Whirlpool Oven Broil Element Replacement - Signs & How-To

Whirlpool Oven Broil Element Replacement — What This Part Does

The broil element is the upper electric heating element in your Whirlpool oven. It provides direct overhead heat during broil mode to brown and crisp food. When you select broil, line voltage energizes the element so it glows red-hot.

Failure happens when the resistance coil inside the element burns out and creates an open circuit. The element can also fail from age, thermal stress, or physical damage. When it’s open or burnt, the oven won’t produce any broil heat. Loose or corroded terminals at the element can also prevent current flow and create arcing damage.

Jump to Replacement Steps

Signs It Needs Replacing

• No heat when broil mode is selected You turn on broil but the oven stays cold and nothing glows at the top.
• Element does not glow red The element powers on but stays dark or only glows in spots instead of heating evenly.
• Visible cracks, blisters, or burned spots on the coil You see physical damage or bubbling on the element surface where the coil has failed.
• Element separated or broken in the middle Part of the coil has cracked through or sagged away from the rest of the element.
• Arcing or sparking at the rear terminals You see flashes or burn marks where the wires connect to the element terminals behind the oven.
• Broil works intermittently or cuts out Heat starts then stops during broil because of a weak connection or partially open coil.

How to Replace It

1. Unplug the range from the wall receptacle or turn off the circuit breaker and pull the fuses so the oven has no power.
2. Remove the oven racks and set them aside to create clear access to the broil element at the top rear of the cavity.
3. Locate the two mounting screws at the rear wall that secure the broil element bracket and remove them with a nut driver or screwdriver.
4. Gently pull the element forward a few inches to expose the wire terminals on the back, being careful not to let the wires slip behind the rear panel.
5. Pull the female spade connectors straight off each element terminal and inspect the wire ends for corrosion, heat damage, or loose crimps.
6. Remove the old element and compare it to the new part to confirm the bracket and terminal positions match.
7. Slide the terminals of the new element through the openings in the rear wall, then push the spade connectors firmly onto each terminal.
8. Position the element bracket flush against the rear wall and reinstall both mounting screws, tightening securely so the element sits flat.
9. Replace the oven racks, restore power at the breaker or plug, and test broil mode to verify the element glows evenly and produces heat.

The Part You Need

Related Error Codes

If this part is failing you may also see one of these codes:

• Whirlpool Oven A6 error code
• Whirlpool Oven Ab error code
• Whirlpool Oven Cal error code
• Whirlpool Oven F1 E0 error code
• Whirlpool Oven F1 E1 error code
• Whirlpool Oven F2 E0 error code
• Whirlpool Oven F2 E1 error code
• Whirlpool Oven F3 E0 error code
• Whirlpool Oven F3 E1 error code
• Whirlpool Oven F5 E0 error code

When to Call a Pro

If you find burned or melted wiring behind the element, corrosion inside the terminal block, or damage to the rear oven wall insulation, stop and call a technician. Those conditions point to a wiring fault or control board problem that needs diagnosis beyond the element itself. Also call a pro if the new element still won’t heat after replacement, since that means a relay, control board, or internal wiring fault is preventing voltage from reaching the element. For gas line, burner, or igniter work, or if you ever smell gas, stop and call a licensed technician.