The lower element on my old frigidaire oven isn't working and I can't remove it to replace it. Help?
Answers:
Older stoves did not have plug-in elements in the oven. Yes, the element is likely replaceable, but the connections are going to be via screwed-on lugs on the element only accessible once the sheet metal panel on the back of the stove is removed. Usually the element itself is just fine. Other things generally cause this sort of problem. DO NOT DO ANY INTERNAL WORK ON A STOVE UNLESS YOU ARE VERY FAMILIAR WITH 220 VOLT ELECTRICAL WORK! sorry for shouting but unless you can cut off all power to the stove (at the main breaker panel) you really ought not to go messing around back there... My advice - first look for a blown fuse, that panel is usually accessible on the stove itself and involves little risk if you are wearing rubber soled shoes and 'keep one hand in your pocket' when unscrewing fuses. You MUST turn the power off at the breaker panel first if you can.The glass fuses cost a buck at a 'dollar store' and maybe a max of $4-5 for two at a hardware store. You probably are looking for a 20 amp fuse. A blown fuse will have a darkening of the glass or a visible gap in the metal strip visible from the top of the fuse (most times). If you can't see one of those signs, and don't have an ohmmeter to do a continuity check of the fuse, just use a replacement fuse and see if the oven element heats up again. If that doesnt work there is a chance that the temperature switch/conrol has burnt out. For that you need to call a qualified serviceperson, don't go mucking about with that job.
Other answers:
Look in the phone book for a local dealer. He will likely have the part in stock and can show you how to replace it. They sometimes have little latches or hooks that you don't notice at first, but once you get the element you can see the trick. Take some pictures with you to make sure!
Look in the phone book for a local dealer. He will likely have the part in stock and can show you how to replace it. They sometimes have little latches or hooks that you don't notice at first, but once you get the element you can see the trick. Take some pictures with you to make sure!
There are no hooks , latches or fuses involved but if you do not disconnect the power there will be sparks and possibly flashing lights coming to your door. The element is fastened to the rear of the oven liner by two or in some cases three screws. The heating unit is hinged and the chrome plate is part of the element assembly. You may just have a wire burnt or broken off the connection so inspect the connections before you get a new element as many parts suppliers no not accept returns on electrical parts.