Admiral Oven Heating Element Cracks or Blisters:... | appliancefaults.com

Technical Background:

The oven's Main Control Unit (MCU) sends a 240V AC signal to the heating element via a relay. The element's resistance causes it to heat up. A damaged element may have inconsistent resistance, causing it to overheat in specific areas or fail to heat at all.

Symptoms:

The Admiral oven's heating element has visible cracks or blisters. The oven may not heat properly, or may heat unevenly. Burning smells may be present during operation.

Possible Causes:

Heating element failure
Voltage surge
Excessive use at high temperatures
Manufacturing defect
Improper system (if recently replaced)

Solution:

1

Disconnect the oven from power at the breaker panel. Verify 0V AC at the element terminals using a multimeter.
2

Allow the oven to cool completely. Touching a hot element can cause severe burns.
3

Locate the heating element (typically at the bottom of the oven). It may also be located at the top for broil elements.
4

Use a 1/4-inch nut driver to remove the screws securing the element. Note: Some elements may have a clip rather than screws.
5

Gently pull the element out, noting the wire connections. Take a picture for reference.
6

Disconnect the wires from the element. If they are crimped on, use pliers. If they are spade connectors, simply pull them off.
7

Install the new element, connecting the wires securely and replacing the screws. Ensure wires do not touch oven chassis.

Safety Warning:

Disconnect power to the appliance at the breaker panel before any repairs. Lock Out/Tag Out (LOTO) procedures must be followed. Verify the circuit is de-energized with a multimeter before touching any components. Oven circuits typically operate at 240V AC; this is a lethal voltage.

Prevention:

Avoid overheating the oven by setting appropriate temperatures. Clean the oven regularly to prevent food buildup, which can contribute to element degradation. Consider a surge protector for the appliance circuit.

Expert Tip:

Some Admiral ovens have a hidden service mode. Press and hold the 'Bake' and 'Broil' buttons simultaneously for 5 seconds to access diagnostic features. This will allow you to view temperature sensor readings and run element tests.

Frequently Asked Questions

•How do I test the heating element with a multimeter?

Set your multimeter to Ohms (resistance). Disconnect the element from power. Place the probes on the element terminals. A reading of 19-24 Ohms is typical for a 240V element. A reading of infinity indicates a broken element.

•What if the element is glowing red-hot very unevenly before failing?

Uneven heating indicates a partial element failure. Hot spots can indicate areas where the element is breaking down internally. Replacement is necessary.

•Is it possible to repair a cracked heating element, or does it always need replacement?

A cracked or blistered heating element should always be replaced. Attempting to repair it is unsafe and will likely result in further damage or electrical shock.

Admiral Oven Heating Element Cracks or Blisters: Troubleshooting Guide

Technical Background:

Symptoms:

Possible Causes:

Solution:

Safety Warning:

Prevention:

Expert Tip:

Frequently Asked Questions

•How do I test the heating element with a multimeter?

•What if the element is glowing red-hot very unevenly before failing?

•Is it possible to repair a cracked heating element, or does it always need replacement?

Related questions

Technical Background:

Symptoms:

Possible Causes:

Solution:

Safety Warning:

Prevention:

Expert Tip: