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HomeRepair HelpOven RepairElectric stove burner temperature is erratic Repair
Electric stove burner temperature is erratic
If your electric stove burner temperature is erratic, the burner may cycle too quickly, jump between temperatures, or become too hot and then cool unexpectedly. The most likely cause is a defective surface element switch, which can send intermittent voltage to the coil. If more than one burner has the same problem, the surface element board is a stronger suspect because its relays regulate power to multiple elements. A failing range control board or oven control board can also send voltage intermittently, causing burner temperature problems. For a single burner, test the surface element for continuous electrical continuity. If you have a coil burner, inspect the element receptacle and wire kit for burned contacts or damaged prongs. A loose or burnt wire connection near the heating element can produce similar symptoms. Disconnect power before inspecting or testing electrical parts, and use your range's wiring diagram when checking voltage with a multimeter. Replace a damaged switch, board, receptacle, surface element, or wire harness as needed. Enter your model number to find the exact replacement part for your specific electric stove, range, or cooktop.
01 - Range/Stove/Oven Surface Element Switch
The surface element switch sends voltage to the surface element coil. If the switch is defective, the surface element may only receive intermittent voltage resulting in erratic temperature changes. If there is another element of the same size on the stove, try switching the elements. If the surface element still only works intermittently, the surface element switch is likely defective. The surface element switch cannot be tested or repaired—if you suspect the switch is defective, replace it.
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Top Solution
02 - Range/Stove/Oven Surface Element Board
The surface element board has relays that regulate the power supply to the burners. If one or more of the relays fails, the surface element may only work intermittently, resulting in erratic temperature changes. If two or more burners have erratic performance at the same time, this indicates that the surface element board is likely at fault. If only one surface element is erratic, use a multimeter to test the element for electrical continuity. If the surface element has continuity at all times, the surface element board might be defective.
Top Solution
03 - Range/Stove/Oven Control Board
A range or cooktop's control board will send voltage to a stovetop heating element when the element's control knob or touchpad button is set to the “on” position. If the control board is defective, the voltage may not be sent to the heating element or only sent intermittently resulting in erratic operation. You can inspect the board for signs of damage or a shorted component. You can also use a multimeter to test for voltage reaching the heating element or elements after reviewing the appliance's wiring diagram.
Highly Likely
04 - Range/Stove/Oven Oven Control Board
A range or cooktop's control board will send voltage to a stovetop heating element when the element's control knob or touchpad button is set to the “on” position. If the control board is defective, the voltage may not be sent to the heating element or only sent intermittently resulting in erratic operation. You can inspect the board for signs of damage or a shorted component. You can also use a multimeter to test for voltage reaching the heating element or elements after reviewing the appliance's wiring diagram.
Highly Likely
05 - Range/Stove/Oven Element Receptacle and Wire Kit
The surface element plugs onto a receptacle. Over time, the contacts in the receptacle can burn out. If the receptacle contacts burn out, the surface element may only receive power intermittently or not at all. To determine if the element receptacle has failed, inspect the receptacle contacts. If the contacts are visibly burnt or damaged, replace the element receptacle. In addition, examine the element prongs for signs of burning. If the prongs are burnt, replace both the element and element receptacle.
Common
06 - Loose or Burnt Wire Connection
These wires commonly burn out near the heating element. To determine if a wire has burned out, inspect the wires leading to the element. If a wire is burned out, it will often be visibly burnt.
Less Common
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my electric stove burner temperature erratic?
How can I tell whether the surface element or switch is causing the problem?
Could a burned element receptacle make an electric stove burner cycle or heat unevenly?
When is the surface element board or control board the problem?
How do I find the correct replacement part for my electric stove burner problem?
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