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Modern Maid Electric stove burner temperature is erratic

If your Modern Maid electric stove burner temperature is erratic, the burner may be cycling unpredictably, jumping between temperatures, or getting too hot and then cooling down. The most likely cause is a defective surface element switch, which can send intermittent voltage to the coil. If another burner uses the same-size element, switch the elements to help determine whether the switch or element is at fault. If two or more burners show erratic performance, the surface element board is more likely defective because its relays regulate power to the burners. A range control board or oven control board can also send intermittent voltage, while a burned element receptacle, damaged element prongs, or a loose or burnt wire connection can interrupt power. Turn off power before inspecting wiring, and use a multimeter only if you are comfortable testing continuity and voltage with the wiring diagram. These checks can help identify the failed surface element switch, control board, receptacle and wire kit, or related part. Enter your Modern Maid model number to find the exact replacement part for your electric stove.

01 - Modern Maid 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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02 - Modern Maid 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 - Modern Maid 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 - Modern Maid 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 - Modern Maid 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 Modern Maid electric stove burner temperature erratic?
How can I tell if the surface element or switch is causing the problem?
Can I test an electric stove burner with a multimeter?
Why are two or more Modern Maid stove burners changing temperature?
How do I find the correct Modern Maid electric stove replacement part?