Proper Operation
Learn how your appliance is supposed to operate so you can determine if it is malfunctioning.


This page contains affiliate links. For more information visit our
FTC disclosure page.

  • Visit our sponsor for parts:
The AppliancePartsPros team

Generic Electric Range/Oven/Cooktop

Most electric ranges function in a similar manner with only slight variations, mostly in oven operation. They all use similar parts and suffer similar failures. Below we list common failures and the likely causes for them.

The information contained here applies to all North American brands. It does not matter if they are made by GE, Frigidaire, Whirlpool or Maytag or branded with any of the common brand names like: Admiral, Amana, Caloric, Danby, Gibson, Glenwood, Hardwick, Hotpoint, Inglis, Jenn Air, Kelvinator, Kenmore, KitchenAid, Magic Chef, RCA, Roper, Tappan, Viking or White Westinghouse.

Only in Canada!Older Canadian ranges of these brands may have additional internal fuses which might present a slightly different cause, where noted, than US models. Internal fuses are rarely found in USA made stoves.

Problem Diagnostics

Check Mark

Surface Element Not Heating At All

Check Mark

Surface Element Stays on High

Check Mark

Surface Element Only Gets Warm

Check Mark

The Hot Surface Indicator Light Stays On

Check Mark

Just Bake or Broil Element Does Not Heat At All

Check Mark

ALL Elments Do Not Heat but Lights and Clock Work

Check Mark

The Whole Oven Does Not Heat At All

Check Mark

Oven Temperature is Not Accurate