Amana Oven Element Replacement – What Part Fixes This Problem?

Understanding the Problem

An "Amana element" usually refers to the electric heating element inside an Amana oven — either the bake (lower) element or the broil (upper) element. These elements provide the heat for baking and broiling. Over time they can burn out, short, develop hot spots, or break loose from their mounting. 1) Confirm the problem and get the model number: - Locate the oven's model and serial tag (usually on the oven frame behind the door or on the storage drawer). Record the model number — replacement elements differ between models. 2) Visual inspection (first, easiest check): - With the oven OFF and power disconnected, open the oven and inspect the elements. Look for visible breaks, blisters, white or gray powdery spots, or deep discoloration. Any of these indicate failure. 3) Test for electrical continuity: - Disconnect power to the range at the breaker. Remove the back panel or open the oven door and pull the element forward enough to access the terminal connections. - Disconnect the wire connectors from the element terminals (note or photograph wiring orientation). Set a multimeter to the ohms (Ω) range and measure across the two terminals of the element. A healthy element typically measures a low resistance (often 10–50 Ω depending on element type). Infinite (OL) or very high resistance = open element (replace). Very low near 0 Ω plus visible burning may indicate a short to ground. 4) Check for short to ground (if applicable): - With one meter lead on an element terminal and the other on the element mounting bracket or chassis, you should see no continuity. Continuity here means the element is shorted to the chassis and should be replaced. 5) Inspect control and wiring (if element tests good): - If the element has continuity but still doesn't heat, check the oven's temperature sensor/thermostat, the bake/ broil relay or control board, and wiring. Use service manual wiring diagrams for your model. 6) Replace the element (how-to fix): - Ensure power is OFF at the breaker. - Open the oven door and remove the mounting screws (usually two) holding the element to the oven back panel. Carefully pull the element forward to expose the terminal connectors. - Photograph wiring and disconnect the quick-disconnect terminals (or unscrew lug nuts). Remove the old element. - Install the new element by connecting the wires to the matching terminals (tighten quick-disconnects snugly). Push the element back into the mounting holes and reinstall mounting screws. - Restore power and test: set oven to bake at 350°F and watch the element glow (broil element will glow when broil selected). Confirm even heating and no unusual smells or smoke. 7) Final checks and calibration: - If oven still doesn't reach temperature or is inaccurate, test the oven temperature sensor (thermistor/thermocouple) with an ohmmeter or replace if out of spec. Recalibrate oven per manual if needed. Safety note: Always disconnect power at the breaker before working on electric ovens. If you are uncomfortable working with mains electricity or accessing internal controls, hire a qualified appliance technician.

Common Symptoms

Oven won’t heat or heats unevenly; upper or lower element does not glow; visible blisters, breaks, or burnt spots on the element; tripped breakers or blown fuses when oven is on.

Common Causes

• Element wire inside the tube has fatigued or burned open from repeated heating cycles
• Element has shorted to the oven chassis due to a crack in the insulation
• Wiring, control board, or temperature sensor failure causing the element not to receive power

Popular Parts That Fix This Problem

These are the most common replacement parts that fix this problem. When you're ready to order, click below to find the right part at ProsourceParts.com — just search by your appliance model number for a guaranteed fit.

Frequently Asked Questions