DIYbanter - Oven element removal Q

"Chris M (SilverUnicorn)" wrote:

The lower heating element in our oven went out today :(

I know they are replacable, but I can't seem to get the old one out.

The oven is a GE, older, electric oven with 4 burners. We got it used and
had it for 6 years. I am guessing it is 8 years old or so.

Any ideas on how to replace this?

"THE VERY FIRST THING YOU MUST DO IS TO TURN THE BREAKER OFF TO THE
ENTIRE UNIT."
Here's a link describing ONE thing (not the worst) that can happen if
you do not turn off the power to the entire unit:

http://www.electricalknowledge.com/f...hives/1380.asp

The following link describes the likely way to replace the element - I
replaced mine (not a GE) this way a few years ago:

http://en.allexperts.com/q/Heating-A...en-Heating.htm

Here's what it says:

Expert: Carl Goodwin
Date: 8/2/2006
Subject: GE Electric Oven - Heating element

-- QUESTION --
I have a GE electric double wall oven and the baking heating element in
the top oven has quite heating. I have ordered a new element from GE and
need some hand holding on installing it.

For example, there are two screws in the back of the oven (inside) right
above the plate that holds the heating element. I assume that I need to
remove these before the element will come out, or do I just need to pull
hard on the element?
Thanks,

Steve

-- ANSWER --
Steve,
The VERY first thing you MUSt do is to turn the breaker off to the
entire unit. Then, remove the 2 screws that you are talking about. Very
carefully, pull the element towards the front of the oven. There will
only be about 6 inches of wire. If the wires are just push on, the pull
the wires off, and secure them to the oven inside with tape (so they
don't pop back into the liner). If they are screwed in, then you will
need to unscrew them. The installation is the opposite of removal. If
you have to screw the wires onto the new element, use a pair of
needlenose pliers to hold the element "screw piece of metal thingy", or
it might break as you tighten it. It doesn't matter which wire goes on
which terminal, but it is proper procedure to put them back on the
terminal that you took them off. Make sure that you take the tape off
the oven liner wall when you are finished. Turn the breaker on, and test
operation. Before you begin however, make sure that the new element is
EXACTLY the same as the old. If the element probes are too long (or too
short), they might touch the inner cavity, and short out. Hopefully the
element is the problem? I hope this helps! :)