Electric Range Diagnostic Guide

Learning how to repair appliances and HVAC/R

by Appliance University Distance Learning Program

Symptom	Click on underlined items for further course information
Nothing works or it works intermittently Electric Shock can cause injury or death Never assume the electricity is off. Before servicing an electrical device, disconnect it from its electrical source either by unplugging the appliance, or turning off the power at the breaker fuse box. Mark the service panel with a note so that no one will restore power while you are working. After turning off the power to the circuit, test the circuit to be certain that there is no power before attempting service.	Check for a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker Test the electric outlet for current / Electric Ranges has a 220v circuit, Both sides of power load (220v circuit) needs check* Make sure the power cord is plugged in securely Inspect the connections to the terminal block for burned wires Test the power cord for burned wires / Replace if needed Eliminate use of an extension cord, if any is being used Check the outlet voltage / 220v circuit, both side of load needs check GAS & ELECTRIC RANGES-LIBRARY(FIVE VIDEOS PACKAGE)
A single burner does not heat	Reseat the element in its receptacle block Check the male ends of burner if pitted, replace Test the heating element / for continuity* Test the element connectors or burned off wires Test the burner control switch / for continuity*
A single burner only works intermittently	Reseat the element in its receptacle block / Check for burned and pitted end, repalace if need Test the heating element / Chect with voltmeter power to & check continuity* Check for burned wires and pitted ends of elemant / repalace if needed Test the burner control switch / Check for voltage and continuity
A single burner only works at high heat	Test the burner control switch / Check for voltage and continuity* Test the wiring for a short or loose, burned off
No burners work or they don't reach full temperature	Make sure the power cord is plugged in securely Test the electric outlet for Full 220v current with voltmeter* Inspect the connections to the terminal block for loose wires Test the power cord / check or burned wires Eliminate use of an extension cord, if any is being used Check the outlet voltage for proper voltage, electric range is 220v
Burner "ON" but the indicator light(small red botton lite by switch also called polit-light) not on or flickering	The bulb may have burned out Check the connection to the burner control switch Test the burner control switch / Check for voltage and continuity
Oven does not heat Genreal Information Check analog clock, Make sure setting of clock are not set to automatic turn off sitting, should be set to manual by push inthe knob and lock in at manual setting. Some times the small knob will pop out thus oven will not turn on.	Reseat the element Test the element / Check for voltage and continuity Test the element connectors /check for wire burned off Test the oven temperature control
Range Hoods	Grease buildup in range hoods is another fire hazard, so be sure to clean the vents regularly.
*Learn to use multimeters to Testing for Continuity, Use of voltmeter and Ohmmeter. SEE: Basic Electricity Instructionals Major Appliances Electrical Fundamentals Understanding Electricity, Test Instruments	Continuity Test is the checking of an electric circuit to see if current flows in a solanold, contact is made inside a switch or motor winding are good.(that it is in fact making a complete circuit). A continuity test is performed by devices that can be used to perform continuity tests include multimeters which measure current and specialized continuity testers which are cheaper, more basic devices, generally with a simple light bulb that lights up when current flows. SEE: Electrical Fundamentals Course When a bad motor winding cannot be found by a physical inspection, many times an ohmmeter may show that there is a defective winding. Read more: How to Test Electric Motor Windings Ohmmeter usages. While the ohmmeter may not show potential failures, it can be used to determine if the windings are good or bad. How to Test Electric Motor Windings.