How to Replace the Bake Element (Lower Heating Element) in a Frigidaire Oven

The bake element is the flat, looped heating element at the bottom of the Frigidaire oven cavity. It provides the primary heat source for all standard baking and roasting operations. In Frigidaire's Even Baking Technology system, the bake element is specifically positioned to minimize direct radiant hot spots on food — the element heats the cavity air and the surrounding insulated walls, which then radiate evenly toward the food. When this element fails, the oven will not reach temperature in bake mode (though broil may still work since that uses the separate upper element).

Common failure signs include: oven preheats extremely slowly or not at all in bake mode, visible break or hole in the element, bright spots or blistering on the element surface, element arcing or sparking during operation, or a tripped circuit breaker when bake mode is selected. The bake element on Frigidaire ranges is designed for homeowner replacement with only a Phillips screwdriver.

Before You Start

• Tools needed: Phillips #2 screwdriver, 1/4" nut driver (some models), multimeter (for testing), work gloves (element edges can be sharp)
• Parts needed: Bake element (~$30-$60, Frigidaire part varies by model; common: 316075104, 318255006)
• Time required: 15-25 minutes
• Difficulty: Beginner
• Safety warning: Turn off the circuit breaker for the range (240V double-pole breaker). Allow the oven to cool completely if recently used. The bake element carries 240V during operation. Even after turning off the breaker, verify power is off by attempting to turn on the oven light or setting the clock — no response confirms power is off.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Turn Off Power and Cool the Oven

Switch off the double-pole breaker for the range at the electrical panel. Open the oven door and allow any residual heat to dissipate. Remove the oven racks for clear access to the bake element at the bottom of the cavity. If your Frigidaire model has a bottom drawer (warming drawer or storage drawer), remove it as well for easier access to the element mounting screws from below.

Step 2: Remove the Bake Element Mounting Screws

The bake element is attached to the rear wall of the oven cavity by 2 Phillips or hex-head screws (one on each side of where the element exits the wall). These screws are visible at the back of the oven floor area where the element's leads pass through the rear cavity wall. Remove both screws. On some Frigidaire models, the screws are behind a heat shield plate that also needs to be removed first (2 additional screws).

Step 3: Pull the Element Forward and Disconnect

With the mounting screws removed, gently pull the element forward into the oven cavity. As you pull, the wire connectors behind the rear wall will come into view through the holes where the element terminals pass through. The element connects to the wiring via two spade connectors (push-on type). Pull each spade connector straight off the element terminals using your fingers or needle-nose pliers. Note: pull the connector, not the wire.

Step 4: Test the Old Element (Optional Confirmation)

With the element removed, test with your multimeter set to resistance. Touch probes to both element terminals: a good bake element reads between 15-50 ohms (varies by wattage). Infinite/OL reading confirms an open element (burned through internally). You may also see the failure visually: a crack, hole, or bulging blister in the element sheath.

Step 5: Install the New Element

Feed the two terminals of the new element through the rear wall holes. Push the spade connectors from the supply wires onto each terminal firmly until fully seated. The connectors should grip the terminal blades tightly. Pull gently to verify they won't slip off. Push the element back against the rear wall until the mounting holes align. Install the original mounting screws and tighten snug.

Step 6: Verify Proper Element Position

The bake element should sit flat along the oven floor, elevated approximately 1-2 inches above the bottom by its formed bends. It should not touch the oven floor, the side walls, or any oven racks. The element must have clearance on all sides for proper heat radiation. If the element is contacting anything, recheck the mounting screws and ensure it is fully seated in the rear wall bracket.

Step 7: Test the New Element

Replace oven racks. Restore power at the breaker. Set the oven to Bake at 350F. The bake element should begin glowing dull red within 3-5 minutes. Watch for even glowing across the entire element. No bright spots, sparking, or arcing should be visible. The oven should reach 350F within 10-15 minutes. Smell a brief odor from the new element is normal (manufacturing coating burning off during first use).

Element Wattage by Frigidaire Model Type

Higher-wattage elements preheat faster but also cost slightly more and may require verifying wire gauge adequacy (standard Frigidaire wiring handles up to 4000W bake elements).

Troubleshooting After Element Replacement

• Oven still does not heat in bake mode: Verify the circuit breaker is ON (both poles). Test for 240V at the element wire connectors when the oven is set to BAKE. If no voltage, the oven control board or temperature sensor may be preventing element activation (error code may be present)
• Element heats unevenly: This is normal during the first 2-3 uses as the element "seasons." If unevenness persists beyond 3 uses, the element may be defective
• F30/F31 error code appears: The temperature sensor (RTD) is reading out of range. This is often coincidental with element replacement. Test the sensor (should read ~1080 ohms at room temperature). The new element may heat faster than the old one, causing a previously-marginal sensor to trigger an alarm
• Oven runs hot after replacement: The old element was likely heating slowly (partially failed), causing the oven to calibrate its cycles for a weak element. The new full-strength element may overshoot temporarily. Recalibrate using the offset adjustment (Gallery: hold BAKE 5 seconds, adjust with arrows)

Even Baking Technology and Element Placement

Frigidaire's Even Baking Technology depends on the bake element being correctly positioned:

• Element sits flat (not bowed upward or downward)
• Even spacing from side walls
• Correct distance above oven floor (the formed bends in the element determine this — do not reshape)
• Mounting screws tight (a loose element vibrates and creates uneven radiant patterns)

If you notice uneven baking after replacement, verify the element is sitting identically to how the original was positioned. The formed shape of the replacement element should match the original exactly.

When to Call a Professional

Contact a professional if:

• The wire connectors behind the rear wall are melted or damaged (the wiring needs repair/replacement)
• The oven throws error codes after element replacement (temperature sensor or control board issue)
• You cannot access the mounting screws because the oven cavity is damaged or warped
• The element arcs or sparks when power is first applied (indicates a wiring issue, not element defect)
• Your range is gas (gas ranges do not have bake elements; they use gas burners for baking, and the igniter/gas valve system is the repair target)

Cost Comparison: DIY vs Professional

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FAQ

Q: How do I know if my Frigidaire bake element is bad? A: Signs include: oven fails to heat in bake mode (but broil works), visible hole or break in the element, bright spots/blistering on the surface, element sparks during use, or breaker trips when bake is selected. Test with multimeter: should read 15-50 ohms; infinite means burned out.

Q: Is the bake element the same as the broil element? A: No. The bake element is on the bottom of the cavity; the broil element is at the top. They are different shapes, wattages, and part numbers. They are not interchangeable.

Q: Can a bad bake element cause F30 or F31 error codes? A: Indirectly. F30/F31 indicate temperature sensor issues. If the old element was partially failed (heating very slowly), the oven's temperature response was abnormal. With a new element heating properly, a marginal sensor may now trigger these codes. Test the sensor independently.

Q: How long does a Frigidaire bake element last? A: Typically 8-15 years under normal residential use. Self-clean cycles (which heat the element to extreme temperatures) and heavy use shorten lifespan. Some elements fail from physical damage (heavy pan dropped on them, oven rack scraping during insertion).

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