How to Replace a Cooker Hotplate Control Switch

If your cooker ring has suddenly stopped working or your cooker is tripping the fuses in your house, then it’s worth checking the heating element using a multimeter. If the element checks correctly the hotplate selector switch will usually be faulty and need replacing.

Please bear in mind that this process may differ slightly depending on your specific make or model of oven. All in all, the process should generally be similar, but we do have guides for replacing the selector switch on other cooker brands including Zanussi and Rangemaster if you happen to own one of these instead.

We also have a guide showing you how to change the multi position switch on a hob if it's your hob switch that needs replacing instead of your oven switch.

If you’ve never replaced a selector switch before or you’re not the handy type don’t panic. eSpares has created this article to answer all your questions and guide you on the repair without breaking your appliance.

This video shows an example on how to remove or replace the part on a typical machine, some models may be different but the procedure should be similar.

• Selector Switch
• Screwdriver

Safety First! Please make sure that you have disconnected the appliance from the mains before beginning any repair.

Caution: Due to the sharp edges exposed we suggest suitable Safety Gloves are worn to help prevent injury when carrying out this repair.

With your appliance now turned off, we can begin the removal process. To start you need to remove the cookers hot plate - this can be completed by unscrewing the screws which hold the plate in place.

If you have identified which selector switch requires replacing - it is recommended to remove the corresponding control knob too. Now you should be able to see the switch which requires replacing - held in place with screws - remove these.

With the screws gone you can now remove the control panel - after loosening more screws which should be found underneath. With the panel released you can now see and gain access to the selector switch which requires replacing.

Now we move onto the more complicated part of this process - the wiring!

Firstly, take a photograph using a mobile phone or digital camera of the selector switch and its collection of wires. Doing this can help identify the location of the wires when you need to reattach them.

Secondly - change the wires over onto the new selector switch one at a time - this will ensure that your are changing them over in the right order. You can change them over using a small flat headed screwdriver to prise the electrical connections if required taking care not to damage the wires

Now finishing up, reattach the switch to the control panel and screw the control panel back to the appliance and refit the heat shield. Once everything is secure put the control knob onto the selector switches shaft and you’re all set!

Please Note: When putting the control panel back on take care not to trap any of the electrical wiring.

You’re all done! You should of successfully changed the selector switch with no problems and can once again control your appliance with minimal effort. If for some unknown reason you read this before you equip yourself with the spare required you can see our online catalogue for the correct selector switch required.

For other fantastic and helpful guides for repairs and quick and easy diagnosis of faulty appliances don’t forget to see the remainder of our advice centre.