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HomeRepair HelpRCA Oven RepairRCA Electric stove burner temperature is erratic Repair
RCA Electric stove burner temperature is erratic
When your RCA electric stove burner temperature is erratic, the burner may cycle unpredictably, jump from low to high, or become too hot even when the control is set correctly. The most likely cause is a faulty surface element switch, which can send intermittent voltage to the coil. If another burner uses the same-size element, swap them to help determine whether the switch or element is at fault. When two or more burners have erratic temperatures, a failed relay on the surface element board is more likely. A defective range control board or oven control board can also send inconsistent power to the heating element. If only one burner is affected, 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. Loose or burnt wire connections near the element can also cause burner cycling. Disconnect power before testing or replacing parts, and use your RCA model number to find the exact surface element switch, surface element board, control board, oven control board, or receptacle for your electric stove.
01 - RCA 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 - RCA 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 - RCA 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 - RCA 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 - RCA 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 RCA electric stove burner temperature erratic?
How do I test an RCA electric stove burner that is heating unevenly?
Can a surface element switch cause an electric stove burner to cycle erratically?
Why are multiple RCA electric stove burners changing temperature at the same time?
How do I find the correct RCA electric stove burner part?
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