Electric range is dead, sort of...

[ericg75]

I have a Frigidaire electric range/oven model REG-36HW*1. The lights work but nothing else seems to function (stove top, baking or broiling). I pulled the back panels off and put the stove top up and nothing appears amiss. All heating elements seem to register proper resistance (bewteen 22 and 38 ohms). Occasionally I can get the oven to warm to about 120 degrees or a burner will get somewhat hot (but not hot enough to boil a cup of water). What is wrong with this oven?

Eric

[LazyPup]

Sounds like you have an open leg on the 220v service, either from the breaker or an internal problem in the range itself.

The bake & Broil elements work on 220 volts, while the surface burners use both 220 and 110 to get differing temperature ranges. The lights and timers also function on 110v thus you have power from line to common on one leg, but you do not have 220v because one leg is dead.

Unplug the range and test the voltage at the plug. You should get 220v from the two side slots, and 110 from each side slot to the center slot.

IF NO 22O AT THE RANGE PLUG-, turn the breaker off, then check to make sure the connections are tight in the breaker terminals. Next, remove the cover on the range receptacle and check for loose or broken connections or burned wiring.

IF THE RANGE PLUG MEASURED 220V- open the line cord service access panel. Check the wiring to be sure all connections are clean and tight.

Remove the back of the control panel. You should see all the controls have input terminals marked L1 & L2.

Using your ohm meter, check for continuity from L1 on a control to L1 on the service line cord connections. If you get continuity check L2 to the other line terminal on the service line cord connector. If there is no continuity from the line cord terminals to L1 or L2, the problem is in the wire from the service cord block to the control panel.

A WORD OF CAUTION- The wiring used to construct electric ranges is a special high temperature wire and the spade connectors used on the controls are high temperature connecters. If you find you need to replace any wire or spade connectors go to an appliance parts supply house and get the proper high temperature connectors and/or wire. Failure to use the proper connectors or wire can result in a fire or potentially a serious electrocution hazard.