How to Use a Multimeter to Test and Replace the Heating Element in Your Oven

If your oven is turning on but isn't heating up properly, the most likely cause is a faulty heating element. However, the issue could also potentially be a faulty thermostat or selector switch, so you'll want to find out which part is faulty before you try to replace it. In this article, we'll show you how to use a multimeter to test the heating element in your oven to determine whether or not it's the element that needs replacing. However, if you follow this guide and find that the heating element is working fine, we also have guides showing you how to use a multimeter to test the thermostat and test the selector switch too.

If you've never used a multimeter before, don't worry. Our short guide on how to use a multimeter will get you in the know asap! It's also worth noting that, for this guide, we use a cooker and oven combined appliance. If you want guidance on replacing the element in a built-in oven instead, head to our other guide here.

What you will need:

• Phillips head screwdriver
• Multimeter
• Heating element (if faulty)

If you find that your oven's heating element is faulty after testing it, you will need to purchase a new one. However, before buying a new heating element, you will first need to find your oven's model number. Knowing this number will help ensure you buy the correct element for your particular appliance. Not sure what your oven's model number is or how to find it? Don't worry. Our model number finder page will help you find your oven's model number in no time.

How to use a multimeter to test the heating element in your oven

Let's take a look! To learn how to test an oven element with a multimeter, either watch our video or read our step-by-step guide below.

Safety first

Remember, always make sure your oven is switched off and disconnected from the mains before carrying out any work. If your oven is wired in and you can't unplug it, you'll need to turn it off by it's switch in the kitchen. You'll also need to go to your fuse box and turn off the switch that powers your cooker too.

Step 1: Remove the back panel

To access the inside of your oven, you'll first need to remove the back panel. Using your Phillips screwdriver, unscrew the screws all around the back panel that hold it in place.

With the screws removed, you can pull the back panel away from the machine. The panel will likely still be attached by an electrical wire connection, but you should still be able to move the back panel aside enough to have access to the inside of your oven.

Step 2: Remove the electrical connections from the heating element

As pictured below, you will now be able to see the electrical wire connections attached to the end of the heating element. These will need disconnecting, but we first recommend taking a photo of the wires connected to element as this will help you reconnect them in the correct places later.

Once you've taken a photo of the wires for future reference, go ahead and disconnect all of the electrical connections from the heating element.

Step 3: Set up the multimeter

Now, before you start testing the heating element for faults, you'll first want to set up your multimeter. First, make sure the black wire connection is plugged into the black socket on the multimeter, and that the red wire connection is plugged into the red socket. Then, you will also want to make sure the multimeter is set to the continuity setting. Once set up, you can go ahead and switch the multimeter on.

Step 4: Testing the faulty element

With your multimeter ready, take the two probes and press them against the two small tabs protruding from the heating element (these are the tabs you removed the electrical connections from earlier). If your multimeter emits a high-pitched beep, it means the element is working fine. If there is no beep, however, it means the element is faulty and needs to be replaced.

Step 5: Remove the faulty element

To replace a faulty heating element, first head to the front of the oven. Open the door, remove the shelves from the inside, then remove the rear panel at the back of the oven's interior. To remove the back panel, remove the corner screws that keep it in place using your Phillips screwdriver.

With the back panel removed, you will be able to access the element. To remove it, unscrew the two screws that keep it in place at the top using your Phillips screwdriver.

You will also need to remove one final screw that can be found at the bottom of the heating element too.

With all the screws removed, you can go ahead and lift the faulty heating element out of the oven.

Step 6: Fit the new element

Now it's time to fit your new heating element! First, slot the new element into position on the back wall inside your oven. Then secure it in place by returning the three screws you unscrewed from the old element (two at the top and one at the bottom).

With the element securely in place, go ahead and screw the back panel into place over the element with the screws you removed earlier. With the element and back panel in place, you can also return the oven shelves and close the door.

Then head to the back of the oven and reconnect the rear electrical connections to the element's tabs. Remember to use the photo your took for reference earlier, as these connections will need to be fitted in the correct places.

Then, finally, you can finish the process by screwing the oven's rear panel back into place.

There you have it! All there is to checking a faulty oven element with a multimeter and replacing it if necessary. Your oven should now be back in action and heating up properly once more!

Now that your oven is back in shape, why not make sure you're using it efficiently too? Our guide on oven energy saving tips will help you use your appliance in the most cost-effective, energy-efficient and eco-friendly manner possible!

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