318255006 Frigidaire Oven Range Bake Element is a tubular resistive heating element manufactured for use in Frigidaire electric ovens and ranges. As a bake element, it is indeed a high-resistance metal alloy conductor enclosed in a protective sheath and shaped to fit the oven cavity; it is designed to convert electrical energy into radiant and conductive heat to achieve and maintain set bake temperatures. This specific part number identifies dimensional, mounting and terminal characteristics that ensure proper fit and electrical rating for compatible Frigidaire models.
Inside the appliance, the bake element is a primary heat source that interfaces with the oven control system, bake relay or selector switch, and the oven temperature sensing system. When the control applies mains voltage to the element, it generates surface heat that warms the oven cavity; the oven temperature sensor or thermostat measures cavity temperature and modulates element operation via the control board or mechanical thermostat. The bake element also interacts indirectly with other systems-such as the convection fan, door seals, and safety devices (thermal fuses, wiring harness grounds)-so it’s condition and installation affect temperature uniformity, cycling behavior, and electrical safety.
This article will describe the bake element’s functional characteristics and specifications, outline compatibility considerations for model fit and electrical ratings, identify common failure symptoms and diagnostic indicators, and present troubleshooting and replacement considerations relevant to technicians, engineers, and appliance owners. Topics covered include how to interpret resistance values and continuity checks, visual inspection cues for failure, cross-referencing part and model numbers, and practical considerations for safe replacement and post-repair verification of oven performance.
Table of Contents
- Function and Role of the Bake Element in Frigidaire electric Ranges
- How the 318255006 Frigidaire Oven range Bake Element Integrates with the Oven: Design, Materials, and Electrical characteristics
- Common Electrical, Thermal, and Mechanical Failure Symptoms of the Bake Element
- Compatibility, Replacement considerations, and Step-by-Step Installation for the 318255006 Frigidaire Oven Range Bake Element
- Q&A
- Final Thoughts
Function and Role of the Bake Element in Frigidaire electric Ranges
The 318255006 Frigidaire oven Range Bake Element is the resistive heating component that generates the oven’s primary radiant heat during bake cycles. Physically, the element is a tubular metal sheath containing a high-resistance conductor; when the range control applies line voltage (commonly 208-240 VAC in residential installations) current through that conductor produces heat which radiates into the oven cavity. The element is mounted with a flange and two terminal connections so it can be switched by the oven’s relay or thermostat and will cycle on and off to hold the set temperature. Proper seating, intact terminal connections, and an unbroken sheath are necessary for predictable heat output and even temperature distribution across the oven cavity.
Compatibility is determined by model fit and terminal/mounting configuration, so technicians should match the part number and oven model before replacing the element. typical failure modes include an open circuit (no bake heat), physical breaks or blistering of the sheath, shorts to chassis that can trip breakers, and sputtering hotspots that cause uneven cooking. For diagnosis: disconnect power, visually inspect the element, measure continuity, and check for leakage to ground; replacement is straightforward once the correct 318255006 part is confirmed, and restoring a sound element usually returns the oven to normal bake performance.
- No bake heat or failure to reach set temperature (open circuit or weak element).
- Uneven baking or hot spots (partial sheath damage or localized deterioration).
- Visible breaks, bubbling, or scorching on the element surface.
- Short to chassis causing breaker trips (indicates insulation failure).
- Basic test sequence: power off, visual check, continuity test, and ground/leakage test.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Part | 318255006 Frigidaire Oven Range Bake Element – replacement tubular bake element for compatible Frigidaire models |
| Function | Provides resistive radiant heat for bake mode; switched by oven control to regulate temperature |
| Electrical | Designed for typical residential oven line voltage (approximately 208-240 VAC) and standard two-terminal connections |
How the 318255006 Frigidaire Oven Range Bake Element Integrates with the Oven: Design, Materials, and Electrical Characteristics
The 318255006 Frigidaire Oven Range Bake Element is a tubular resistance heater designed to be the primary radiant/convective heat source for the oven cavity. Internally it contains a nickel-chromium (nichrome) resistance wire helically wound and compacted in magnesium oxide (MgO) powder for electrical insulation and thermal conduction, all enclosed in a stainless-steel sheath to resist oxidation and mechanical damage. Mechanically the element mounts to the oven rear or base with a flanged bracket and attaches electrically to the range harness via insulated spade terminals; electrically it is driven from the appliance’s line supply (nominally 240 VAC in North American ranges) through the oven control relay or infinite-switch, so its steady-state power draw and impedance must match the control strategy and thermal limits of the oven cavity.
Electrical and thermal behavior is straightforward to characterize for service and compatibility: power rating determines achievable cavity temperature and duty cycle, while DC resistance (measured cold) gives a fast check of element integrity – an open circuit indicates a broken internal coil, while unusually low resistance or measurable continuity to chassis indicates insulation breakdown or grounding. The bake element integrates with the oven’s control loop (thermostat or electronic sensor) and with safety devices (thermal fuses, door interlocks); when replacing an element technicians verify terminal type, mounting dimensions, and nominal power/impedance to ensure proper heat-up rate and control hysteresis. Practical diagnostics and considerations include continuity and ground tests, verifying that the replacement matches the original element’s power rating, and confirming that the oven control cycles the element at expected intervals rather than leaving it on continuously.
- Common diagnostics: DC resistance check for open circuit, insulation-to-chassis check for ground fault, visual inspection for blisters or breaks.
- Compatibility checkpoints: terminal style (spade vs. bolt), mounting flange location, and nominal wattage/voltage rating.
- Materials affecting lifespan: nichrome coil, MgO insulation, and stainless-steel sheath resist oxidation and mechanical stress but can fail from repeated thermal cycling.
| item | Description |
|---|---|
| Nominal supply | 240 VAC (most U.S. ranges); verify local model requirements |
| Typical power range | Approximately 2,000-3,500 W depending on model and element length |
| Cold DC resistance | Generally in the low tens of ohms (varies with power rating); expect higher resistance for lower wattage elements |
| Materials | NiCr resistance wire, MgO filler, stainless-steel sheath, insulated spade terminals |
Common Electrical, Thermal, and Mechanical Failure Symptoms of the Bake element
The 318255006 Frigidaire Oven Range Bake Element is a tubular resistive heater that provides the primary radiant heat for baking cycles. In normal operation the element presents a low cold resistance and heats uniformly across its length; proper replacement requires matching electrical rating, terminal configuration, sheath length, and mounting brackets so the element draws the intended wattage and mates correctly to the oven harness. technicians confirm functionality with a visual inspection for breaks, corrosion, or deformation and with a multimeter check for continuity and a low-ohm reading (the exact resistance depends on wattage and model).An open circuit or a sudden rise in resistance signals loss of heating capability or imminent failure.
- No heat or greatly reduced heat – element open-circuit or high resistance.
- Uneven baking or hot/cold spots – partial element failure, internal break, or thermal fatigue.
- Glow only at one end or intermittent heating – failing internal connection or cracked sheath.
- Arcing, sparking, or burn marks at terminals – loose/corroded connections or short to chassis.
- Visible deformation, blistering, or pinhole leaks – sheath failure leading to hot spots and oxidation.
Electrical failures commonly originate at the terminations or from filament breaks inside the sealed sheath; thermal failures evolve from repeated heating cycles that cause metal fatigue, oxidation, and microcracks; mechanical failures are typically caused by impact, improper handling during service, or bent mounting that stresses terminals.Practical diagnosis combines symptom observation with objective tests: isolate power,check element continuity and insulation-to-chassis,inspect terminal tightness and connector type,and compare readings against the appliance service literature. If the element shows an open circuit, visible damage, or persistent arcing, replacement with a physically and electrically compatible unit is the appropriate corrective action to restore safe, predictable oven performance.
| Item | description |
|---|---|
| Continuity test | low-resistance reading indicates intact filament; infinite resistance indicates open circuit. |
| Visual indicators | Discoloration, blistering, sagging, or arcing marks point to thermal or mechanical failure. |
Compatibility, Replacement Considerations, and Step-by-Step Installation for the 318255006 Frigidaire Oven Range Bake Element
The 318255006 Frigidaire Oven Range Bake Element is a resistive heating element that provides the primary radiant heat for the oven’s bake cycle.It converts electrical energy into heat along its tubular sheath and is secured to the oven cavity by mounting tabs with spade-type terminals for electrical connection. Compatibility depends on three physical characteristics: the mounting-tab spacing, the type and orientation of the electrical terminals, and the element’s overall length and curvature. Many service technicians confirm fit by comparing thes dimensions and terminal style against the old element; matching the tab spacing and two-prong 240 V terminal configuration typically ensures a direct replacement without modification. Typical failure modes include open circuits, visible breaks, blistering of the sheath, or uneven heating that produces inconsistent browning across the oven floor or racks.
Perform installation with the power removed and verify continuity before and after replacement. Disconnect power at the breaker and remove oven racks to access the element; unfasten the mounting screws, gently pull the element forward to expose the spade terminals, and disconnect the wiring while noting/photographing terminal positions.Use a multimeter to check continuity (many 240 V bake elements register in the low tens of ohms) and inspect harness connectors for corrosion. Reinstall the new element by aligning the mounting tabs, securing the screws, and reconnecting the spade terminals in the same orientation, then restore power and run a short test bake to confirm even heat.Practical steps and quick checks useful during service are summarized below.
- Safety: cut power at the breaker and confirm no voltage with a multimeter.
- Remove racks and access element mounting screws from inside the oven cavity.
- Disconnect wiring from spade terminals and test old element for continuity.
- Compare mounting-tab spacing, overall length, and terminal type before fitment.
- Install new element,secure mounting screws,reconnect wires,restore power,and test bake cycle.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Voltage | Typically 240 V for electric ranges |
| Typical resistance | Low tens of ohms (varies by element wattage; use multimeter) |
| Terminals | Spade-style connectors; confirm orientation and number |
| Common symptoms | Open circuit, uneven heating, visible damage, burning smell |
Q&A
What is part number 318255006 for a frigidaire oven/range?
Part 318255006 is the bake (lower) heating element used in certain Frigidaire electric ovens and ranges. The bake element is the exposed tubular heating element mounted at the rear or bottom of the oven cavity that produces the heat used during the bake cycle.
What symptoms indicate the 318255006 bake element is failing?
Common signs include no heat on the bake setting, very slow or incomplete heating, uneven browning, visible breaks, blisters or bubbling on the element surface, or a breaker that trips when the oven is set to bake.A failed element may also show an open circuit when tested with a multimeter.
How can I test the 318255006 element with a multimeter?
First disconnect power to the range. Remove the element’s access panel and disconnect the element leads so you measure only the element. Set the multimeter to the ohms (Ω) scale and measure across the two element terminals. A healthy 240V bake element typically shows a finite low resistance (commonly in the tens of ohms); an open (infinite) reading means the element is broken. Also check between each terminal and the metal case; any continuity to ground indicates the element is shorted and should be replaced. Refer to the appliance service manual for the exact expected resistance range.
How do I know if 318255006 will fit my oven model?
Always confirm compatibility by checking yoru oven’s exact model number (usually on a sticker inside the oven door frame or on the appliance body) and comparing it to the manufacturer’s parts list or an authorized parts supplier. Many online parts retailers let you enter the oven model to verify fit. If in doubt, contact Frigidaire customer support with your model number.
Can I replace the bake element myself and what are the safety steps?
Yes, many owners can replace the element. Safety steps: turn OFF power at the circuit breaker (do not rely on the range’s controls), allow the oven to cool, remove racks, access the element mounting screws (usually at the back of the oven cavity), disconnect the element wires (take a photo to record wire placement), install the new element and reattach wiring, replace panels/racks, then restore power and test. If you’re not pleasant working with high-voltage wiring or removing panels, hire a qualified appliance technician.
What tools are needed and how long does replacement usually take?
Typical tools: screwdriver or nut driver (commonly 1/4″ or 5/16″), socket set, needle-nose pliers, and a multimeter for testing. Allow about 30-60 minutes for most DIY replacements, depending on the oven model and your experience.
Can I clean a damaged-looking bake element instead of replacing it?
If the element only has surface grime or light discoloration, you can clean it with a soft cloth and non-abrasive cleaner once it’s cool. Do not soak the element or bend it.However, if you see blisters, cracks, exposed metal, or any open circuit on testing, cleaning will not fix the damage and the element must be replaced.
Will replacing the bake element fix uneven baking or temperature problems?
Replacing a faulty bake element will fix issues caused by an element that does not heat properly. however, uneven baking or incorrect oven temperature can also be caused by a failed temperature sensor, a malfunctioning control board or thermostat, improper calibration, damaged insulation, or airflow issues. If replacing the element does not resolve the problem, further diagnosis of the sensor and control systems is recommended.
Final Thoughts
The 318255006 Frigidaire oven range bake element serves as the primary heat source for the oven’s bake cycle, producing the radiant heat required for even cooking, consistent temperature maintenance, and efficient operation. Becuase it directly affects bake performance, preheat time, and energy use, the condition of the bake element has a measurable impact on appliance reliability and user experience; visible damage, loss of continuity, or irregular heating are common indicators of element degradation or failure.
Proper diagnosis and measured replacement are crucial to restore performance and avoid unnecessary expense. A thorough assessment-visual inspection, continuity testing, and verification of associated controls and wiring-helps isolate the element as the root cause before replacement. When replacement is required, selecting the correct 318255006 part and observing safety and installation guidelines will help ensure proper fit, safe operation, and long-term reliability; if there is any uncertainty, engaging a qualified technician is a prudent, professional choice.
Professional Appliance Service
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