Kenmore Stove Bake Element Replacement

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Introduction

Use this guide to replace a failed bake element in a Kenmore electric stove. The bake element, also called the lower oven element, provides heat during bake mode. Replace it if the oven will not heat, heats unevenly, or the element is visibly burned out. This guide was written using a Frigidaire-built Kenmore range, so screw locations and wiring access may vary slightly on other models.

What you need

Step 1 Prepare the stove

Unplug the stove from the wall outlet before touching any wiring or internal parts.
Let the oven cool completely before reaching inside.
Wear work gloves if the panel edges or rusted hardware are sharp.

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Step 2 Remove the oven door

Open the oven door and locate the locking tab on each hinge.
Pull both hinge tabs down as far as they will go.
Close the door until it stops against the lowered hinge tabs.
Grip both sides of the door, lift straight up, and pull it away from the stove.
Set the door on a stable surface where it won't fall.

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Step 3 Remove the oven racks

Slide each oven rack toward you.
Lift the rack and pull it out of the oven.
Set the racks aside until reassembly.

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Step 4 Remove the bottom panel screws

Locate the two Phillips screws securing the oven bottom panel.
Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the two screws.
Keep the washer with each screw for reassembly.
Original screws may have flatter heads than replacement screws.
If a rusted original screw must be cut off, replace it with an 8-32 screw during reassembly.

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Step 5 Remove the bottom panel

Insert a flathead screwdriver into one of the screw holes in the bottom panel.
Use the screwdriver to lift the rear edge of the panel.
Grab both sides of the panel and raise the back edge.
Pull the front edge out from under the front lip of the oven cavity.
Remove the bottom panel from the stove.

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Step 6 Remove the bake element screws

Locate the four screws securing the bake element.
Two screws are at the front of the element, and two are at the back.
Use a 1/4 inch nut driver to remove the four screws.
Keep the screws organized for reassembly.

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Step 7 Disconnect the bake element wires

Work from the rear of the stove if the back cover is already off from testing.
Disconnect the orange wire from one bake-element terminal.
Disconnect the yellow wire from the other terminal.
Disconnecting the wires from the rear is easier than pulling them through the front openings.
Reconnect the orange and yellow wires to the replacement element during reassembly.

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Step 8 Remove the bake element

Return to the inside of the oven.
Pull the bake element straight out of the oven cavity.
Remove the old bake element from the stove.

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Conclusion

Install the replacement bake element by reversing the removal steps. Reconnect the orange and yellow wires before securing the element, reinstall the two washers with the bottom-panel screws, and replace any cut-off rusted screws with 8-32 screws. Repair didn't go as planned? Ask our Answers community for help.

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