Whirlpool Ovens & Ranges Broiler Not Working: How to Fix It Yourself
If the broiler in your Whirlpool oven is not working, the broil element has likely burned out. You can confirm by turning on broil and watching the top element — it should glow bright red within a few minutes. Replacing it is straightforward.
⚠️ Safety First
- Always unplug the appliance from the wall before starting any repair work.
- If you have a gas model, turn off the gas supply valve before working. If you smell gas at any point, stop immediately, leave the area, and call your gas company.
- Let the appliance cool completely before touching internal components. Heating elements and surrounding metal can cause burns.
Parts You May Need
Step-by-Step Repair
- 1
Make sure you're using broil mode correctly
Set your Whirlpool oven to "Broil" (not "Bake"). The broil element is at the top of the oven — it should glow bright red within 2-3 minutes. Some models have a "Hi" and "Lo" broil setting. Make sure the oven door is in the correct position (some models require it slightly ajar).
- 2
Check the broil element
Look at the top heating element inside the oven. Turn on broil and watch it. It should glow evenly bright red. If it doesn't glow, glows unevenly, or has visible breaks or burn spots, it needs replacing. Unplug the oven first before inspecting closely.
- 3
Replace the broil element
Turn off power at the circuit breaker. Remove the oven racks. The broil element is held by 2-4 screws at the back of the oven. Remove the screws, gently pull the element forward, and disconnect the wires. Connect the new element, screw it in, and restore power. A Whirlpool broil element costs about $20-$40.
- 4
Check the oven relay or control board
If the element is good, the relay on the control board that sends power to the broil element may have failed. This is a more advanced repair — the control board is behind the control panel. If other oven functions work fine, the board is probably fine and the element is the issue.
- 5
Test your repair
Set the oven to broil and place a slice of bread on the top rack. It should start browning within 2-3 minutes. If the broil element glows and works, your repair is complete!
If That Didn't Work
- A faulty control board on your Whirlpool oven could be the root cause, though this is less common.
- Wiring issues between components — loose or corroded connections — can cause intermittent problems.
When to Call a Professional
If the steps above don't fix your Whirlpool oven, a professional repair technician can diagnose the issue quickly. Most repairs cost $100-$250 including parts and labor. If your oven is older than 8-10 years, compare the repair estimate to the cost of a new one.
Related Repairs
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute professional repair advice. All repairs are performed at your own risk. RepairItFree.com is not liable for any personal injury, property damage, device damage, voided warranties, or other losses resulting from the use of this information.
If you are unsure about any step — especially anything involving electricity, gas, water, or refrigerant — stop and consult a qualified professional. Your safety is more important than saving money.
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