How to Replace the Heating Element in a Frigidaire Oven

If your oven is not heating up evenly, takes a long time to preheat, and is cracked or broken, the heating element may be defective. It then becomes necessary to replace it, so you can keep cooking your food reliably. 

Replacing the heating element in your oven is one of the most common repairs done by homeowners, and is relatively cost-effective. If you have a Frigidaire oven, here is what you need to know about replacing the heating element, with a simple step-by-step guide.  

Where is the Heating Element in a Frigidaire Oven? 

Your Frigidaire oven will generally have two heating elements responsible for heating up your oven and maintaining a consistent temperature inside. The top element is called the broil element and the bottom element is called the bake element. 

Regardless of whether you have a Frigidaire gas or electric oven, you will be able to replace the heating element yourself. The bake element is held on by screws and connected to the back of the oven by metal prongs connected to wires. This process of replacement is designed to be relatively simple by manufacturers, so you can do it yourself without hiring a repair technician. 

How to Replace the Heating Element: A Step-By-Step Guide 

Typically, the bake element will need to be replaced more often than the broil element due to higher usage. Whether you’re replacing the broil or bake element, the process will remain the same. Here’s how to do it, step-by-step.  

1. Disconnect the Oven 

The first step is to unplug the oven from the electricity socket or turn the fuse off. Safety should be a top priority throughout this process. Doing the subsequent steps without disconnecting the oven can damage the oven fuses or control boards and even cause electric shocks. 

2. Remove the Internal Racks 

Remove all the internal racks of your oven, including any trays that you may be keeping on top of the racks. This allows you to have more room when you’re doing the replacement. Many homeowners also use this step to deep clean the oven cavity and racks. You can do this using the baking soda and vinegar method to remove stubborn stains or a simple warm water and soap soak.  

3. Remove the Old Element 

Once the oven cavity is empty, you will be able to see the protective plate that surrounds the heating element better. Depending on the Frigidaire oven model you have, you can either pull this plate up or use a screwdriver to unscrew the plate. 

Now you have complete access to the heating element. Remove the mounting screws holding the element to the back and bottom of the oven. Then, carefully pull the element 6-10 inches towards you and away from the back wall. Avoid yanking and pulling the element out completely, as we want to reveal and disconnect the wiring properly. 

4. Disconnect the Wiring

To install a new element you will need to disconnect the wiring correctly. Double check that the oven is disconnected properly and wear heavy duty gloves in case any electrical problems arise. 

Create a mental picture of how the existing wires are connected to the prongs. If you’re concerned about doing this step incorrectly or think you will forget the set up, take a few pictures on your phone to help you remember. Use your screwdriver to carefully remove the screws that connect the wires to the element’s prongs. Save the screws and put them aside as you will need them later.

At this point, the wires may want to slightly “pull back” or retreat to the back of the oven. Ensure this doesn’t happen as you will need to connect the wires to the new element. If needed, tape them down to the oven cavity with wire-safe tape so they are held in place. 

5. Install the New Element 

Now you can install the new element. Purchasing a new heating element for your Frigidaire oven is relatively simple and low-cost — they can be purchased over the counter at an appliance store near you or online. Just ensure you note down your oven model and double check that the element is compatible with your oven.

After the safe removal of the old element, place the new one in the oven and ensure it is facing the correct direction with the area that connects to wiring facing in. Check the photos you took earlier and reattach the wires in the exact same position you discovered them. 

Then, carefully screw the element to the mounting with the same screws you placed aside earlier. Ensure the screws are tight and the mounting is stable.  Remember to replace all the oven racks before reconnecting your oven to the power source. 

How to Prolong the Lifespan of the Heating Element 

If maintained well, you won’t need to replace the heating element in your Frigidaire oven too often. Here are some methods to consider that can be easily incorporated into your maintenance routine:

• Carry out regular inspection and cleaning with a damp cloth and soft brush, to reduce the accumulation of food grease and dust. 
• Avoid excessive use, especially if you’re carrying out prolonged high-temperature baking sessions. 
• Check and clean the oven ventilation openings to ensure good airflow and prevent overheating. In a Frigidaire oven, cooling fans are used. 
• If your oven is overheating and making strange sounds, check with an appliance repair technician to prevent problems from escalating. 

Final Thoughts 

Replacing the heating element in a Frigidaire oven may seem like a daunting task, but with the correct tools and techniques, it’s one of the easiest repair tasks for an oven. The most important step is to unscrew and move the parts carefully, as you don’t want to damage the electrical wiring behind the element.

A new bake element will last you 5 to 10 years on average. Avoid over use with heavy temperatures and aim to create a regular cleaning schedule to keep your element working optimally for years to come.