These screws are usually metallic and may be covered in a layer of baked-on food or grease, making them a bit difficult to spot at first glance.

You’ll need a screwdriver to remove the screws. Check if the screws have a flat head or a cross head (Phillips).

Once the screws are loose, remove them completely and set aside in a safe place where they won’t get lost.

Step 4: Detach the heating element

After all the screws on the heating element are removed, gently pull the heating element forward to detach it from the back of the oven. Be cautious, as some models might have wires connected to the element, and you don’t want to pull these loose accidentally.

As you pull the element forward, you will eventually expose the wiring connected to the back. These wires transfer electricity from your oven to the heating element, enabling it to heat up.

Take a close look at how the wires are connected to the heating element. They’re usually attached via slip-on connectors—metal sleeves that fit snugly onto the element terminals. 

Alternatively, the wires may be connected to the bake element with screws. It’s a good idea to take a photo or make a note of the wiring configuration for future reference when installing the new element.

To detach the wires, you might need to use a pair of needle-nose pliers or a screwdriver. To detach the slip connectors, grip the metal connector (not the wire itself) and gently pull it off the terminal. 

To unscrew the wires, undo the screws.

Be careful not to let the wires slip back through the hole into the insulation of the oven wall, as retrieving them can be difficult.

Once all wires have been disconnected, you can fully remove the heating element from the oven.

Step 5: Install the new heating element 

Start by unpacking your replacement heating element. It should look quite similar to the old one, with connectors at the back where the wires are to be attached.

Refer back to the photo or notes you took of the original wiring configuration. Attach each wire to the corresponding connector on the new heating element. 

For slip connectors, you can use a pair of pliers to crimp the wire onto the connector. Ensure the wire is securely fastened and won’t easily slip off. Or, using your screwdriver, reinsert the screws you previously removed and turn them clockwise to tighten. Don’t over-tighten, as this could potentially damage the new element.

After the screws are tightened, gently push the new heating element back towards the oven wall until it sits flush. This is to ensure that it’s properly positioned and won’t interfere with the oven racks or the closing of the oven door.

Finally, screw the element back into place.

Step 6: Test the new heating element 

After you’ve installed the new heating element, turn the power back on and test the element by turning the oven on. 

If the oven heats up properly, congratulations, you’ve successfully replaced your GE oven’s heating element!

If it does not, then you may have reconnected the wires incorrectly, or there may be further problems with the oven beyond a broken heating element.

Having a functional oven is necessary for cooking and baking delicious meals and treats. A faulty heating element can be frustrating, but with the right tools and by following the above steps, replacing it is simple. 

The process outlined above consists of only six steps, and with a few minutes of your time, you can restore your GE oven back to its full capacity. 

However, if you feel uncomfortable or unsure about doing it yourself, hire a professional to do the job for you. Having a professional on hand ensures your safety and minimizes hazards while fixing your GE oven’s heating element.