Electric Stove/Oven Repair

[Daradon]

Hey CP,

My electric stove recently broke. What happened was, I was removing the elements to clean them and in a moment of haste I screwed one up. The prongs no longer fit properly. When I had tried to put it back in, a giant spark lept out at me, and the whole stove went out.

Now, if I recall correctly, a few electric stoves need all the elements to be working to complete the electrical circut. If one is broken, like in this case, then the electrical on the stove won't work. I was able to get the element to fit after playing with it a bit, and the clock does come back on, but flashes at 12:00 and nothing else appears to work. So that may confirm my circut theory.

Of course, if I'm wrong, it could just be that the short messed up the electrical and it could be a lot more expensive and harder to repair than just replacing the element.

My question is two-fold I guess. First, does anyone have any ideas on how I might be able to diagnose or fix the problem myself? I've checked some YouTube clips and online info, but haven't found anything too useful yet. If not, can someone point me in the direction of a good repairman? I am wary of having someone come out for 75 bucks just to tell me, 'your stove is boned man'.

Course, I guess that is sometime part of life. Just rather not have that happen.

Oh, I also checked the fuse, and that does not appear to be the problem, but I will admit, I am not 100% sure on that.

I would gladly buy/order a new element just to try out my first theory, if people are in agreement in thinking that's probably what it is. Of course, it could be the connection too. (Or as I mentioned something far more serious). I am unfortunately not able to borrow an element off someone to test my theory.

Thanks in advance!

[afc wimbledon]

When you say you checked the fuse do you mean house or on the stove as stoves have their own fuses.

[surferguy]

did you smell smoke as well? I have burned out the motherboard in the past due to a short circuit.

I had the guy come and diagnose it for me and paid the 75 bucks. They then waive that fee if you get them to fix it for you as well.

Also pull the manual and talk to the company directly and they may be able to give you a hand diagnosing over the phone.

[Canehdianman]

Sounds exactly like what happened to me when I cracked my element.

Go to HD or Lowes and get a replacement.

[Titan]

http://www.applianceadoctor.com/contact.html

If you do end up getting a guy in, we have had this guy in numerous times. Very professional and won't spend money you don't have to. He will tell you the cheapest fix. Very fast, clean and professional. Highly recommend.

[Daradon]

Originally Posted by afc wimbledon

When you say you checked the fuse do you mean house or on the stove as stoves have their own fuses.

Yeah, the stove fuse. I checked the outlet with another device, so the house electrical and fuses are fine.

[Daradon]

Originally Posted by surferguy

did you smell smoke as well? I have burned out the motherboard in the past due to a short circuit.

I had the guy come and diagnose it for me and paid the 75 bucks. They then waive that fee if you get them to fix it for you as well.

Also pull the manual and talk to the company directly and they may be able to give you a hand diagnosing over the phone.

Don't remember smelling smoke. Already found the manual, didn't think to call. Probably try that next.

[Canada 02]

timely thread, as my oven broke down last night

the oven has an electronic touch pad control; you push the bake button, it displays baking temperature options; you choose the temp. and it turns on.

Yesterday, we'd hit the bake button, and instead of temperature options it would show the oven timer. Hit cancel, try again, same thing. Tried the convection button, same problem. The 4th or 5th try it finally worked, chose the baking temperature, oven turns on, okey dokey. I minute or two later, sparks are flying from the heating element, a big spark, I quickly turn the oven off, open the oven door, and the heating element had broken into three pieces.

Question, obviously the heating element needs to be replaced now, but was that the cause of the problem, or a result of some other electronic problem, that ultimately resulted in the heating element sparking and breaking?

Any expert (or even amateur) opinions?

If it's just the heating element, it's a cheap $40-50 fix I can do myself. If it's electronic, I imagine I need a repair guy, and an expensive part(s)