Electric Stove Burner Control Switch – Does It Need Replaced?
The burner control switch on your electric stove can cause a number of problems when it fails. Knowing how to test the burner control switch can help you diagnose the problem with your stove and help you make the repairs.
What problems are caused by a failing burner control switch?
- One burner doesn't heat
- Burner works intermittently
- Burner only works when turned on high
- Burner indicator light doesn't work
Note: The following troubleshooting test is for stoves with two-wire burner control switches. If your stove is equipped with three-wire controls, this test will not work.
Shut Off the Power
Unplug the stove or turn off the breaker to the stove to disconnect the power supply. Failure to do so could result in electrical shock and burns.
Locate the Control for Testing
Refer to your owner's manual to find the exact location of the control panel. Some stoves are built with the control panel access on the rear of the unit, while others must be accessed by lifting the stove top.
Opening the top of the range requires the removal of a few screws. Some of these screws can only be reached when the oven door is open, so if you are having a difficult time finding the screws preventing the stovetop from lifting, look on the underside of the stovetop around the seal of the oven door.
Test the Control
Before you disconnect anything, take a moment to label the wiring and connectors. You will notice some labels on the control switch:
- P – leads from the switch to the burner indicator light
- H1 and H2 – lead to the burner heating element
- L1 and L2 – power supply
Adjust the multimeter setting to X1 ohms. Turn the burner control to high heat. Place the multimeter probe on the L1 pin with the second probe on the H1 pin. You should see a reading of no more than 20 ohms. Repeat this test on pins L2 and H2. Readings higher than 20 ohms show that the switch has gone bad and needs to be replaced.
Pass that test? Adjust the temperature setting to medium heat and repeat the above test. The test should show very low resistance. If it doesn't, replace the switch.
Now, turn off the control and retest. You should get results of infinite resistance or no continuity.
Lastly, test P and L1 with the burner turned on. The result should be continuity which shows that the light should be one when the burner is on. If the light doesn't illuminate when the burner is on, a simple bulb replacement is all that is needed.
If you are unsure of your abilities to complete this test, contact your local appliance repair technician such as Collier County Appliance Service, Inc. for assistance.
